TV Shows on DVD posted a news item about a direct-to-DVD movie of Futurama, the first of four planned through 2008. I'm kind of looking forward to it, as I enjoyed the rather short-lived series. The only thing is, mention is made of a promo for An Inconvenient Truth, with commentary by Al Gore. Why?
WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?
Why do I have to be bludgeoned with this tripe? I guess I have the option of not watching it, but I'd much rather not have the option available to me.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
A Rise
I got a rise today (well, yesterday), and it wasn't because someone kicked me in the seat of my pants. For those of you who only speak American English, this means I got a raise at work. I'm excited. More money to throw at my debt :::sigh::: Remember, debt is the gift that keeps on taking. Every little bit helps, I guess.
Why the English term rather than the American term? Well, I've been watching a BBC TV show, Chancer, from 1990, on DVD. It's the first major role for Clive Owen, the guy you may have seen in films such as Children of Men, Croupier, The Bourne Identity (the assassin in the field at the farm house), and my personal favorite, Greenfingers (which virtually none of you have seen — ah, the joys of Netflix).
What is Chancer about? Steven Crane (Owen) is some kind of young business analyst (maybe some kind of investment banker?) who's never made a mistake in his recommendations. He becomes intrigued by a failing car manufacturer (the Douglas Leopard line, all hand-made) and finagles nearly £500K from his boss to bail out the nearly-bankrupt Douglas family. There is the intrigue of a missing/ runaway son, a wild daughter, a clueless daughter, some irate, unhappy bankers, and, of course, the machinations of Mr. Crane. What does he have up his sleeve? What does he intend to do?
This serialized drama, after only two episodes, has some answers, but only in the form of deeper questions raised (rised?) in the midst of the answers. The first episode had me hooked, and the second one did nothing to disabuse me of this notion. Sadly, there are only 19 episodes of the series. Mr. Owen decided to jump ship so as not to be typecast. Nineteen episodes doesn't seem enough time to typecast someone, but no one asked me.
Why the English term rather than the American term? Well, I've been watching a BBC TV show, Chancer, from 1990, on DVD. It's the first major role for Clive Owen, the guy you may have seen in films such as Children of Men, Croupier, The Bourne Identity (the assassin in the field at the farm house), and my personal favorite, Greenfingers (which virtually none of you have seen — ah, the joys of Netflix).
What is Chancer about? Steven Crane (Owen) is some kind of young business analyst (maybe some kind of investment banker?) who's never made a mistake in his recommendations. He becomes intrigued by a failing car manufacturer (the Douglas Leopard line, all hand-made) and finagles nearly £500K from his boss to bail out the nearly-bankrupt Douglas family. There is the intrigue of a missing/ runaway son, a wild daughter, a clueless daughter, some irate, unhappy bankers, and, of course, the machinations of Mr. Crane. What does he have up his sleeve? What does he intend to do?
This serialized drama, after only two episodes, has some answers, but only in the form of deeper questions raised (rised?) in the midst of the answers. The first episode had me hooked, and the second one did nothing to disabuse me of this notion. Sadly, there are only 19 episodes of the series. Mr. Owen decided to jump ship so as not to be typecast. Nineteen episodes doesn't seem enough time to typecast someone, but no one asked me.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Movies of Late
Hey, here's a post less than a week after the previous one.
I went to see The Simpsons Movie yesterday. It is truly a laugh riot through and through, marred only by two things that really weren't appropriate or necessary and wouldn't show up on the tv show. But overall, lots of fun.
Spider-Pig. Spider-Pig. Does whatever a spider-pig does.
I finished watching Il Postino last night. Very enjoyable yet truly a European film. The movie is about a man, Mario, who delivers mail for the exiled (Communist) poet Pablo Narudo. The poet teaches Mario a little about poetry so that he might win the heart of local beauty Beatrice (the name sounds much more beautiful in Italian: Bay-a-treez-a). I am saddened to learn that the actor portraying Mario, Phillippe Noiret, died from an untreated heart condition the day after shooting completed, untreated so he could complete the film. Art imitates life. The film has a very poetical feel to it, quite appropriate considering its story. Beautiful scenery, beautifully shot, this is just a lovely movie to watch. Don't let its simplicity fool you; much like poetry, the surface hides a greater story, a greater attraction, a greater feeling.
Having read too many times about the greatness of Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal, I added it to the top of my Netflix queue. I've watched the first 20 minutes of it and will continue in a few minutes. All I can say so far is that it's interesting. I'm more than likely not smart enough to catch every subtle nuance or determine the full meaning of every symbol (or even catch most of them). We'll see how it goes.
It's not a movie, but I've been watching The Dick Van Dyke Show season one this week. It's so much fun. It is a shame that there really is nothing of this caliber out now. I do laugh at the separated twin beds for a married couple (so exactly how did Ritchie come along). But this is so smart and witty. Gilmore Girls and Will & Grace are the only recent shows that capture that style. C'est la vie.
