Death by Sequel

The Onion's Facebook page shared an article from a sister website, The A.V. Club, on the 15 Worst Films of 2013.

pic borrowed from The Onion's FB

I read along bemused and slightly nodding while I read down and slowly discovered that I didn't recognize more than half of the movie titles in this list. Until I reached number 1. That's when it really connected with me.

Movie makers have repeatedly chosen to recycle favorite themes, movies, cartoons, and series--all likely childhood joys for those of us who grew up in the 1980s--over creating brand new, fresh content in order to further their money-grabbing attempts at the box office.

The author of the A.V. Club article discusses how the Die Hard series of films--and Bruce Willis--have officially killed off the series' iconic superhero leading man, John McClane, by the time the last sequel (A Good Day to Die Hard) came out not too long ago:

"Twenty-five years after he first donned the badge and white tank top, Bruce Willis has finally done what countless terrorists with exaggerated accents could not: He’s killed John McClane. Not literally, of course, as that would require Hollywood to retire a character who still puts asses in seats...Gone is the cowboy charisma, taking with it any traces of fear and vulnerability; where Willis once made audiences feel every shard of glass he stepped on, his wisecracking lawman now shrugs off a vertical plummet through several skylights. He’s an impostor..."

Isn't this disillusion so incredibly depressing? There's quite a few of us out there who are a little jaded because we feel the same exact way as this author.

I've been experiencing a growing sequel and film reboot exhaustion over the past couple of years. Whenever there is a movie or television series that seems a little out of the normal I almost pounce on it, in hopes it can restore my faith in Hollywood...

As an example, why did studios find it necessary to reboot The Hulk (2003) after only five years (2008)? Or Spider-man (2002, 2004, and 2007) after only five years (2012)? Besides, didn't Toy Story 3 feel a little forced to you? I sure could have avoided that dramatic incinerator scene and the huge knot in my throat that it caused. And, as far as I can admit, there really only was ONE Matrix movie *covers ears and says lalalala*

Although movie makers are entranced with the opportunity to revisit those things we hold most precious in our hazy, rose-colored, aging memories, they forget that we get far more pleasure out of experiences than things. None of these sequels, revamps, reboots, or rehashes will ever match the pure exhilaration and pleasure that movie viewers get from the original viewing. Instead they chose to beat a dead horse with these reincarnations, which essentially convert our heroes and precious moments into objectified commodities that fatten the movie studio coffers.

I hope these movie studios reconsider the unintended side effect of leaving movie buffs and fans a little alienated from one of the very best sources of entertainment in our lives: movies. Especially during hard, economic times, when people are more likely to watch more closely how they spend on entertainment.

Let's hope they act sooner than later, or they may risk becoming like one of the over-cliched, necessary evil bad guys in the movies they keep pushing at us: obsolete.

Movie: We're the Millers

Wow. I'm must be on a "witness protection program" kick lately! This is the second movie I've watched in as many weeks, tackling this theme in some way.

We're the Millers feels a little like a SNL comedy to me. It does feature Jennifer Aniston, in a funny role as a stripper who turns fake mom to help a friend (and earn some money in the process).

It's a comedy of errors and it features a little bit of gross humor and quite a few guffaws. I chuckled and felt bad for a couple of the characters (and actors, at times).

A plus for guys: there's lots of fan service if you've ever wanted to see Jennifer Aniston do a strip show. Or two.

If you don't mind stereotypical characters who go through unexpected and funny situations you're in for a treat. Just don't try to think it through too much or you'll ruin the timing.

The movie is mostly based in Colorado, which is where I'll be in a few weeks for my employer's annual conference. Odd coincidence is that, someone in my company found out there'll be a Cannabis convention at the same convention center the last day of our event!

Watching: The Family

Mom and I had a dinner-theater date and went to see The Family, a dark comedy about a mafia family in the witness protection program who end up moving to France.

It was out of my usual comfort zone, since I never watch mafia movies. The only exception has been Eastern Promises.

