Just a quick note on this movie review page and my style. There is nothing flashy or particularly original about my reviews. I just like to write in the same way as if I was speaking to you at a party or at work "around the water cooler." In other words, a nationally renowned critic might write this:
"Black Hawk Down" has such distinctive visual aplomb that its jingoism starts to feel like part of its atmosphere. Establishing mood through pictorial means is the director Ridley Scott's most notable talent. There may be no working director more accomplished at wringing texture out of the color blue than the prodigious and now prolific Mr. Scott; you'd swear that with his dazzling washes of blues and sand tones, he was inventing additional hues on the spot. Because Mr. Scott's eye delivers so much information, he then is at a loss to give the material a proper emotional grounding. "Black Hawk Down" is like Mr. Scott's "G.I. Jane" but this time with an all-boy cast.
-Elvis Mitchell (NY Times)
What in the hell does that mean? And what if I've never seen "G.I. Jane?" Nobody gains anything by reading this fluff. Now I might write something like this:
If you love guns and missiles and constant urban guerrilla warfare, you'll love "Black Hawk Down." Although a tad long, the action and adrenaline never stops pumping through the screen which increases the speed of the hands on your wristwatch. Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, Josh Hartnet, and a whole lot of American ass-kicking (or at times getting our asses kicked) make Black Hawk Down one of the best war films I've ever seen. Ridley Scott outdoes himself with visuals and emotion that really puts you right in the action to use an old cliche. The odd "Arabian" sounding musical score adds just that extra something to walk away from the theater saying "wow! That was one awesome movie."
-Drewbacca aka Bird (Bird's Eye re-View)
Now obviously this wouldn't be the entire review; it's a little short. But notice how I mentioned right away that if you don't like war and guns, this may not be for you. I tell you who's in it, the basic premise, and if it is worth your time and money. If you read my reviews more often, you may begin to familiarize yourself with my quirks and tastes. Then you can tell whether or not you want to see the movie I'm writing about.
The reason people turn to me (or at least used to) for advice on movies, is just the fact that I've seen a ton of films, and I know generally what people like and don't like; especially if I know them. I also try to see everything that comes out. I see all the Oscar contenders by the time the stars walk the red carpet, and I basically enjoy seeing all types of films. From "chick-flicks" to comedies to my favorite genre, sci-fi (if it's well done sci-fi).
The disadvantage I have is I have to pay for my movies and I also have to spend time to see them and write about them, all while balancing a job and life; whereas a pro critic does this for a living and therefore watching movies and writing about them is his job and life. So I realize that there are not many films to choose from (on the right of your screen) that I've reviewed so far, but life has picked up lately, and I promise I will see all I can and be assured that I will write about them honestly and quickly to let you know if it is worth your nine bucks. So bookmark this site now.
Also, check back often for movie news and links to trailers (before they hit theaters) of upcoming movies that look like they might be good. I also post random rants and praises regarding sports, music, books and all walks of pop culture and science.
February 22, 2005
February 20, 2005
News
Two new news stories that have gotten little press, but deserve more for their interest factor:
Present Life on Mars
Tsunami Uncovers Ancient Underwater City
Present Life on Mars
Tsunami Uncovers Ancient Underwater City
February 17, 2005
Looney Looney Looney
What the [expletive deleted] is this!!!?
If you can't tell, this is (clockwise):Wyle E. Coyote, TAZ, Bugs Bunny, Daffy (I guess so!) Duck, Lola, Road Runner.
This is the most insane thing I have ever seen! They all look like bats or scorpions or something. This is WB's attempt at spicing up something that does not need to be spiced up. The new Looney Tunes will be on the WB this fall. All that keeps running through my head is the dreaded day some Hollywood idiot decides to remake Star Wars. That will be the same day I "accidentally" fall off the IDS tower.
Links:
I'm not linking to this nonsense.
If you can't tell, this is (clockwise):Wyle E. Coyote, TAZ, Bugs Bunny, Daffy (I guess so!) Duck, Lola, Road Runner.
This is the most insane thing I have ever seen! They all look like bats or scorpions or something. This is WB's attempt at spicing up something that does not need to be spiced up. The new Looney Tunes will be on the WB this fall. All that keeps running through my head is the dreaded day some Hollywood idiot decides to remake Star Wars. That will be the same day I "accidentally" fall off the IDS tower.
Links:
I'm not linking to this nonsense.
February 15, 2005
Hell - forecast: Frozen
I'm sick of talking about the Wolves, so this will be quick. Olowakandi had a fantastic night tonight. Plus we won! A double-double!? 17 pts and 12 boards. Better than KG's effort. 7-11 from the field and perfect from the charity stripe!? Either pigs are flying or hell has frozen over, or whatever your cliche of choice is. Call the NSA, because obviously aliens have taken over at least one human I can think of. Maybe McHale threatened Michael with spankings or something. I can't even think straight to come up with clever lines - I am so stunned! If Olowakandi can keep up to even half of this kind of effort, we may make the play-offs after all.
