I was rewatching this 1986 classic, and I realized that there are few things in life that make me truly happy, but David Bowie’s package is one of them. Before I go into the merits of this film I would like to encourage you just to meditate a moment on how tight David Bowie’s pants always are and why the phrase ‘mandex’ only really applies to him, particularly in this movie.
Okay. Moving on. A silly and crappily animated (muppets much?) fantasy film about teenage Jennifer Connelly wandering through a maze to rescue her baby brother from goblin David Bowie, stares moodily out a window in ridiculously tight pants that are a blessing to mankind. Or womankind. Wait, he was bi, so both. Anyway, Sarah (Connelly) wanders through the maze like an idiot and continuously messes up getting past various obstacles but eventually makes it to the palace through dumb luck and friendship with the ugly brigade of muppets. And a dog. David Bowie sings some sings, poses a lot, and Sarah gets her baby brother back in the end before going home. I don’t know about you, but I would totally have stayed and become David Bowie’s love slave queen. Just saying. Just saying…
So yes. This movie is hilariously awesome, and an epic story that everyone should see, if only for David Bowie.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Evangelion
One way I value anime series is through brevity. The longer a series, the less likely it will be good. Conversely, the shorter, the more likely it will be excellent. This anime falls into the short, but excellent category.
A total of 26 episodes (plus a movie), Evangelion is a futuristic mecha anime about a fourteen year old boy who must pilot a robot to defeat space invaders while dealing with his own issues of self-esteem and depression. Reading over that summary, that is not what the anime is about. The sum of its parts creates a different feel than what the first sentence implies. Some scenes in the anime are so utterly and logically existential, it's impossible not to be drawn into this pathetic boy and his perceived inadequacy. His statements on derived meaning in life, plus plentiful Christian allusions, paint a bleak and moving picture. The character changes and develops throughout the series before coming to a final conclusion that draws all the alien attacks together into a confusion but cohesive whole. Each of the characters acts as a case study into certain psychological archetypes and how people deal with an existential reality. Without a doubt, this is not only one of the best animes ever, this is one of the greatest televised programs in existence.
A total of 26 episodes (plus a movie), Evangelion is a futuristic mecha anime about a fourteen year old boy who must pilot a robot to defeat space invaders while dealing with his own issues of self-esteem and depression. Reading over that summary, that is not what the anime is about. The sum of its parts creates a different feel than what the first sentence implies. Some scenes in the anime are so utterly and logically existential, it's impossible not to be drawn into this pathetic boy and his perceived inadequacy. His statements on derived meaning in life, plus plentiful Christian allusions, paint a bleak and moving picture. The character changes and develops throughout the series before coming to a final conclusion that draws all the alien attacks together into a confusion but cohesive whole. Each of the characters acts as a case study into certain psychological archetypes and how people deal with an existential reality. Without a doubt, this is not only one of the best animes ever, this is one of the greatest televised programs in existence.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Inglourious Basterds
So. Quentin Tarantino again. That’s right, another glorious bloodfest of delightful proportions, now with Hitler! But onto the movie.
The plot is that a group of Jewish Americans that are dropped into German occupied France in order to kick butt and take scalps. They soon plot to blow up a movie theater that Hitler will be at, and lengthy and somewhat meaningless dialogue ensues. While the Basterds are killing and plotting, a young Jewish-French girl who owns the theater Hitler is going to also plots to blow it up as revenge for her family’s death. All the while, German officer Hans Landa is subverting the girl and the Basterds' progress.
While that maybe the plot, that is not the story. Typical Tarantino, 80% of the movie is either trivial cultural dialogue or unnecessary back-story. While I usual enjoy this aspect of Tarantino, and it was fun, it seems lacking for the reason that this is France in the 1940’s the characters are not speaking English, and there is no overarching message or theme. Usually Tarantino’s violence has a point, or advances the plot in a meaningful way, but nothing feels significant. It’s amusing, but not grippingly so. There are funny moments, and interesting stories and dialogue, but the entire time you feel like you are waiting for something to happen. Finally, at the end of the movie, when Hitler is dead, you realize that this is the movie, what you were waiting for hasn’t happened.