It was fun watching Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeifer, as well as Tommy Lee Jones (more of a cameo). Though the movie got progressively cartoonish and violent towards the end, I had a good time. It was a little odd how the family is tough all the way until they almost get caught, then almost completely lose it. A little out of character all of a sudden. I'm glad they pull it together in the end though.

I love revenge fantasies and dark humor. It was also lovely to see a little bit of an adorable French village. A very teensy tiny bit in this film, as it looked like the majority was shot in a lot rather than on site. I always love scenery in movies filmed in Europe.

Review: Lone Ranger

borrowed from Wiki

Growing up, I heard time and time again how my mom used to love watching the Lone Ranger on TV. Whenever she had the opportunity to playact with other children, she used to always pick the role of Native Indian rather than White Man. I personally preferred watching reruns of the original Zorro on Disney Channel ;) Yesterday, however, we both put aside our assumptions and went to watch the new Lone Ranger movie together.

Johnny Depp does a good job of method acting and watching him be Tonto was refreshing if you're suffering--like mom and I--from a little too much Captain Sparrow, of late.

I just wish that all Wild West blockbusters in recent years hadn't also portrayed the capitalist father figure/antihero as such a nutter. I've seen this in Wild Wild West, and again in Zorro and Zorro II.

Lone Ranger enjoys canon at times, while at many other times enjoys taking the micky out of the old favorite story. And yes *sigh* yet another movie where the white man nervously reaches out to a potentially "savage" Native Indian when they don't know whether they're friends or foes. This turns my stomach. Watching two tribes getting annihilated by white man turns my stomach even more so.

By the way, that's the sparkling whitest horse I have ever seen in movie history. He was so white, he almost seemed albino. A very metrosexual white horse indeed. He stole several scenes, almost making up for some of the storyline confusion. Didn't mind at all when he did take center stage!

I was mostly awestruck by the scenery. According to Wikipedia, filming locations spanned Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California.

I think this also marks the first ever Disney movie where someone eats another person's heart :S Has Disney grown up a little?

I almost wish we had been following the story line from Dan Reid's side and then moved over to the brother. I certainly felt more curious about Dan than John--and we still don't really know anything about John, he's a sort of prodigal son coming back home.

Even with a few faults, all around, Lone Ranger an interesting, twist-turny action-packed movie. Another great summer
blockbuster.

Review: Man of Steel Movie

I treated myself to a matinee at my fave movie theater last Saturday afternoon. I was very much looking forward to seeing Man of Steel because they filmed a bit of it in Plano, which is just west of where I live.

borrowed from Wiki

All around, I enjoyed the character development. Although today's movies tend to get lost in technology and special effects, it's very nice to see actors build their characters for the audience.

I also enjoyed the landscape of Smallville, Kansas. I don't know why but I'm a HUGE fan of rural scenery in films. Perhaps because it reminds me of a place I lived in for a couple of years in the late 1990s.

Krypton was quite a unique looking planet in this filmed rendition. A combination of steampunk, space technology, and medieval culture combined to create a fascinating, and sometimes awe-inspiring, action.

It was so much fun to see Diane Lane and Russell Crowe. Diane is one of my favorite actresses because of her expressive face and eyes. Russell Crowe was restrained and pensive. Something I haven't seen him be.

Our Man of Steel, Henry Cavill, did a good job! He portrayed well the character's challenge of being both alienated but fair. I saw a certain genuiness in how this actor portrayed the character, and he reminded me a lot of Chris Reeves' own portrayal.

It was especially nice seeing three rather strong (in some respects) female characters in the same movie where the protagonists are typically a macho hero and antihero.

All around a blow-em-up-first-and-ask-questions-later type of movie. In a very Michael Bay and Transformers kind of way, at times a little exhausting. But the action, complex story line, and combination of culture clash and scenery made for a very nice and entertaining movie, at least in my eyes.

Review: Star Trek 2 Movie

A couple of weekends ago we went to see the second Star Trek prequel (Into Darkness)

borrowed from Wiki

at one of our favorite movie theaters, Hollywood Palms in Naperville Il. I really enjoyed it.