Box Score
Box Score
February 12, 2005
I Take it Back
Since Glen Taylor and the Timberwolves front office are avid readers of this website, they have decided to make a drastic, yet needed, change, after reading my last post. As of Saturday, Phil "Flip" Saunders will no longer be coaching Minnesota's NBA team. Former Celtic great and current Vice-President of Basketball Operations, Kevin McHale will take over responsibility of head coch.
Unfortunately, I think this was a needed move. He's led us to success in the past; but anyone who continually puts Michael Olowakandi (in lieu of Griffin) on the floor for more than 3 minutes, night after night after night, obviously has no interest in advancing our team to the play-offs. Any coach who allows a team consisting of 3 former all-stars and one best player on the planet, to fumble over each other and carry negative attitudes into the press and locker room, needs to be let go. Going from first to nearly worst in one year with the exact same team (arguably even a better team) and less injury, is inexcuseable.
So, with the current team and coach on the floor, I offer a complete and utter retraction of my previous post. The imputation was totally with basis in fact and was in no way fair comment, and was motivated purely by malice. I deeply regret any inconvenience my past comment have had upon the Wolves, or their families. And I hereby undertake not to repeat any such slander at any time in the future.
Unfortunately, I think this was a needed move. He's led us to success in the past; but anyone who continually puts Michael Olowakandi (in lieu of Griffin) on the floor for more than 3 minutes, night after night after night, obviously has no interest in advancing our team to the play-offs. Any coach who allows a team consisting of 3 former all-stars and one best player on the planet, to fumble over each other and carry negative attitudes into the press and locker room, needs to be let go. Going from first to nearly worst in one year with the exact same team (arguably even a better team) and less injury, is inexcuseable.
So, with the current team and coach on the floor, I offer a complete and utter retraction of my previous post. The imputation was totally with basis in fact and was in no way fair comment, and was motivated purely by malice. I deeply regret any inconvenience my past comment have had upon the Wolves, or their families. And I hereby undertake not to repeat any such slander at any time in the future.
February 09, 2005
It's Over
That's it. I've had enough. I though they might turn it around after winning a slew of games in January, but apparently not. Stick a fork on the Timberwolves, cause they're done. They got destroyed by the Memphis Grizzlies tonight, who will be in the play-offs while KG and the boys watch from their $25,000 leather sofa.
There was one series near the end of the game (after it was apparent we were gonna lose for sure), where the Grizzlies got 3 offensive rebounds, then we finally got the rebound, and threw it right back to them. This team has got serious issues, and I am not gonna waste my evenings watching them spiral helplessly down the drain. Last time they were in a drought I boycotted them until they won 3 in a row. This time, I won't be so generous. I am boycotting them for the rest of the season unless they make a major trade to shake things up, or get rid of Flip Saunders.
Call me a fair weather fan if you want to, but I've been a huge Wolves fan since their conception, and I've stuck by them in good times and in bad. This is not just bad times, this is sickening. If they had bad players and were doing poorly, I would support them. But they've got a good team (except for Olowakandi), yet they continue to soil themselves night after night against teams like the Bulls and the Hawks. So I'm stating right here, I'm not watching one more T-Wolves game this year unless they make a major trade or get a new coach. It makes me sad, but I can't continue to waste my time. I have to many other important things to do.... like sleep.
There was one series near the end of the game (after it was apparent we were gonna lose for sure), where the Grizzlies got 3 offensive rebounds, then we finally got the rebound, and threw it right back to them. This team has got serious issues, and I am not gonna waste my evenings watching them spiral helplessly down the drain. Last time they were in a drought I boycotted them until they won 3 in a row. This time, I won't be so generous. I am boycotting them for the rest of the season unless they make a major trade to shake things up, or get rid of Flip Saunders.
Call me a fair weather fan if you want to, but I've been a huge Wolves fan since their conception, and I've stuck by them in good times and in bad. This is not just bad times, this is sickening. If they had bad players and were doing poorly, I would support them. But they've got a good team (except for Olowakandi), yet they continue to soil themselves night after night against teams like the Bulls and the Hawks. So I'm stating right here, I'm not watching one more T-Wolves game this year unless they make a major trade or get a new coach. It makes me sad, but I can't continue to waste my time. I have to many other important things to do.... like sleep.