Now, don’t take this the wrong way. I liked Inglourious Basterds, it’s just not as amazing as his past movies, with the possible exception of Death Proof. Had I gone into the theater without certain expectations, I probably would have enjoyed the movie more. That said, I absolutely adore Christoph Waltz. He played Hans Landa, who in my mind almost single-handedly made my eleven dollars well spent. He was completely in the character and as ridiculous as Landa is, Waltz not only pulls it off with style, he makes you believe and understand where the character in his evilness comes from. This actor is Austrian born, and is fluent in English, German, French, and Italian, all of which he uses in the movie. One thing I do have to say for Tarantino, is that he was more authentic with the language usage than I would have expected. French characters speak French, German characters speak German. More than what we got in Schindler’s list, or Defiance. There are other awesome moments of the film, but they all involve Landa, and I'd rather not ruin the moment.
Overall, worth seeing, but not worth paying eleven dollars for. Perhaps four dollars, and then the slow developing, fractured, but linear, storyline would be worth it.
Oh, and by the way, Brad Pitt sucks as an actor and Til Schweiger is sexy. That is all.
The plot is that a group of Jewish Americans that are dropped into German occupied France in order to kick butt and take scalps. They soon plot to blow up a movie theater that Hitler will be at, and lengthy and somewhat meaningless dialogue ensues. While the Basterds are killing and plotting, a young Jewish-French girl who owns the theater Hitler is going to also plots to blow it up as revenge for her family’s death. All the while, German officer Hans Landa is subverting the girl and the Basterds' progress.
While that maybe the plot, that is not the story. Typical Tarantino, 80% of the movie is either trivial cultural dialogue or unnecessary back-story. While I usual enjoy this aspect of Tarantino, and it was fun, it seems lacking for the reason that this is France in the 1940’s the characters are not speaking English, and there is no overarching message or theme. Usually Tarantino’s violence has a point, or advances the plot in a meaningful way, but nothing feels significant. It’s amusing, but not grippingly so. There are funny moments, and interesting stories and dialogue, but the entire time you feel like you are waiting for something to happen. Finally, at the end of the movie, when Hitler is dead, you realize that this is the movie, what you were waiting for hasn’t happened.
Now, don’t take this the wrong way. I liked Inglourious Basterds, it’s just not as amazing as his past movies, with the possible exception of Death Proof. Had I gone into the theater without certain expectations, I probably would have enjoyed the movie more. That said, I absolutely adore Christoph Waltz. He played Hans Landa, who in my mind almost single-handedly made my eleven dollars well spent. He was completely in the character and as ridiculous as Landa is, Waltz not only pulls it off with style, he makes you believe and understand where the character in his evilness comes from. This actor is Austrian born, and is fluent in English, German, French, and Italian, all of which he uses in the movie. One thing I do have to say for Tarantino, is that he was more authentic with the language usage than I would have expected. French characters speak French, German characters speak German. More than what we got in Schindler’s list, or Defiance. There are other awesome moments of the film, but they all involve Landa, and I'd rather not ruin the moment.
Overall, worth seeing, but not worth paying eleven dollars for. Perhaps four dollars, and then the slow developing, fractured, but linear, storyline would be worth it.
Oh, and by the way, Brad Pitt sucks as an actor and Til Schweiger is sexy. That is all.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Star Trek
Ah, Star Trek. While the newer movie will never compare to the awesome poor acting and good-hearted racism of the original Star Trek, this is actually a good movie. Better than Superman Returns, but less awesome than the Dark Knight, if that gives you any basis of comparison.
Instead of the cheesy graphics we’re used to, this movie has amazing CGI that is awesome in its own right. I wish so desperately that I had seen it in IMAX so that I could further appreciate the realistic, and yet futuristic, style. Along similar vein, instead of the corny and non-sequitor dialogue I so enjoyed in the past, the actors pull off the dialogue much better in a more believable and humorous way than in the past. However, like every Star Trek movie, the plot can’t make too much sense. There are more plot holes in this movie than your mom’s old sweater, but enough explanations and good acting to make you nonetheless suspend your belief the entire way through.