The second prequel was engrossing, fast-paced, and a very interesting remix of famous Star Trek movie story lines. The time travel from the first prequel rewrites Star Trek canon, so it's a leeeetle testy, but they make it work. Good character interaction and chemistry, a more likeable Jim Kirk. Some funny and emotional bits by Spock--a little unusual but...fascinating (pun intended).

One of the very first things I saw on TV as a toddler was the orignal Star Trek series being rerun in Italy. I was entranced by the exotic creatures and characters. I loved Spock! He seemed to be the only rational/smart character to me. Bones was like a grumpy uncle we all rolled out eyes at.

I started watching Star Trek: The Next Generation a chilly weekday afternoon in the spring of 1990. I was reading On the Beach at the time for English class, and I needed an emotional/mental health break because it was so bloody depressing. One of the great books, mind you, but so depressing. I went downstairs to the kitchen and my mom had that running in the background while she prepared dinner. I started watching TNG from that day on, and it and its characters started growing on me and becoming a little more familiar with each episode.

Later on, I even got into Deep Space Nine, from the first show premiere to a few seasons in. I loved Odo and Dax. But I wasn't as bought into it as I was to the original series or TNG.

I tried watching one or two episodes of Star Trek Voyager, but I dropped off for various reasons. I really liked the flustered doctor (hologram!) :)

I never did buy into Star Trek: Enterprise with Scott Bakula, but I think we Trekkies were undergoing a bit of ST spinoff fatigue at the time that series came out. I know I suffered a little fatigue towards the end of Quantuum Leap, also w Bakula, and I guess that threw me off from watching Enterprise. It wasn't until recently that I learned he had a Beagle! How fun.

Star Trek has been a most excellent series of films and television shows. The story lines and imagination exhibited by the creators take your aspirations and hopes to new heights.

Watching: Oblivion

Oblivion is a great compilation of some of the top concepts from recent science fiction film and television history. It was a very interesting ride, that I rather enjoyed. [spoiler alert, turn away now]

Since I don't read science fiction, I can't attest to the level to which this movie borrows from scifi literature as well, but I'm sure it does so a fair bit. I can think of Ray Bradbury right off.

The hallmark of any good science fiction story is the human element and struggle. Characters who engage in introspected questioning: who am I, what can I achieve, what is, what might be, and what might happen. And don't forget the big brother issue. That always pops up, sooner or later.

Technology is a sidecar. A supporting character. Although it is omnipresent and perfectly awe-inspiring on our ride along this story, for the characters it's completely pedestrian. Technology is the foundational status quo upon which the human struggles and dreams unfold.

I've been curious about the types of movies Tom Cruise has been pursuing lately. I might even go so far as to say he's nostalgic for some part of our collective cultural past--maybe the 1980s. A definite maybe.

He's reached a particular level of stardom where he has complete freedom in his choices of projects, and although he has a history of assured hits at the box office, he can definitely take on fringe-creative projects without batting an eyelash. This is a perfect example.

The soundtrack to oblivion is very synth heavy and reminiscent of Tron. It's what captured my attention very early in the film. It takes the life among the clouds--in a future too extreme to fathom but near enough to play with--to lofty heights without being too precious or overachieving. It sets a good tone for the story.

As a matter of fact, if it hadn't been for the soundtrack capturing my attention so early on, I would have fallen asleep tuned out with the initial monologue introducing the facts of the present day. I am a big huge believer of showing rather than telling. A montage would have helped the audience catch up on their own rather than be told what to see and hear.

The scenery and images are incredibly well photographed/choreographed. The skins on the computer images are so realistic. Kudos to the fx artists. There's a glimpse of forgotten landmarks, destroyed but thought-provoking landscapes, and amazing new-world atmosphere that linger just enough to register and form an opinion. Ruin pr0n at its computer graphic best. Destroyed landmarks reminisce of Waterworld's dry land under the sea, and society's remnants from films like Deep Impact and The Day After Tomorrow--in regards to the latter, The New York Public Library makes a cameo.