February 06, 2005
Super-Bowl Thirty-something
Wow! Patriots and Eagles. I think this was a set-up by the NFL. With our country in wartime, and it being the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII, what could be more patriotic than a Super Bowl featuring the Patriots and the Eagles? The Vikings had no chance with a conspiracy of this magnitude occurring. So really, since it was staged, who cares? It's just another football game on a Sunday right? Nope, it's all about the commercials.
Oh wait, there are no good commercials this year thanks to Janet Jackson, Terrell Owens, Desperate Housewives, and the religious conservatives. A few dancing animals (some wearing clothes!), some guys jumping out of a plane in the name of beer, many "The Simpsons" previews, investment commercials, and who could forget the hilarity of the miracle of a baby talking with a grown man's voice? Ha ha. Made me laugh so hard, I nearly split myself. I mean, imagine! A baby talking! Quiznos never ceases to amaze me with their originality and sense of creativity.
So all we're left with is the half-time show. Paul McCartney sings Hey Jude. Hot damn! A living legend playing a song I've only heard a million times. Fantastic. I'm already tingling with excitment at the thought of next year's "biggest sporting event of the year." Next year, after the Vikings are eliminated from the play-offs by the 10th game of the year, the NFL has promised a 180 degree turn-around in its theme. It will be a pirate theme with the Buccaneers vs the Raiders. Instead of former presidents and war heroes at pre-game, we'll have Blackbeard look-a-likes and a colorful parrot show. I can't wait.
If you haven't detected my sarcasm in the text, here is what I really accomplished between 5:30 pm and 10pm. I finished Kirusawa's "Seven Samurai" on DVD, I ate some Doritos (new black pepper jack flavor!), I drank a beer (not Bud or Miller products), and I took a nap. I'm exhausted. I need to go to ESPN.com now and find out which team won this amazingly high-octane football game, so I can at least pretend I know what I'm talking about tomorrow around the water cooler.
Oh wait, there are no good commercials this year thanks to Janet Jackson, Terrell Owens, Desperate Housewives, and the religious conservatives. A few dancing animals (some wearing clothes!), some guys jumping out of a plane in the name of beer, many "The Simpsons" previews, investment commercials, and who could forget the hilarity of the miracle of a baby talking with a grown man's voice? Ha ha. Made me laugh so hard, I nearly split myself. I mean, imagine! A baby talking! Quiznos never ceases to amaze me with their originality and sense of creativity.
So all we're left with is the half-time show. Paul McCartney sings Hey Jude. Hot damn! A living legend playing a song I've only heard a million times. Fantastic. I'm already tingling with excitment at the thought of next year's "biggest sporting event of the year." Next year, after the Vikings are eliminated from the play-offs by the 10th game of the year, the NFL has promised a 180 degree turn-around in its theme. It will be a pirate theme with the Buccaneers vs the Raiders. Instead of former presidents and war heroes at pre-game, we'll have Blackbeard look-a-likes and a colorful parrot show. I can't wait.
If you haven't detected my sarcasm in the text, here is what I really accomplished between 5:30 pm and 10pm. I finished Kirusawa's "Seven Samurai" on DVD, I ate some Doritos (new black pepper jack flavor!), I drank a beer (not Bud or Miller products), and I took a nap. I'm exhausted. I need to go to ESPN.com now and find out which team won this amazingly high-octane football game, so I can at least pretend I know what I'm talking about tomorrow around the water cooler.
February 04, 2005
Episode III Title Crawl
No Star Wars film would be complete without those famous yellow words that crawl up the screen away from you into the depths of deep space at the beginning of each film. The newest installment, Revenge of the Sith, is no different. And this week Lucas revealed the new title crawl for the film due out in May. Here it is!
Relevant links
Everything Star Wars
Title crawls for all 6 films here
February 02, 2005
Michael Ironside Says it All
Just for some fun, I put together these great Michael Ironside quotes. Some of them may not have the same "impact" that they would unless you've actually seen the movie and know which part the actual quote is from. Have Fun!
"I'm gonna suck your brain dry!"
- Scanners
"Peace is highly overrated."
- Highlander II: The Quickening
"Violence has resolved more conflicts than anything else. The contrary opinion that violence doesn't solve anything is merely wishful thinking at its worst."
- Starship Troopers
"Blind adoration makes me so horny! Bring me a wench!"
- Heavy Metal 2000
"I like to get everyone's attention. That way, I don't have to repeat myself."
- V: The Final Battle
"I don't know....I just don't know." [while lighting a cigarette]
- Top Gun
actor A: "Kill him!"
"It's about God Damn time!"
- Totall Recall
"They sucked his brains out."
- Starship Troopers (in the running for best movie quote of all time)
"I never died so many times in my whole life."
- Dead Man's Revenge
"You know, from this distance I could almost cut him in half."