Moving on to the actors, the new Spock, played by Zachery Quinto, is both sexy and a believable actor. He gives Spock so much more depth than the stiff acting I so desire from Leonard Nimoy, who also is in this movie. I think he is one of the few actors who can be both emotionless and emotive at the same time. The new Kirk, played by Chris Pine (no, I’ve never heard of him either), also puts a different spin on William Shatner. While the elder Kirk was pompous, self-serving, and didn’t realize it, the newer Kirk is self-aware of his womanizing, arrogant self. Also delightful in this movie is the fact that the main character doesn’t get everything that he wants. He does not get the girl he chases after, women do not allow themselves to be walked all over to get into Kirk’s pants, and Kirk frequently loses fights abysmally.
So, go see Star Trek! It’ll be good, whether you are fluent in Klingon or not.
Instead of the cheesy graphics we’re used to, this movie has amazing CGI that is awesome in its own right. I wish so desperately that I had seen it in IMAX so that I could further appreciate the realistic, and yet futuristic, style. Along similar vein, instead of the corny and non-sequitor dialogue I so enjoyed in the past, the actors pull off the dialogue much better in a more believable and humorous way than in the past. However, like every Star Trek movie, the plot can’t make too much sense. There are more plot holes in this movie than your mom’s old sweater, but enough explanations and good acting to make you nonetheless suspend your belief the entire way through.
Moving on to the actors, the new Spock, played by Zachery Quinto, is both sexy and a believable actor. He gives Spock so much more depth than the stiff acting I so desire from Leonard Nimoy, who also is in this movie. I think he is one of the few actors who can be both emotionless and emotive at the same time. The new Kirk, played by Chris Pine (no, I’ve never heard of him either), also puts a different spin on William Shatner. While the elder Kirk was pompous, self-serving, and didn’t realize it, the newer Kirk is self-aware of his womanizing, arrogant self. Also delightful in this movie is the fact that the main character doesn’t get everything that he wants. He does not get the girl he chases after, women do not allow themselves to be walked all over to get into Kirk’s pants, and Kirk frequently loses fights abysmally.
So, go see Star Trek! It’ll be good, whether you are fluent in Klingon or not.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Batman: Murder and Wayne Manor (Bonus!)
Most (meaning all) of my bonus pasts have been regarding comic books, graphic novels, and manga (yes, there's a difference). This is a Batman book, but containing mostly word with a few side illustrations. However, this is still a really exciting book. You might think that Batman is always exciting, and you're right. Or, you might think that pictures are nice visual aids, and you're right. Or, you might think murder is cool, but you'd be horribly mistaken in that count.
No, the real reason I think this book is so awesome is that it is 'interactive'; Meaning, there are inserts in the books with different clues that Batman uses to solve the murder, such as an autopsy, a newspaper (with funny unnecessary articles), photographs, and many other tactile delights. For people like me who learn best using visual cues and tactical objects, this is an amazing book. I found myself skipping ahead in the book just to get to the next clue.
If you aren't a tactile enthusiast like I am, or a Batman fanatic like I am, then this will not be enjoyable. However, if you fall into either of those categories, then this is a really funny and interesting book.
No, the real reason I think this book is so awesome is that it is 'interactive'; Meaning, there are inserts in the books with different clues that Batman uses to solve the murder, such as an autopsy, a newspaper (with funny unnecessary articles), photographs, and many other tactile delights. For people like me who learn best using visual cues and tactical objects, this is an amazing book. I found myself skipping ahead in the book just to get to the next clue.
If you aren't a tactile enthusiast like I am, or a Batman fanatic like I am, then this will not be enjoyable. However, if you fall into either of those categories, then this is a really funny and interesting book.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Reservoir Dogs
Quentin Tarantino, well known for making Pulp Fiction, created a brilliant gangster film in 1992 called Reservoir Dogs. It has a simple enough premise of six men who rob a jewel store. However, it turns into a bloodbath when the police show up early, and the remained robbers realize that one of their number is a cop. Instead of focusing on the robbery, Tarantino (in his typical non-linear storytelling) delves into the nature of man, contrasting cowardice with bravery, logic with psychotic, and truth with lies.