The residence/operations tower is not unlike the Jetsons' own skypad apartment, high up among the clouds. I was desperately looking for Rosie (j/k). And yet it was so much like the residence in Tron 2 as well. Why do we always imagine far future residences equipped with square cornered furniture, see-through materials, industrial quality construction? This particular home away from home has the added benefit of a very unique take on an infinity pool. As a matter of fact, the glass walled residence also reminded me of The Lake House.

I loved the 60s/70s style of minimalist modern decor. Efficient, see-through but offering all the comforts. Alas, I cannot imagine where they stored the touch screen cleaning supplies, or, much less, all the window cleaner they required to keep those glass walls as freshly polished and see-through as they seemed.

Perhaps the drones had a second job of doing all the housework? The drones are what I imagine the love child of Eve from Wall-E and the Star Wars death star would be. Annoying little trigger-happy machines that look like shiny, spit-polished, spherical iPod death squads.

The human resistance is not unlike the Terminator, Matrix, Waterworld, or Star Wars resistance groups.  Secondary or tertiary in importance, and a little sad. A population that's been hardened by events, yet who is not smart enough to get out of the way when the bad guys come a-shooting. Drudging along...I admit I was unable to stifle a guffaw when I saw Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau).

Now for the disappointments...we don't know why Odyssey popped up out of nowhere after such a long time. Even Ellen Ripley looks more mussed than that when emerging from stasis. Why leave that thread untied? Was she really the original wife or yet another clone? Why does Victoria play housewife? Why does she barely show any emotion or facial expression? How does she stay so thin sitting all day at a console with no exercise equipment around? Traditional gender roles raise my hackles. The more things change, the more they stay the same?

And finally, let's not forget that L. Ron Hubbard was big on fantasy and scifi. So maybe this return for Tom Cruise (after Minority Report and War of the Worlds) to scifi isn't that strange after all. It's interesting how things come full circle in the end.

Speaking of the end, I don't need to ever worry again about what a love child between V'ger and HAL-9000 would look like...

Indiana Jones Papers Please

If I ever go to Arizona, and they ask me for my papers, I'm pulling this one ;o)

Watching: Disney's Paperman

Country Lanes

One of the things that I love best about watching Midsomer Murders, one of my favorite crime TV shows, is the landscape and country lanes in small, British villages.

I think the first time I first noticed how charming country lanes are was when I still lived in Italy as a small child, and we had to weave our way up a meandering lane to get to our summer home or to the local sanctuary (+800 meters) up a mountain. I also recall watching The Avengers reruns during my teens, and I believe I spotted Mr. Steed and Mrs. Peel in a small sports car traveling somewhere. I also remember fondly country lanes featured in films such as The Legacy and Three Men and a Little Lady.

These little country lanes and villages inspired in me fantasies of traveling village to village enjoying a bed and breakfast, the local history, the pub, and afternoon or high tea. What about the occasional resale, vintage, or antique shop, too!

Of course, the little villages and lanes that undergo filming for movies and television series are narrowed down and selected just because of their natural charms and photogeneity. When traveling, one might become a little jaded with a few of the realities of traveling between small villages...

I can imagine that tight space make the lanes hard to navigate with today's larger vehicles, campers, or whenever encountering farming equipment. During special, seasonal events traffic must be terrific. Parking must also be terrible, as most folks tend to probably walk or bicycle around town. What about no street lighting on roadways with meandering curves just ahead of your headlights? What about poorly maintained,  muddy, or pot-holey winter months? All these potential situations can lead to a perilous visit. For example, I offer you the film The Holiday, where Kate Winslet lives in a little hamlet that's completely snow bound during the holiday season--and she has quite away to walk after the local bus drops her off. And yet...

Be it a reality check, or pessimism,  I can't stop daydreaming of country lanes. In breezy greens in the spring or summer, of lovely autumnal shades, of stark contrasts with snow piled on in wintertime. Thinking about visiting or even living on a quiet, nature-landscaped, country lane is a lot of fun for me. A way to live vicariously. I've often searched for "English countryside" and "country lane" images on both Flickr and Pinterest, and am developing a Pinterest board around this theme. Without crossing the pond, I imagine that the Northeastern United States could satiate this longing as they have some truly wonderful foliage-lined country lanes.