- V: The Final Battle
"Something given has no value. When you vote, you are exercising political authority, you're using force. And force my friends is violence. The supreme authority from which all other authorities are derived."
- Starship Troopers
"What do you mean you can't find them? How do you lose a 6 foot bitch with a talking rock, huh?"
- Heavy Metal 2000
"I need a corporal. You're it, until you're dead or I find someone better."
- Starship Troopers
"When you kill somone, make sure they're dead."
- Heavy Metal 2000
You will see more quotes from other second rate actors that I enjoy in the weeks to come. Maybe Marc Singer, maybe Dean Cameron. You'll have to wait and see...
"I'm gonna suck your brain dry!"
- Scanners
"Peace is highly overrated."
- Highlander II: The Quickening
"Violence has resolved more conflicts than anything else. The contrary opinion that violence doesn't solve anything is merely wishful thinking at its worst."
- Starship Troopers
"Blind adoration makes me so horny! Bring me a wench!"
- Heavy Metal 2000
"I like to get everyone's attention. That way, I don't have to repeat myself."
- V: The Final Battle
"I don't know....I just don't know." [while lighting a cigarette]
- Top Gun
actor A: "Kill him!"
"It's about God Damn time!"
- Totall Recall
"They sucked his brains out."
- Starship Troopers (in the running for best movie quote of all time)
"I never died so many times in my whole life."
- Dead Man's Revenge
"You know, from this distance I could almost cut him in half."
- V: The Final Battle
"Something given has no value. When you vote, you are exercising political authority, you're using force. And force my friends is violence. The supreme authority from which all other authorities are derived."
- Starship Troopers
"What do you mean you can't find them? How do you lose a 6 foot bitch with a talking rock, huh?"
- Heavy Metal 2000
"I need a corporal. You're it, until you're dead or I find someone better."
- Starship Troopers
"When you kill somone, make sure they're dead."
- Heavy Metal 2000
You will see more quotes from other second rate actors that I enjoy in the weeks to come. Maybe Marc Singer, maybe Dean Cameron. You'll have to wait and see...
Here's a Bet For You
I will not alter this post in any way. I just flipped on the Timberwolves game. I was anxious to watch a great game against the Phoenix Suns. Then I noticed Punxsutawney Phil has decided to start Michael Olowakandi tonight. I flipped off the game and rushed to my cmputer to issue this challenge. If the Wolves win tonight, I will pay anyone who reads this post $15,000. You read right! I won't delete this post (not that you'd ever know if I did).
Now, we're playing the Suns, the best team in basketball right now, but even if we were playing the Hornets I would still issue this bet to anyone. We cannot win with Olowakandi on the floor. Period. I'm tired of this. Something must be done. I'll watch the pre-state of the union speech coverage on Fox instead. If the Timberwolves win tonight, e-mail me anytime in the next 3 days, and I will send you a briefcase with crisp $100 bills totalling not less than $15,000.
Now, we're playing the Suns, the best team in basketball right now, but even if we were playing the Hornets I would still issue this bet to anyone. We cannot win with Olowakandi on the floor. Period. I'm tired of this. Something must be done. I'll watch the pre-state of the union speech coverage on Fox instead. If the Timberwolves win tonight, e-mail me anytime in the next 3 days, and I will send you a briefcase with crisp $100 bills totalling not less than $15,000.
January 30, 2005
5 Disc Changer...
In my car this week (click on the album title to hear samples with Windows Media):
Ian Brown (Solarized)
Masive Attack (Mezzanine)
The Cure (Mixed Up)
John Butler Trio (What You Want)
Muse (Absolution)
Ian Brown (Solarized)
Masive Attack (Mezzanine)
The Cure (Mixed Up)
John Butler Trio (What You Want)
Muse (Absolution)
January 28, 2005
JC
Thanks for putting Americans to bed for years with a smile on our faces, Johnny.
"For three days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow but phone calls taper off."
-Johnny Carson (1925-2005)
"For three days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow but phone calls taper off."
-Johnny Carson (1925-2005)
January 25, 2005
Upcoming Films
I've seen the trailers for these movies recently, and they look like they could be great. Click on the title to see the trailer!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Johnny Depp remake
Aliens of the Deep - James Cameron documentary
The Jacket - Adrien Brody creep-fest
Kicking & Screaming - Will Farrel coaching a children's sports team?
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - literary cult classic finally hits the big screen!
Constantine - Keanu Reeves dark super-natural thriller
Cars - the new one from Pixar with lots of stars from Owen Wilson to Paul Newman
War of the Worlds - Tom Cruise joins up with the great Sir Spielberg for this classic radio drama on the silver screen.