Undoubtedly one of most gripping gangster movie created since the Sting, Reservoir Dogs contains a ridiculous amount of swearing and violence. Collectively, the characters use the word fuck 269 times in 99 minutes, meaning 2.71 uses per minute. If that isn’t impressive, then I don’t know what is. Furthermore, this movie to notable for it’s graphic depiction of a torture scene and the deaths of multiple characters. In holding to most gangster movies, everyone dies at the end, which is part of the reason it’s so awesome. The other reason it’s so awesome is its dialogue. Most of the reason I enjoy Tarantino movie is that fact that 75% of the dialogue has absolutely nothing to do with the plot or the characters. It’s mostly a clever commentary on current events from a completely different perspective that is nonetheless surprisingly accurate. But what really makes the movie so moving is the raw emotions that the extremely talented ensemble cast displays. From high to low, all the actors are unrivalled in their skill, especially Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, and Michael Madsen.
At the end of the day, Reservoir Dogs is not appropriate for those weenies who can’t take a little vulgar language or extreme violence. However, if you revel in fascinating plotlines, amazing acting, and clever wordplay, than Quentin Tarantino is your man. If you like this movie, go watch anything else he’s made (Wikipedia to the rescue) or wander on over to Christopher Nolan.
Undoubtedly one of most gripping gangster movie created since the Sting, Reservoir Dogs contains a ridiculous amount of swearing and violence. Collectively, the characters use the word fuck 269 times in 99 minutes, meaning 2.71 uses per minute. If that isn’t impressive, then I don’t know what is. Furthermore, this movie to notable for it’s graphic depiction of a torture scene and the deaths of multiple characters. In holding to most gangster movies, everyone dies at the end, which is part of the reason it’s so awesome. The other reason it’s so awesome is its dialogue. Most of the reason I enjoy Tarantino movie is that fact that 75% of the dialogue has absolutely nothing to do with the plot or the characters. It’s mostly a clever commentary on current events from a completely different perspective that is nonetheless surprisingly accurate. But what really makes the movie so moving is the raw emotions that the extremely talented ensemble cast displays. From high to low, all the actors are unrivalled in their skill, especially Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, and Michael Madsen.
At the end of the day, Reservoir Dogs is not appropriate for those weenies who can’t take a little vulgar language or extreme violence. However, if you revel in fascinating plotlines, amazing acting, and clever wordplay, than Quentin Tarantino is your man. If you like this movie, go watch anything else he’s made (Wikipedia to the rescue) or wander on over to Christopher Nolan.
Friday, May 01, 2009
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Lemony Snicket (pseudonym for Daniel Handler) is an investigator into the lives of three orphans, by the names of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire. The Baudelaires, who are all reasonably attractive and intelligent, have several different talents, respectively: mechanical inventiveness, researching skills, and a love of biting that becomes a love of cooking. Through a Series of Unfortunate Events (like how I slipped that in there? Oo, SLIPPED?!), the Baudelaires parents tragically die in a fire, forcing them to live with a distant relative named Count Olaf. Count Olaf is a terrible actor who abuses the Baudelaires and forced them to serves his acting troupe in demeaning ways. Throughout the thirteen book series, the same basic pattern is repeated twelve times, with many variants.
Though the formula is repetitive, the formula is not the point of the series. The point of the series is to satire everything. And when I say everything, I do mean it. Snicket has the opportunity to satire almost every field of interest because a character represents almost every field of interest. Even aside from this, Snicket satires the general rules of narration, that a writer is not supposed to do certain things, or mention certain facts. Instead of distracting the reader from the story with lengthy interludes that have nothing to do with the plot, they draw the reader in even closer to the strange anachronistic world that the Baudelaires live in.
But, the word anachronistic brings me to my second point. Word choice. Lemony Snicket has an excellent vocabulary, and encourages readers to learn more words, defining them in funny and yet understandable ways. Not only does Snicket increase your vocabulary, it encourages children to become more interested in different fields of study and to become more specialized through further education. Snicket shows that evil is not always caused by idiocy. Rather, it is caused by the misuse of knowledge or lack of the desire for knowledge. Most of the side characters are viewed harshly because they are passive and do not fight the good fight, even if the actions will not change the results. Snicket proves that fighting is worth it from a moral standpoint, not from a utilitarian point of view.
In The End (get it? Eh? Eh? Okay, I’ll stop…), Lemony Snicket has a darkly satiric tone that is wonderful to read, particularly for adults. I’m not sure how children would be able to handle the dark and depressing atmosphere of the stories, but I’m sure that those in fifth grade and higher could handle it.