I went to see The Simpsons Movie yesterday. It is truly a laugh riot through and through, marred only by two things that really weren't appropriate or necessary and wouldn't show up on the tv show. But overall, lots of fun.
Spider-Pig. Spider-Pig. Does whatever a spider-pig does.
I finished watching Il Postino last night. Very enjoyable yet truly a European film. The movie is about a man, Mario, who delivers mail for the exiled (Communist) poet Pablo Narudo. The poet teaches Mario a little about poetry so that he might win the heart of local beauty Beatrice (the name sounds much more beautiful in Italian: Bay-a-treez-a). I am saddened to learn that the actor portraying Mario, Phillippe Noiret, died from an untreated heart condition the day after shooting completed, untreated so he could complete the film. Art imitates life. The film has a very poetical feel to it, quite appropriate considering its story. Beautiful scenery, beautifully shot, this is just a lovely movie to watch. Don't let its simplicity fool you; much like poetry, the surface hides a greater story, a greater attraction, a greater feeling.
Having read too many times about the greatness of Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal, I added it to the top of my Netflix queue. I've watched the first 20 minutes of it and will continue in a few minutes. All I can say so far is that it's interesting. I'm more than likely not smart enough to catch every subtle nuance or determine the full meaning of every symbol (or even catch most of them). We'll see how it goes.
It's not a movie, but I've been watching The Dick Van Dyke Show season one this week. It's so much fun. It is a shame that there really is nothing of this caliber out now. I do laugh at the separated twin beds for a married couple (so exactly how did Ritchie come along). But this is so smart and witty. Gilmore Girls and Will & Grace are the only recent shows that capture that style. C'est la vie.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
War
I found this movie, War, looking for Lionsgate's web page for 3:10 to Yuma, starring Christian Bale and Russell Crowe, but the link I followed was incorrect, so I saw the default movies at lionsgatefilms.com, featuring Bratz (rental in a few years), War, and Good Luck Chuck (nopers).
War stars Jason Statham and Jet Li, and is about an FBI agent (Statham) seeking revenge for the brutal slaying of his partner, perpetrated by an Asian mob guy (Li). It's probably pretty run of the mill, but Statham just rocks in everything he's in, and coupled with Jet Li, should prove very entertaining.
War stars Jason Statham and Jet Li, and is about an FBI agent (Statham) seeking revenge for the brutal slaying of his partner, perpetrated by an Asian mob guy (Li). It's probably pretty run of the mill, but Statham just rocks in everything he's in, and coupled with Jet Li, should prove very entertaining.
Friday, July 06, 2007
I want to believe it's true
Yay on my 200th post!
I receive an inspirational email several times a week. Sometimes they're drivel, good for nothing, hardly worth taking the time to read. Usually, they're thought provoking. Today's actually inspired a post. This is not the first time I've seen this story, but today it hit me differently.
The basic story (non-inspirational synopsis) is about a "challenged" boy named Shay whose dad asked some boys playing baseball if his son could play. The team of the boy asked was losing, so the boy said, "Sure". They caught up to tie the other team and still they allowed Shay to bat. Someone helped him bat, and both teams worked to allow Shay to run (the opposing team throwing the ball in the wrong direction, overthrowing, etc.) and finally make it home to score the winning run.
Having seen this story so many times and in slightly different forms, it's probably an urban legend and didn't really happen. Yet, I want to believe that a man hoped against hope that some random boys would be big enough to allow his son to have an experience he would not otherwise have, and I want to believe not only that the boys let him play, but they willingly gave up their own chance to win to enable this one kid to have an experience of a lifetime for him.
Isn't this what the Bible teaches us: That all of us have importance regardless of our ability to perform or contribute, that our existence is contribution enough and worth being loved. That we are to put aside our own selfish ambition and conceit to help build others up, to help make winners out of those the world deems losers. That we are to stand for the downtrodden and down-and-outs, to not just protect the same, but to embrace them.
I want to believe that I am there, that I am one who stands in the gap for those that others scorn. I know I'm not. Slowly, though, I can see my heart changing, not of my own volition, but by the working of the Holy Spirit. As I allow myself to be more open to God's leading, I can see my attitudes changing and the scope of my life shifting to become that person. Who knows where I'll wind up and what it will look like. I know, though, whatever it becomes, it is because of God working in me.
I receive an inspirational email several times a week. Sometimes they're drivel, good for nothing, hardly worth taking the time to read. Usually, they're thought provoking. Today's actually inspired a post. This is not the first time I've seen this story, but today it hit me differently.
The basic story (non-inspirational synopsis) is about a "challenged" boy named Shay whose dad asked some boys playing baseball if his son could play. The team of the boy asked was losing, so the boy said, "Sure". They caught up to tie the other team and still they allowed Shay to bat. Someone helped him bat, and both teams worked to allow Shay to run (the opposing team throwing the ball in the wrong direction, overthrowing, etc.) and finally make it home to score the winning run.