Be Cool - Like Get shorty? CHeck this out...helluva cast
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Johnny Depp remake
Aliens of the Deep - James Cameron documentary
The Jacket - Adrien Brody creep-fest
Kicking & Screaming - Will Farrel coaching a children's sports team?
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - literary cult classic finally hits the big screen!
Constantine - Keanu Reeves dark super-natural thriller
Cars - the new one from Pixar with lots of stars from Owen Wilson to Paul Newman
War of the Worlds - Tom Cruise joins up with the great Sir Spielberg for this classic radio drama on the silver screen.
Be Cool - Like Get shorty? CHeck this out...helluva cast
Oscar Time Again
Oscar nominations were announced today. Many fine films, many fine actors and actresses, but most of these films did fairly poorly at the box office. The top best film nominee at the box office as of today is "Ray," with about $73 million total. Not exactly a blockbuster. This of course does not mean they are bad films by any stretch of the imagination. The Aviator is supposed to be fantastic, and I'm sure will easily break $100 million by year's end. So my point is that most of these films no one has seen; including me. Of course now that they have been nominated, people will flock to the theaters to see them. I intend to see all of them except Ray by Feb. 27th at 7pm.
I take little stock in what the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences says is the best. After all, the number of snubs and ridiculous wins over the years is staggering. Of course my own personal bias of Star Wars (possibly the most influencial film ever for visual and sound effects) losing to a Woody Allen flick that was nothing short of mediocre. Jim Carrey not being nominated for Man on the Moon. Saving Private Ryan losing to Shakespeare in Love. I could go on and on.
Of course, having said all that, the Academy usually gets it right. Dances with Wolves, Rain Man, Jessica Tandy in '89, Nicolas Cage in '95, etc. This year, the films aren't the news. All of the media outlets today are quickly mentioning all the nominees, then jumping right into two stories, which are of course the same story: the snubbing of Fahrenheit 9/11 and The Passion of the Christ. Fahrenheit 9/11 received no nominations, and The Passion received 3 for make-up, score and cinematography. Of course these were both political moves on the part of the Academy. Why religion is political I don't know, but apparently it has become that way due to the media and probably Bush's obvious spiritual life.
So, I might as well jump into the mix as well. Putting politics and religion completely aside, I didn't feel that either film was all that great. Fahrenheit paled in comparison to 2002's Bowling for Columbine. It was simply a fat man preaching about his political beliefs; and The Passion was nothing more than two hours of watching a man being tortured to death. Mel sure loves the violence.
I do think Fahrenheit should've been nominated for most clever editing, and Jim Caviezel not being up for best actor is crazy! The man learned Arabic and was struck by lightning twice during filming! If you are religious, the film can be very powerful as well. Plus, the film is number 9 domestically in the top-grossing films of all time. He must have done something right, no?
Anyway, here are my predictions for winners (in the categories that I care about), even though I haven't seen most of the films (yet). These are my predictions, not necessarily my hopes:
Best Film: The Aviator
Best Actor: Don Cheadle...maybe Foxx
Best Actress: Hilary Swank
Best Actor in a
Supporting Role: Clive Owen
Best Actress in a
Supporting Role: Cate Blanchett
Best Director: Scorcese (Aviator)
Best Documentary: Tupac: Resurrection
Writing (adapted): Finding Neverland
Writing (original): Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Visual Effects: Spider-Man 2
Costume Design: The Aviator
Animated Feature: Shrek 2
Well, that's my mind this year. No clear front-runners, and a bunch of relatively unknown films in a year where Hollywood basically shat itself with junk. Of all the films nominated for something this year, I have seen and can recommend the following:
Hotel Rwanda
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The Incredibles
Shrek 2
Phantom of the Opera (if you don't mind a musical)
Super-Size Me
The Village
Related Links:
Everything Osacar here
Fahrenheit 9/11 at IMDB
The Passion at IMDB
January 22, 2005
Hotel Rwanda
Two words: Don Cheadle. Feel like being depressed, angry, and worried all at the same time? See Hotel Rwanda. The story of a hotel owner (Cheadle) and his family who try to harbor some of the victims from the genocide that occurred in Rwanda in the mid-nineties. Don Cheadle is nothing short of brilliant and the audience is swept away by the emotion. Hotel Rwanda is sure to be nominated for several Oscars (including best actor and picture).
The film can be very brutal at times, and it reminds me to be thankful for what I have and WHERE I LIVE (the greatest country in the world). At the same time, we (Americans) should be shameful for the things that occurred there, and we should be even more ashamed of how the exact same thing is happening in the Sudan right now. All I could think of the whole time is that while I'm eating my $5 popcorn and drinking my $4 Coke, women and children are being raped and murdered in Sudan, while the UN does nothing....NOTHING; and the international media remains silent.