Though the formula is repetitive, the formula is not the point of the series. The point of the series is to satire everything. And when I say everything, I do mean it. Snicket has the opportunity to satire almost every field of interest because a character represents almost every field of interest. Even aside from this, Snicket satires the general rules of narration, that a writer is not supposed to do certain things, or mention certain facts. Instead of distracting the reader from the story with lengthy interludes that have nothing to do with the plot, they draw the reader in even closer to the strange anachronistic world that the Baudelaires live in.
But, the word anachronistic brings me to my second point. Word choice. Lemony Snicket has an excellent vocabulary, and encourages readers to learn more words, defining them in funny and yet understandable ways. Not only does Snicket increase your vocabulary, it encourages children to become more interested in different fields of study and to become more specialized through further education. Snicket shows that evil is not always caused by idiocy. Rather, it is caused by the misuse of knowledge or lack of the desire for knowledge. Most of the side characters are viewed harshly because they are passive and do not fight the good fight, even if the actions will not change the results. Snicket proves that fighting is worth it from a moral standpoint, not from a utilitarian point of view.
In The End (get it? Eh? Eh? Okay, I’ll stop…), Lemony Snicket has a darkly satiric tone that is wonderful to read, particularly for adults. I’m not sure how children would be able to handle the dark and depressing atmosphere of the stories, but I’m sure that those in fifth grade and higher could handle it.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Fiddler on the Roof
Apparently I’m on a musical rampage. After I got off my Les Miserables kick last week, I jumped onto the Fiddler on the Roof wagon. For this musical, I actually know the plot because I’ve actually seen it. It’s about a poor Jew who needs to marry off his daughters while living in Eastern Europe and maintaining his religion’s traditions. During this time, there is increased aggression against Jews, but this is not a musical about European racism. Instead, this is about a father who must try to do what is right for his daughters’ happiness, but stay true to his God.
With beautiful and well-known music (Tradition, Matchmaker, If I were a Rich Man, etc.), Fiddler on the Roof is worth watching until the end. Also, it also dislikes needless reprises that would have otherwise gotten on my nerves. The music is perhaps not something to listen to repeatedly, but still worth enjoying a few times.
With beautiful and well-known music (Tradition, Matchmaker, If I were a Rich Man, etc.), Fiddler on the Roof is worth watching until the end. Also, it also dislikes needless reprises that would have otherwise gotten on my nerves. The music is perhaps not something to listen to repeatedly, but still worth enjoying a few times.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Claymore (Bonus!)
Claymore is a fantastical manga (comic book from Japan) about a warrior named Clare. She belongs to an organization of half-woman, half-monster warriors who fight against their full monster counterparts, those who seek to eat humans as prey. Because of this half-human status, the Claymores (called this because of their uniform weapon) have an abnormal appearance and varying abilities that allow them to fight the monsters. However, Clare befriends a young boy named Raki who follows Clare, which forces Clare to protect him on her missions. As the plot thickens, it is discovered that the organization that controls the Claymores is not entirely altruistic. Also, these half monster warriors have the unfortunate side effect of slowly turning into the monsters they fight.
This is not for everyone. If you like manga, then this is probably for you, but those unfamiliar with manga probably will not like it. Despite its beautiful art, it can be hard to follow due to the author's artistic style. Once the reader gets into it (approximately a half a volume in), the plot becomes extremely gripping and worth the time to read.
This is not for everyone. If you like manga, then this is probably for you, but those unfamiliar with manga probably will not like it. Despite its beautiful art, it can be hard to follow due to the author's artistic style. Once the reader gets into it (approximately a half a volume in), the plot becomes extremely gripping and worth the time to read.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Darkman
Starring Liam Neeson and Frances MacDormand, I expected this movie to be clever, insightful, and a delight to watch.
Oh, how wrong I was.
Worse than Face-Off? Arguably. Total Recall? Maybe. The Fifth Element? Yes.
A horrifying bastard child of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, a Korean knock-off of the Dark Knight, and the Phantom of the Opera without music. The plot is as follows: A scientist Payton (Liam Neeson) is tragically blown up for no real reason when his girlfriend Julie (Frances MacDormand) finds out about a bribe at her law firm. After that, some mad scientists find Liam in a river and without asking any questions do a dangerous experiment that makes Liam unable to feel pain and an uglier version of the Hulk (not the new one, the old one that made you want to die inside). From then on, Liam somehow magically starts switching faces and pretending to be various people to get revenge on the ones who did this to him.