Having seen this story so many times and in slightly different forms, it's probably an urban legend and didn't really happen. Yet, I want to believe that a man hoped against hope that some random boys would be big enough to allow his son to have an experience he would not otherwise have, and I want to believe not only that the boys let him play, but they willingly gave up their own chance to win to enable this one kid to have an experience of a lifetime for him.
Isn't this what the Bible teaches us: That all of us have importance regardless of our ability to perform or contribute, that our existence is contribution enough and worth being loved. That we are to put aside our own selfish ambition and conceit to help build others up, to help make winners out of those the world deems losers. That we are to stand for the downtrodden and down-and-outs, to not just protect the same, but to embrace them.
I want to believe that I am there, that I am one who stands in the gap for those that others scorn. I know I'm not. Slowly, though, I can see my heart changing, not of my own volition, but by the working of the Holy Spirit. As I allow myself to be more open to God's leading, I can see my attitudes changing and the scope of my life shifting to become that person. Who knows where I'll wind up and what it will look like. I know, though, whatever it becomes, it is because of God working in me.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Fantastic Four
I went to see Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer tonight. Superior to its predecessor in about every way imaginable, this was a joy to watch. Jessica Alba is still a very bad choice for Sue Storm, but there were a couple of spots where she was okay, namely when she was acting like Max from Dark Angel. Sue Storm is a blonde white female with blue eyes. The contacts they used to make her eyes blue in the movie were rather distracting. The Silver Surfer was way cool, as cool in a silvery shimmery kind of way as Johnny Storm is in a fiery kind of way. Yes, Chris Evans rocked again as the Human Torch.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
This is Crazy!!!!
Check out this little kid doing DDR (Dance Dance Revolution). I think I might break my leg...
Three Articles
I read three articles on MSNBC that really got me going this morning.
The past two episodes of Bones I've watched have also caused me to think about the way we treat our children and live our lives. I'll write about that at some point. Maybe.
- Stay-At-Home Dads
What do you know: men are found to be somewhat competent at something women normally do, even though the moms are reluctant to admit it. Equality goes both ways. Women, please remember this: You get to choose one and only one of these options: 1) What needs to be done, or 2) How to do it. Do you like to be nagged or nitpicked at every turn? Even if you call it "helping", it's still interpreted as nagging, and we men do not appreciate it. I do like how the article tells us that we need both moms and dads in raising the children. Men are not irrelevant and unneeded (though some act in ways that lead one to think so).
- Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
Bob Woodward, please, do a report on this: Iraq war veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and their not receiving proper—or receiving incorrect— care. How dare we as a country ask these men and women to serve our country and then slap them down because they're just not "tough enough". What is tough enough? Could these same paper pushers serve even one week and not be changed by what they had seen or done?
- Nifong disbarred
At long last, justice is finally served in the Duke non-rape-or-even-attack case. Pretty early on, it was clearly evident to even a layman that there was no evidence against the accused lacrosse players, and that one even had an alibi. (It seems only the contingent that believes that accusation = prosecution felt Nifong was correct in his now clearly-shown political pandering.) Even now, in spite of all evidence to the contrary, he is still trying to convict those boys with his words (check out the end of the article about "getting out of there quickly"). Nifong wanted to make a name for himself. He has managed to do so. It only cost the reputations of three boys and the integrity of an entire state's judicial system to do so.
The past two episodes of Bones I've watched have also caused me to think about the way we treat our children and live our lives. I'll write about that at some point. Maybe.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Silly lawsuits, stop clogging up our justice system
One of the key things about my personality that I found out many years ago is that I have a very strong sense of justice. Things can be apparent to you without you realizing what it is at a conscious level, but when expressed to you, it suddenly makes sense, and you think, "Oh, yeah!! That makes so much sense."
This hasn't translated to me being some social crusader or even being particularly outspoken about bad things happening. Possibly, there's so much injustice that I wonder what I could possibly do, or who would listen to me (which is a common theme in other areas of my life).
Anyway, I'm against frivolous law suits, especially when caused by one's own stupidity or by some wrong-headed idea that bad things automatically incur monetary recompense from somebody (or downright fraud, like the people who boarded a bus involved in an accident after the accident and then claimed injuries from said accident).
There is a web site that brings such cases to light, and you've probably heard of the yearly awards for the most egregious examples of these lawsuits, the True Stella Awards. Here's a link to the "winners" for 2006: True Stella Awards 2006. Enjoy reading!
This hasn't translated to me being some social crusader or even being particularly outspoken about bad things happening. Possibly, there's so much injustice that I wonder what I could possibly do, or who would listen to me (which is a common theme in other areas of my life).
Anyway, I'm against frivolous law suits, especially when caused by one's own stupidity or by some wrong-headed idea that bad things automatically incur monetary recompense from somebody (or downright fraud, like the people who boarded a bus involved in an accident after the accident and then claimed injuries from said accident).
There is a web site that brings such cases to light, and you've probably heard of the yearly awards for the most egregious examples of these lawsuits, the True Stella Awards. Here's a link to the "winners" for 2006: True Stella Awards 2006. Enjoy reading!
Friday, June 01, 2007
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