It's too bad I have to turn a movie review into a political rant, but I can't get it out of my mind now, and I've sworn that although I can't do anything directly to help, I'm not going to sit on my ass and do nothing. I will at least write some letters to people with authority or power who maybe can do something.
Proving me wrong once again that PG-13 movies sometimes are worth the price of admission, Hotel Rwanda was a fine film with lots to offer. An educating film with great performances by everyone involved. Too bad Nick Nolte isn't really in the UN - and I use this term lightly - "peace-keeping" force, so that at least someone in that organization would know how to kick some butt when butt needs to be kicked. Nice cameo by Joaquin Phoenix as well.
Related Links:
Hotel Rwanda's Official site
Hotel Rwanda at IMDB
89% "fresh" rating at Rotten Tomatoes
Don Cheadle visits Sudan with law makers
Find out more about Sudan here, and what else you can do to get involved
Visit the United Nations to see more.
A BBC article on what is happening in the Sudan region
A more sarcastic article written about the atrocities in Sudan at Bird's Eye re-View
The film can be very brutal at times, and it reminds me to be thankful for what I have and WHERE I LIVE (the greatest country in the world). At the same time, we (Americans) should be shameful for the things that occurred there, and we should be even more ashamed of how the exact same thing is happening in the Sudan right now. All I could think of the whole time is that while I'm eating my $5 popcorn and drinking my $4 Coke, women and children are being raped and murdered in Sudan, while the UN does nothing....NOTHING; and the international media remains silent.
It's too bad I have to turn a movie review into a political rant, but I can't get it out of my mind now, and I've sworn that although I can't do anything directly to help, I'm not going to sit on my ass and do nothing. I will at least write some letters to people with authority or power who maybe can do something.
Proving me wrong once again that PG-13 movies sometimes are worth the price of admission, Hotel Rwanda was a fine film with lots to offer. An educating film with great performances by everyone involved. Too bad Nick Nolte isn't really in the UN - and I use this term lightly - "peace-keeping" force, so that at least someone in that organization would know how to kick some butt when butt needs to be kicked. Nice cameo by Joaquin Phoenix as well.
Related Links:
Hotel Rwanda's Official site
Hotel Rwanda at IMDB
89% "fresh" rating at Rotten Tomatoes
Don Cheadle visits Sudan with law makers
Find out more about Sudan here, and what else you can do to get involved
Visit the United Nations to see more.
A BBC article on what is happening in the Sudan region
A more sarcastic article written about the atrocities in Sudan at Bird's Eye re-View
January 19, 2005
Titanic Blunder
Spoiler Warning!! If you haven't seen James Cameron's Titanic (you're living under a rock) don't read any further.
I was thinking about movies this morning, and I realized that at the end of Titanic, Rose throws a multi-multi-million dollar diamond off the back of a boat into the murky depths of The Atlantic Ocean. How stupid is that? Even if she knows she's going to die, donate the money to charity, or give it to your grand daughter! What the hell was she thinking? Think about the Tsunami victims for God's sake!
Not to mention the La Coeur dela Mer was simply a gorgeous piece of jewelry worn by great nobles from European history; now it will never again be seen by anyone. At the very least, it should be in a museum. The whole movie is now completely ruined for me. Good job Ms. Dawson.
I was thinking about movies this morning, and I realized that at the end of Titanic, Rose throws a multi-multi-million dollar diamond off the back of a boat into the murky depths of The Atlantic Ocean. How stupid is that? Even if she knows she's going to die, donate the money to charity, or give it to your grand daughter! What the hell was she thinking? Think about the Tsunami victims for God's sake!
Not to mention the La Coeur dela Mer was simply a gorgeous piece of jewelry worn by great nobles from European history; now it will never again be seen by anyone. At the very least, it should be in a museum. The whole movie is now completely ruined for me. Good job Ms. Dawson.
January 17, 2005
Video Rentals
After all my ranting and complaining about Blockbuster Video over the years, they have finally come around and slowly made some progress on customer service. For one, no more late fees! They still have their stupid day and a half rentals with due dates, but now you can keep them a few days later free of charge. Nice. Make sure you read the fine print on that though. You can't keep them forever.
But what I'm liking most recently, is their on-line rental system. You get to make a list of all the movies you want to see. Then, they send you the first three movies on your list. Keep them as long as you like (hours, or months). Then for each one you send back to them in the prepaid envelope, they send the next one(s) on your list. Plus, every month you receive 2 coupons for a free movie or video game rental in the store (including new releases). All of this for only $15 ($2 cheaper than netflix - a similar service). The coupons alone almost equal the $15. What a deal.