Here's to happy daydreaming on chilly autumn days ^_^

Review: Skyfall

I was SO excited to go see Skyfall on Friday night. I was as anxious to get to the movie on time as an expectant dad pacing the waiting room hallway. After watching the movie, I was a little disappointed. Folks are shouting from the rooftops that this is the best  James Bond movie of all time. I don't agree. [spoiler alert ahoy]

The starting credits are a little more repetitious than I remember, and I couldn't help but flash back to Harry Potter--when I found out Ralph Fiennes was in the movie, I knew there was something fishy. The song by Adele was amazing though: a little moody, all sass.

Once we get started, we realize it's not going to be a smooth ride for James nor for M. It isn't until he confronts M about not having trusted him to get the job done that my suspension of disbelief crashes. Why did she trust the other agent to get the shot, versus just letting James get the bad guy? Especially since it seemed to me that the other agent was rather wet behind the ears when it comes to field work.

The other time my suspension of disbelief came to a crashing halt was when we suddenly head out to China. Why China? Also, the choreography for the boat arrival at the casino looked a little too theatrical and not really well thought out for film.

The third and last time my suspension of disbelief vanished was when Q accidentally (WTF) hooks a strange laptop to HQ's network and causes the entire department to get hacked. Ridiculous. Preposterous. You never hook a strange laptop to your network. A real computer nerd knows that--or even me, which I'm not. By the way, did anyone else walk away thinking that the first actor they had in mind to portray Q was Cillian Murphy?

I also didn't like the obsolescence undertones that kept popping up at all times. It's like witnessing a burned out agent go through schizophrenic paranoia--or worse, middle age. Was the art museum scene supposed to be funny? Honestly, I almost felt like they were trying to disenfranchise older fans in favor of  hipsters. If hipsters wonder why this series is still alive, whether it's obsolete, then just don't watch and leave it to those of us who do care.

On the plus side, it was nice seeing great action and some good funny remarks back on the screen. I would have preferred the hand-to-hand combat scene in the night-light skyscraper to have been a little more than far away shadows though. It was a great scene that seems to have suffered from either lighting or editing. I got confused who was who after a little bit.

It was also great that HQ played a larger role, so we got to meet some other characters that form the team and play an important role. Like in the older days, when James often visited Q in his shop and we got to see a little behind the scenes.

I felt that they could have shown the antihero way sooner than they did. Did an entire hour go by first? And why did they make him so cartoonish? It wasn't really in keeping with the old time antiheros, who, although a little cliched, have never looked comical (the only exclusion is Blofeld's death). Javier Bardem was underutilized.

Also, although they chose two amazing women to be the film's Bond girls, I wish they didn't seem to go *squee* whenever they're sharing the screen with James.

I can't help to think that they cut corners on a couple of things. Though the scenery shots were really well made.

I came to the decision that I need to watch this movie again--when it shows up on my TV. I'll have to see it from a different perspective, after some time. Determine at that time whether I missed something.

Perhaps, it's the ending that really got my goat. That, and the hacking part. Whatever it may be, this is the first James Bond movie that I've walked away from, pondering and perplexed. I'll wait for it to show up on TV or Amazon Instant to really make up my mind.

My Autumn Treats (Festival)

Although it's not oficially fall (autumn) just yet, we have a couple of days left, I am treating myself to some autumnal festival treats this week. I call it a festival because, one's gotta find the silver lining wherever possible!

So today it's movie shorts.

The first movie short is a very old Silly Symphony/Merry Melody featuring skeletons having fun on a rare night where they get to hang out in the graveyard. Necessity is the mother of invention as they figure out fun, silly things to keep themselves amused.



This is just such a good time!

Then there is Dr. Seuss' Halloween is Grinch Night. There's very little to do with Halloween here, just an interesting meditation on the changes we perceive at the change of seasons from summer to autumn. And of course, some fun Grinch shenanigans.


What I love the most about Dr. Seuss, even though I've never read one of his books, just seen these cartoon films, is that he approaches things that could be scary or confusing for kids, from a mature, scientific adult point of view. This is both reassuring and engenders a sense of trust that whatever he's explaining or narrating makes complete sense and will clear things up in the end. At least that's how I've always viewed his films.