All in all, this movie has more plot holes in it than a freshman boy’s gym socks. I must say, the best parts for me were the special effects. These special effects rival Plan Nine from Outer Space. Whenever Liam gets angry, little explosions happen in his eyes as his pupils dilate madly and he spurts fire from his eyes.
This is not a good movie, but it is a funny one. This is something to watch at 3 A.M. with your very drunk friends.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Les Miserables
This story has been told in almost every available media. Originally there was Victor Hugo’s lengthy novel, then into many films, and then into a musical adaptation. Unfortunately, I have not had the time to read the original novel, so I don’t actually have any clue what the plot is about. From my understanding based on Wikipedia, it’s about a man named Jean Valjean, who was imprisoned, set free, and then had some crazy shit happen. After that, it’s all rather vague. There’s some prostitute chick, who has like a daughter, and then there’s this guy who’s chasing them, and I really have no idea what I’m talking about here. Something about the French and revolution.
But, while I may be oblivious to the plot, I am not oblivious to good music. The songs are amazing. They are emotive, and contain such a depressing grandeur, that you actually want to sit through a long and confusing musical performance. They songs are catchy and memorable, but not in an irritating or obnoxious manner. While all the songs are fascinating, this music does fall victim to the trap of reprises. I am not a fan of reprises. I have already heard the song; I do not need to here a crappier version of what I heard twenty minutes ago.
Despite my neurosis, Claude-Michel Schönberg composed a beautiful collection of songs, most notably At the End of the Day, I Dreamed a Dream, Castle on a Cloud, Master of the House, Do You Hear the People Sing?, and On My Own. While the music is worth a listen, I remain unconvinced that the album is worth buying. Come to your own conclusions.
But, while I may be oblivious to the plot, I am not oblivious to good music. The songs are amazing. They are emotive, and contain such a depressing grandeur, that you actually want to sit through a long and confusing musical performance. They songs are catchy and memorable, but not in an irritating or obnoxious manner. While all the songs are fascinating, this music does fall victim to the trap of reprises. I am not a fan of reprises. I have already heard the song; I do not need to here a crappier version of what I heard twenty minutes ago.
Despite my neurosis, Claude-Michel Schönberg composed a beautiful collection of songs, most notably At the End of the Day, I Dreamed a Dream, Castle on a Cloud, Master of the House, Do You Hear the People Sing?, and On My Own. While the music is worth a listen, I remain unconvinced that the album is worth buying. Come to your own conclusions.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sandman (Bonus!)
Excuse: The play I'm participating in is this week, so my life is no longer my own. No promises for Friday, but I will attempt further correspondence on Wednesday.
Neil Gaiman revolutionized the comic book industry with his Sandman series. A morbid series concerning Dream, a deified representation of the eternal Morpheus. Morpheus has been imprisoned for the last hundred years and, now that he has escaped, he seeks vengeance and to set his kingdom right. Because of his absence and repercussions it has had on his psyche, Dream must try and mend his relationships with those around him.
It this intriguingly different graphic novel series that can only be described as genius, Gaiman interacts with Shakespeare, urban legends, Nore mythology, and what eternity really means. Above and far beyond the excellence of Watchmen, I would rate Sandman as one of the more significant literary events to happen in the last twenty years.
Neil Gaiman revolutionized the comic book industry with his Sandman series. A morbid series concerning Dream, a deified representation of the eternal Morpheus. Morpheus has been imprisoned for the last hundred years and, now that he has escaped, he seeks vengeance and to set his kingdom right. Because of his absence and repercussions it has had on his psyche, Dream must try and mend his relationships with those around him.
It this intriguingly different graphic novel series that can only be described as genius, Gaiman interacts with Shakespeare, urban legends, Nore mythology, and what eternity really means. Above and far beyond the excellence of Watchmen, I would rate Sandman as one of the more significant literary events to happen in the last twenty years.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a book that has recently become more popular, due to a movie deal. While the movie was delightful (I like Mos Def), the book is far superior. The dialogue is extremely clever and humorous, and will always remain clever no matter how many times it is read. The concepts and ideas set forth are entirely unique to Douglas Adams, and are an accurate parody of both sci-fi, and modern times.