One of the cool things about this service, is that besides the library of over 30,000 titles (and growing) they also have TV series on DVD (Seinfeld, Chapelle, 24, Curb, Sopranos, Ali G, etc.). You can rent an entire season at one time, and not feel pressured to watch it all in one weeknd.
The one and only minor drawback I have found so far is that games are not included in this deal. But I can use the in-store coupons for games as well as movies, so it's a minor detail.
Update:
(1)After using the service for about a week and a half now, I've found it's incredibly fast and easy. I can't say enough about it. Within 2 days, I already had the first 2 movies and the 3rd came shortly after. I also already returned 2 of them last thursday and the next two arrived the following Monday! Fantastic service! - (1/24/05)
(2)It's been a month now, and I've rented about 12 movies and a couple games from the store with the free coupons. Talk about getting your money's worth! I've seen about 7 new releases and a handful of old movies that I've always wanted to see but didn't wanna pay the five bucks at the store for. Once again, DO THIS! - (2/6/05)
Relevant Links
Blockbuster.com
End of late fees! FAQ
Sign up for online rentals now.
But what I'm liking most recently, is their on-line rental system. You get to make a list of all the movies you want to see. Then, they send you the first three movies on your list. Keep them as long as you like (hours, or months). Then for each one you send back to them in the prepaid envelope, they send the next one(s) on your list. Plus, every month you receive 2 coupons for a free movie or video game rental in the store (including new releases). All of this for only $15 ($2 cheaper than netflix - a similar service). The coupons alone almost equal the $15. What a deal.
One of the cool things about this service, is that besides the library of over 30,000 titles (and growing) they also have TV series on DVD (Seinfeld, Chapelle, 24, Curb, Sopranos, Ali G, etc.). You can rent an entire season at one time, and not feel pressured to watch it all in one weeknd.
The one and only minor drawback I have found so far is that games are not included in this deal. But I can use the in-store coupons for games as well as movies, so it's a minor detail.
Update:
(1)After using the service for about a week and a half now, I've found it's incredibly fast and easy. I can't say enough about it. Within 2 days, I already had the first 2 movies and the 3rd came shortly after. I also already returned 2 of them last thursday and the next two arrived the following Monday! Fantastic service! - (1/24/05)
(2)It's been a month now, and I've rented about 12 movies and a couple games from the store with the free coupons. Talk about getting your money's worth! I've seen about 7 new releases and a handful of old movies that I've always wanted to see but didn't wanna pay the five bucks at the store for. Once again, DO THIS! - (2/6/05)
Relevant Links
Blockbuster.com
End of late fees! FAQ
Sign up for online rentals now.
Sports in MN (or lack thereof)
Wild:
Locked out.
Vikings:
Is anyone really surprised they were beat in the second round of the playoffs to the Eagles? I was more surprised that they beat The Pack as bad as they did. Although we lost fair and square, I did feel that the refs were slightly on the side of Philadelphia. Ridiculous pass-interference calls (that were never replayed by Fox). Apparently the rules have changed so that you can advance a fumble for a TD.
Part of the blame is on Tice. Going for it on 4th and 22, but not going for it on 4th and 2 when we're down by 17 pts with 8 minutes left in the game? C'mon Mike, use your head or grow some balls. At least be consistant.
Anyway, they're done til next year; when they can disappoint us again. I predict they'll lose the opener, then win 7 in a row (getting our hopes up again), then lose 4, then win 1, then lose the last 3. They'll be 8-8, maybe make the play-offs, and lose in the first round.
Timberwolves:
Apparently my boycot is working. I've vowed not to watch the Wolves til they win 3 in a row or make a big trade. That night, they went into Denver and won easily, then beat The Trailblazers at home, and are playing the Raptors as I type this. Hopefully they'll win so that I can watch them play the Lakers on Thursday.
There is another explanation to their success however, and that is: Michael Olowa-suckass has been suspended for 4 games. Hmmmm.
One other thing, pay attention to the number of uncontested 3 pointers that are shot and/or made by the opposing team. Flip refuses to guard the best three point shooters/teams in the league. He only worries about the paint, and it kills us game after game.
Update - 2 hours later:
Well, we lost. I didn't watch, but here is the key stat I mentioned:
3points made/attempts
Raptors - 10/20 = 30 pts
T-Wolves - 1/16 = 3 pts
Locked out.
Vikings:
Is anyone really surprised they were beat in the second round of the playoffs to the Eagles? I was more surprised that they beat The Pack as bad as they did. Although we lost fair and square, I did feel that the refs were slightly on the side of Philadelphia. Ridiculous pass-interference calls (that were never replayed by Fox). Apparently the rules have changed so that you can advance a fumble for a TD.