I love the part about the Whos' sniffing the weather change at the very beginning. I love seeing how the wind changes the animals and landscape. I love seeing how brave the little Who is, wandering around and bumping into the Grinch. I love the sad but loyal dog. I love the funhouse ride, because it's like post-modern art that keeps on giving.

The second movie short is A Night on Bald Mountain, from Fantasia. In 1985 when I went to see this movie--twice, because the first viewing my dad and I got in too late and the second viewing we got in just in time--I was awestruck by the entire production, but the segment I most connected with and found graceful beyond what words could convey, was the bit with A Night on Bald Mountain and the Ave Maria after it.

 

Where to start with this one? The very beginning is perfection, where the director narrates what we're about to see, who wrote the piece, and how the profane and the sacred work together here. The events of the short are supposedly on Walpurgisnacht. The need for both dark and light. Ying and Yang.

The music reminds me of the flight of the bumblebee but it's so rich and dramatic! There's almost a sense of foreboding. A sense of excitement at what's to happen next. You're not quite sure whether you're following along the music or the music is taking you for a ride!

Then there's the visuals. The devil gets a night free to stretch his wings. That very unfurling expression of moving out of lethargy, of seeing how much mischief he can get to. The hovering shadow that's trying to tear up an old belfry from its foundations. Scary. There's a lot of fun details to watch unravel. Plus, doesn't he remind you of Batman? Even the music, with the sharp trumpets reminds me of Batman's theme.

When he calls up wispy spirits embedded in those areas and instruments that were involved in their passing on. Amazingly rendered. The souls surround the mountain like a maelstrom. This keeps building up and we're not quite sure where it's heading. Remember, there were no computers back then, this is all done by hand. The timing alone is spectacular.

Then the little demons appear. They're so much fun to watch! In their bright colors, they're like little water drops dancing on a hot skillet. Active, furtive, frustrated, playthings of a superior force. The colors, the textures, the flow is amazing here. Beings of a different kind trying to express themselves and be playful in a way. That's what most captured my imagination. Like a secret, respectful glimpse into another realm. The deco lines of his chest as he stretches and the bells begin to toll. It's the first warning that the party's over. Like a bar tender flashing the lights on and off and saying: Folks you don't have to go home, but you can't stay here! This is when the gloominess finally enteres the picture for me. When all the maelstrom has to wind down. Then the graceful harp ushers us into the uplifting, moving Ave Maria. So harmonious. Slow humming, foggy landscape, candlelight procession, a lake, greenery.

Finally, Disney's Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I watched this for the first time while I lived in Mexico and I was forever transfixed with autumn in North America, the rolling hills of agricultural places, and the local aspects of harvest festivals.


Personality is conveyed so well in each of these characters! The suspense of sound and the tricks the mind can play when we're scared--we become irrational. Mischief, friends, family celebrations, and yearly ceremonies to mark the passing of time and the seasons. I also was taken with Bing Crosby's narration and songs in this piece. I couldn't get over how hilarious and self-serving Ichabod was without meaning to. Since he was the town's teacher, he looked through children's lunch boxes during class to determine which house to eat at! One of my favorite characters was the short brunette who is the overeager dancer. I've caught myself whistling the Katrina song on occasion, around this time of year.

I honestly have way too much fun watching these pieces.

Common Themes and Fave Movies

I recently realized there may be some sort of trend in some of my favorite Indie movies, some of which, by the way, I've started watching again.

And they are:

• Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing and Charm School
• Lost in Translation
• The Full Monty
• Kinky Boots
• Dark City
• My Life as a Dog
• Melancholia
• Genova
• Broken Flowers
• Dan in Real Life
• Chocolat
• Sneakers
• Gosford Park
• The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
• Rouge
• Ronin

Common theme: real, imperfect people struggle through what life throws at them to find joy/a muse and/or just keep on trucking.