Adams employs the use of overly detailed descriptions that are unlike J. R. R. Tolkein in that they are both hilarious, and somewhat useful to the plot (if you wish to describe it as such). There doesn’t seem to be any over arching purpose in the novel, but that is not the point of the book. The book is meant as satire of humanity, particularly sci-fi, not for some grand purpose. It’s an easy read, perfect for the metro or bus after a bad day.
There are four sequels to the original, which are fairly amused, but not as genius as the first. Still if you really liked the first one, the others are worth the while for the occasional brilliant moment.
Adams employs the use of overly detailed descriptions that are unlike J. R. R. Tolkein in that they are both hilarious, and somewhat useful to the plot (if you wish to describe it as such). There doesn’t seem to be any over arching purpose in the novel, but that is not the point of the book. The book is meant as satire of humanity, particularly sci-fi, not for some grand purpose. It’s an easy read, perfect for the metro or bus after a bad day.
There are four sequels to the original, which are fairly amused, but not as genius as the first. Still if you really liked the first one, the others are worth the while for the occasional brilliant moment.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Queen
Ah, Queen… Proof that the seventies weren’t all bad. Close to all bad though. No matter how much good music I realize is from the seventies, as a collective, that decade sucked. Don’t even deny it. Big hair? Tight shiny pants? Verdict, no thank you.
I don’t really have to tell you that much about this band. They are widely acknowledged as the best thing England has produced since the Beatles (Magna Carta? Not important.). Aside from the frightening clothes and hair, Queen has got style, charisma, and, most importantly, versatility in their music. Most long-lived bands produce the same music with little variety, but Queen defies this trend. Despite, or perhaps because of, their long career and fame, Queen continued to make different sounds that still remained distinct to their group.
Another reason Queen will always remain close to my heart is because all of their songs seem to be two or three songs crammed together into one very long song. It’s always a joy to wait for the random transition to a seemingly different song within the same track. The piano/guitar riffs are catchy, and unlike modern popular bands, they actually have meaningful and interesting lyricism. Meaning, they don’t repeat the same word in the chorus over and over again, like saying the same thing continuously will somehow make it less obnoxious.
Moral of the story: Go refresh your memory of this band, they are just as awesome as you remember. Or, purchase a greatest hits collection.
I don’t really have to tell you that much about this band. They are widely acknowledged as the best thing England has produced since the Beatles (Magna Carta? Not important.). Aside from the frightening clothes and hair, Queen has got style, charisma, and, most importantly, versatility in their music. Most long-lived bands produce the same music with little variety, but Queen defies this trend. Despite, or perhaps because of, their long career and fame, Queen continued to make different sounds that still remained distinct to their group.
Another reason Queen will always remain close to my heart is because all of their songs seem to be two or three songs crammed together into one very long song. It’s always a joy to wait for the random transition to a seemingly different song within the same track. The piano/guitar riffs are catchy, and unlike modern popular bands, they actually have meaningful and interesting lyricism. Meaning, they don’t repeat the same word in the chorus over and over again, like saying the same thing continuously will somehow make it less obnoxious.
Moral of the story: Go refresh your memory of this band, they are just as awesome as you remember. Or, purchase a greatest hits collection.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Gran Torino
So. I have been away on sabbatical for the last month because I’ve had better things to do than update a blog that no one reads. Since my viewers have increased exponentially (as in three people read this now), I have decided to continue until next month.
Gran Torino has gotten quite a bit of media attention recently (and by recently I mean a few months ago). I attribute this to Clint Eastwood and his legendary badass standing. It doesn’t matter how old you are, once a badass, always a badass (see Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal). However, I confess I was slightly disappointed with this movie.
Because of all the hype I half expected it to be another The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Sadly, no. Instead, I got a weird racist old man who hobbles around his house doing old man type activities, such as gardening and complaining about his neighbors. What I am given to understand is the plot of the movie is that Clint Eastwood (let’s be honest, Eastwood never has character names, he’s always Eastwood) tries to help his young Asian neighbor become a man and protect the boy and his sister from gang violence in the neighborhood.