Part of the blame is on Tice. Going for it on 4th and 22, but not going for it on 4th and 2 when we're down by 17 pts with 8 minutes left in the game? C'mon Mike, use your head or grow some balls. At least be consistant.
Anyway, they're done til next year; when they can disappoint us again. I predict they'll lose the opener, then win 7 in a row (getting our hopes up again), then lose 4, then win 1, then lose the last 3. They'll be 8-8, maybe make the play-offs, and lose in the first round.
Timberwolves:
Apparently my boycot is working. I've vowed not to watch the Wolves til they win 3 in a row or make a big trade. That night, they went into Denver and won easily, then beat The Trailblazers at home, and are playing the Raptors as I type this. Hopefully they'll win so that I can watch them play the Lakers on Thursday.
There is another explanation to their success however, and that is: Michael Olowa-suckass has been suspended for 4 games. Hmmmm.
One other thing, pay attention to the number of uncontested 3 pointers that are shot and/or made by the opposing team. Flip refuses to guard the best three point shooters/teams in the league. He only worries about the paint, and it kills us game after game.
Update - 2 hours later:
Well, we lost. I didn't watch, but here is the key stat I mentioned:
3points made/attempts
Raptors - 10/20 = 30 pts
T-Wolves - 1/16 = 3 pts
January 14, 2005
Titan A.D.
The Huygens has landed! We have landed on Saturn's moon, Titan. Fascinating. The rocket blasted off from Florida some time in '98, and we're finally there. Last night at about 4:15 in the morning, Huygens detached from Cassini and hurtled through the thick atmosphere of Titan taking all sorts of measurements and readings. Pictures taken, audio recordings, temp, wind speed, chemical compounds, etc. There are photos and other info available too. Here is the link. Have fun and support space exploration. It is so exciting!
FACTS:
TITAN: Largest Saturnian moon. May harbor organic compounds similar to those predating life on Earth. Temperature is minus 292 degrees F (minus 180 C) - and you thought it was cold in MN!
HUYGENS PROBE: Spacecraft is 8.9 feet in diameter and 703 pounds (317 kg). Was released from Cassini on December 24 and landed on Titan January 14.
The probe will sample Titan's atmosphere, measure its wind and rain, listen for alien sounds and take pictures.
Other Relevant links:
Nasa home
ESA - The Eurpean Space Agency
We're spending millions just to crash a ship into a rock! Why? Click here.
Updates:
Newest CNN article - (1-15-05)
Listen to audio recordings of the winds of another world during the descent here. - (1-15-05)
FACTS:
TITAN: Largest Saturnian moon. May harbor organic compounds similar to those predating life on Earth. Temperature is minus 292 degrees F (minus 180 C) - and you thought it was cold in MN!
HUYGENS PROBE: Spacecraft is 8.9 feet in diameter and 703 pounds (317 kg). Was released from Cassini on December 24 and landed on Titan January 14.
The probe will sample Titan's atmosphere, measure its wind and rain, listen for alien sounds and take pictures.
Other Relevant links:
Nasa home
ESA - The Eurpean Space Agency
We're spending millions just to crash a ship into a rock! Why? Click here.
Updates:
Newest CNN article - (1-15-05)
Listen to audio recordings of the winds of another world during the descent here. - (1-15-05)
January 09, 2005
Timber Pups
I don't know what's going on with the Wolves. They continue to lose lose lose. Besides the fact that Flip continues to play Olawa-suck ass night after night, our defense just isn't there. Although Garnet's numbers look good, he just isn't the same player he was last year. He misses a lot of shots this year (at important times) that would've gone in last year.
We've lost the last 7 games on the road, and aren't looking too good at home either; barely beating Philly without A.I. We lose to all the bad teams: Raptors, Pacers (without Artest and O'Neal), Bulls, Wizards, Bobcats, Grizzlies...it never ends. We suck. And now Cassell is out with a strained hammy.
I think we'll be okay. We're just in a slump, but we need to come out of it soon, and show everyone what the T-Wolves are made of.
Should be on the trading block:
Sprewell
Olowakandi
Cassell
We need:
Another GOOD big guy
Draft picks
Relevant Links:
Timberwolves official site.
We've lost the last 7 games on the road, and aren't looking too good at home either; barely beating Philly without A.I. We lose to all the bad teams: Raptors, Pacers (without Artest and O'Neal), Bulls, Wizards, Bobcats, Grizzlies...it never ends. We suck. And now Cassell is out with a strained hammy.
I think we'll be okay. We're just in a slump, but we need to come out of it soon, and show everyone what the T-Wolves are made of.
Should be on the trading block:
Sprewell
Olowakandi
Cassell
We need:
Another GOOD big guy
Draft picks
Relevant Links:
Timberwolves official site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