PS - I debated for a full three minutes whether I wanted to alphabetize this list or not. Even though my urge was to alphabetize it, I am playing with an artful need to be contrary to my OCD (CDO in some circles--get it? get it?) this week. Either that or I just am too tired to give a damn. Cheers.

Watching: Marilyn Hotchkiss

Dance is a very powerful drug, if embraced judiciously; to reap its rewards, one must shoulder its challenges with intrepid countenance. -Marianne Hotchkiss

 I loved this movie a few years ago when I first saw it. Its charm has stayed with me.

Watching: Snow White (1997)

I was browsing Amazon Prime Instant videos last night, and spotted the old Snow White movie from 1997. It's the movie with Sam Neill and Sigourney Weaver.

I'm a big fan of Sigourney's work. Not that I've followed her closely, but I appreciate her range in the Aliens movies, and my old childhood favorite, Ghostbusters.

The 1997 version of Snow White was a "tale of terror" but I found it more to be a soapy tale of supernatural tragedy. Very Shakespearean in a way. I enjoyed the screenplay as it unfolded.

Some serious themes included survival, childbirth, growing up, single parenting, class differences, duty, and interpersonal relationships. And sure, throw in a gratuitous true love riff just for spice.

You actually feel bad for everyone in the story, not just the "innocent princess." Also, the complexity of the plight of the miners (not dwarves) adds some dimension to the tale--mercenaries? treasurehunters?--even though their roles aren't 1) explanined that well as part of the storyline, 2) aren't all that well developed, 3) nor are the actors in those roles that great.

It definitely had great photography and scenery, even though it was a lower budget 1990s film--for example, the faux autumnal trees in neon colors--but it was an all around enjoyable trip.

It made me reflect on a time when movies featured considerably unknown actors rather than these days where most of today's remakes or fable type movies which tend to feature young actors from some sort tween television serial. Carrying with them some sort of expectations. The most recent example I can think of is Red Riding Hood, which was a rather disappointing romp.

It's good to go back to my long list of must-watch movies and television series to revisit various eras in more ways than one. For example, I finally finished watching the X-Files. That's for another post.

Watching: Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji)

photo  watching the anime miniseries Black Butler. 

I watched Black Butler over the weekend and the beginning of the week.

The first few episodes were well planned out, and created enough mystery to want to keep watching. But soon enough, the series unraveled into childish tantrums and inadequate storyline.

The ending was a disappointment, and there were so many questions left unanswered.

It features art by some wonderful artists, and the Victorian England look and feel is always a big draw, particularly for cosplay and gothloli types. One of the big draws were the special tea cakes that are featured at each of the tea times.

Another big draw for this series is the obedient demon storyline which has been used -- perhaps in far better ways -- in series like Hellsing. In the end, the demon sadistically takes over its master, which is a big boo in my book. In similar fashion to how the buildup in Monster was a little bit of a letdown towards the end of that series.

All around I wouldn't call this a waste of art, nor time, it was a fun ride while it kept the audience going.

Paramount Theater .80¢ Movie Nights

This is amaaaaazing. I was reading the Downtown Auroran Facebook page and found out that Aurora's very own Paramount Theater is hosting .80¢ movie nights on Mondays in December and January.

Here's the deal:

Doors open at 6 pm and your 80¢ ticket can be purchased at that time. Go to the theater's website under the Plan Your Trip section to print off a parking pass. Or get one at the box office prior to the show.

Themes:
First Monday: Horror
Second Monday: Comedies
Third Monday: Romance
Fourth Monday: Action/Adventure

Schedule:
December 12 A Christmas Story
December 19 It’s a Wonderful Life
December 26 E.T. - FREE
January 2 The Shining
January 9 Some Like it Hot
January 23 The Philadelphia Story
January 30 Goldfinger

Teevee Update

I've been having wayyyy too much fun on my Netflix lately.

I finally got a chance to see the last in the Millennium movies, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest. I've been checking daily to see whether it becomes available on Instant, and it finally did.

It's a good movie, though it departs considerably from the book--but in a good way, I felt this last book was overly convoluted.