While this may be the summary, nothing really happens the entire movie. Actually, that’s a slight exaggeration. Nothing INTERESTING happens the entire movie. Eastwood putters around and says racist things, people ignore his racism, he alienates his family, still not interested. I suppose this movie is meant to accentuate the differences in today’s society from the one that Eastwood’s character presumably grew up in, but that isn’t a message that people aren’t aware of. We all know the times have changed. This movie tries to show that we need to adapt to the multicultural nature of society while maintaining old society’s standards of honor, but this isn’t something new to the audience.
The most interesting thing in the movie is Eastwood’s Gran Torino. People just don’t make cars like they did in the 70’s. The car is meant as some sort of symbol for manhood and responsibility, but that really isn’t displayed in the movie at all. It seems like they just decided to add the car in because it looks cool (as good a reason as any).
That said, if you like slow movies where nothing meaningful or significant happens, go ahead and watch Gran Torino. If you are like me and want to watch something actually amusing, go and rent Dirty Harry or The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Diana Wynne Jones
One of my favorite childhood authors is Diana Wynne Jones. For many books you loved as a kid, when you go back to read them as an adult, you realize that the story isn’t as clever as you had thought at the time and that all sorts of subtle indoctrination are present everywhere (I’m talking to you, Philip Pullman and C. S. Lewis). However, Jones has the uncanny skill of remaining intriguing, despite the clear angle for children.
But I get ahead of myself. Jones is famous for writing the Chrestomanci series, Howl’s Moving Castle (and the sequels), the Derkholm books, as well as other assorted novels, my favorites being Archer’s Goon and the Homeward Bounders. Without fail, Jones has different but sympathetically flawed characters that emphasize a certain moral quality, or philosophical standpoint without preaching or trying to be deceptive. She clearly teaches tolerance for others who are different while maintaining firm morality. Most of her ideas are completely different from others of the same genre, and are amusing both to children and adults. If you enjoy simple seeming stories with complex solutions, than I encourage you/your children to pick up a Jones novel.
But I get ahead of myself. Jones is famous for writing the Chrestomanci series, Howl’s Moving Castle (and the sequels), the Derkholm books, as well as other assorted novels, my favorites being Archer’s Goon and the Homeward Bounders. Without fail, Jones has different but sympathetically flawed characters that emphasize a certain moral quality, or philosophical standpoint without preaching or trying to be deceptive. She clearly teaches tolerance for others who are different while maintaining firm morality. Most of her ideas are completely different from others of the same genre, and are amusing both to children and adults. If you enjoy simple seeming stories with complex solutions, than I encourage you/your children to pick up a Jones novel.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Yoko Kanno
Yoko Kanno originates from Japan and is well known to those familiar with anime as the composer for the justly popular series Cowboy Bebop. Yoko Kanno and her band the Seatbelts (because they jam so hard) have composed countless songs of every genre. Usually ‘every genre’ means country AND western, or at worst, crappy imitations of classic songs, but this does not. Kanno is one of the few, perhaps the only one, who can perform creative songs in opera, bebop jazz, blues, and many other styles, all uniquely hers. She also is the main pianist for the group, and it has been speculated that she is, secretly, one of her featured singers.
Aside from her fabulous composing skills, she also is a talented linguist. She is fluent in Japanese (duh), English, French, and Russian. Not only is she fluent in all these languages, she writes songs in these languages. She has a particularly special ability to select words in the various languages to form an emotive language that sounds beautiful and can be translated from these various languages.
There are so many different songs I want to recommend listening to, so I will try to limit myself. I would listen to Voices, Rain, Tank!, Inner Universe, Blue, and Green Bird. It is very rare to find someone this talented who is not pretentious or money grabbing, but this artist truly deserves you money.
Aside from her fabulous composing skills, she also is a talented linguist. She is fluent in Japanese (duh), English, French, and Russian. Not only is she fluent in all these languages, she writes songs in these languages. She has a particularly special ability to select words in the various languages to form an emotive language that sounds beautiful and can be translated from these various languages.
There are so many different songs I want to recommend listening to, so I will try to limit myself. I would listen to Voices, Rain, Tank!, Inner Universe, Blue, and Green Bird. It is very rare to find someone this talented who is not pretentious or money grabbing, but this artist truly deserves you money.
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