I also got hooked on Californication, the popular Showtime show about a sex-addled writer in LA who fumbles a-plenty but has his heart in the right place. Besides it's David Duchovny! I am finding I like Showtime shows, which reminds me, I also need to catch up on Dexter.

My Netflix DVD for the weekend was How To Train Your Dragon, a totally awesome animated movie about a boy and his friendship with a dragon in a world of angry, large vikings...with unusual Scottish accents. Excellent detail in the animation, very well rendered, and a neat plot and storyline.

Been doing a fair amount of watching lately, a perfect escape from a lackluster reading list lately, and also from the nasty, snowy, overly cold Chicagoland winter weather. ;o)

And to top off a great movie and show watching weekend...we finally have television service again, after a six-week absence. Comcast service seems to be all right, but the number of options that we would otherwise consider basic can be quite costly. And let's not bring up the phone service attendants, which leave a lot to be desired. All around, we're thrilled to have TV service again tho. And I can't wait to watch some good shows again, starting Monday evening with SyFy's Being Human...and yea...maybe squeeze in some Top Gear too ;o)

Movies!

Netflix is a great, not too expensive service to watch movies online, on your smart phone, and via mailed CD. 

The online or instant view is absolutely priceless. You can watch as many television shows and movies as you want...though I did notice that the most recent releases weren't yet available except on CD.

I signed up last month for an account at Netflix and got their typical free preview. My plan is the $8.99 that comes with unlimited instant view (that includes free instant view on my iPhone natch) and one CD out at a time. I could be mistaken but I believe it's $1 less than when I signed up back in 2005-ish.

Lots of friends are recommending me television shows and movies to watch. I alsogot hooked on another friend's recommendation, Red Dwarf a British television show that ran in the late eighties and up to the late nineties about a man stuck on a space station with a hologram, a cat person, and the ship's computer. It's quite funny actually, and I got hooked because it reminds me of the MST3K back story. Except it's in a serial version, and with a British accent :o)

Chocolat

It's been windy lately, and the season's been visibly a-changing for a couple of weeks now. Last Friday I had a sudden, debilitating hibernation attack. I took a nap after coming home from work and walking Benny. Anyone who knows me, also knows I *never* take naps, unless I'm ill.

So as last Friday was a particularly cool and windy day, I wrapped myself in my new, thick, woolen sweater from Eddie Bauer and napped on and off with Benny keeping guard on the bed, next to me. My body didn't seem to react well to the abrupt change in weather.

So harsh, this change from summer days to autumn nights. I have no idea why, but fatigue kicks in, lackluster energy levels drag me down. I have a hard time focusing. A counselor I saw in 2008 mentioned it might be a light touch of the seasonal blues so, at her suggestion, I purchased a special therapy light, which is on my bed-side table. But I'm not really sure it does anything except annoy me with its blue halo of fluorescent light. I hate fluorescent light!

The movie Chocolat came to mind a few nights ago. I bought the movie on iTunes and watched it last night. This is an unusual movie for me to like, since I don't usually do chick flicks. Ah but this one is different. I like the nonconformists in this movie. The heroine in particular is dogged by the Northerly wind, an unmovable force that calls her to a duty her mother indoctrinated her into. The Northerly wind which always moves her to the next new adventure, to dispense her ancient chocolate remedies to yet-unknown friends in need. She fights against this indoctrination in the end and wins. A very romantic proposition indeed. However, also a movie that proves to be good food for the soul.

True cocoa, the real stuff, even in non-conformist concoctions such as those showcased in the movie...can actually help soothe an achy soul. At least in my case. Watching the movie while sipping Abuelita chocolate with 2% milk and with a 1/8 of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper partially did the trick. The actual effort it takes to blend (by hand, I don't like using the blender) the thick, dark cinnamony chocolate triangles in scalding milk, plus the pleasant kick provided by a smidgen of cayenne. All in my favorite, oversized Fiesta mug, of course. This really made it an experience.

I wish there were such things as banana marshmallows, because I think they would make the perfect topping for a hot steaming cup of cayenne Abuelita.

Here's to varied and satisfying battening down of the hatches, ahead of cooler temperatures.