5.29.2005
5.18.2005
Star Wars
Star Wars Episode III sucks.... just a FYI.
I will explain my problems with it......
1. I really just can't stand Hayden Christensen. There is nothing about that guy that I like. He is just horrible. George Lucas should have just bit the bullet and recast Anakin.
2. George Lucas isn't a writer. No matter hiw hard he tries, he just isn't a writer (I don't think he's a very good director anymore either, but I will stick with writer for now). The dialogue is ridiculous, just like the first two. It actually makes you utter to yourself, "Who writes this?" Then you realize that Lucas thinks its really good writing and it just gets sad from there. Part of what made Empire and Jedi good is that he allowed a co-writer on the screenplay and someone other than Lucas directed it. This allows for other people to tweak things so that they don't look or sound retarded. I know, I know Jonathan Hales co-wrote the screenplay for Episode 2, but who gives a fuck about a guy who also wrote The Scorpion King.
3. This has to do with Lucas' directing, but who does he get to light his movies. The real people look like shit. They all have this saintly glow around them at all times. It is because they are all in front of a green screen all of the time and everything around them on screen is just CGI. There are scenes in the movie where the CGI characters look better than the real people because of the lighting.
I do think it is the best movie of Episodes 1-3 however.
I will explain my problems with it......
1. I really just can't stand Hayden Christensen. There is nothing about that guy that I like. He is just horrible. George Lucas should have just bit the bullet and recast Anakin.
2. George Lucas isn't a writer. No matter hiw hard he tries, he just isn't a writer (I don't think he's a very good director anymore either, but I will stick with writer for now). The dialogue is ridiculous, just like the first two. It actually makes you utter to yourself, "Who writes this?" Then you realize that Lucas thinks its really good writing and it just gets sad from there. Part of what made Empire and Jedi good is that he allowed a co-writer on the screenplay and someone other than Lucas directed it. This allows for other people to tweak things so that they don't look or sound retarded. I know, I know Jonathan Hales co-wrote the screenplay for Episode 2, but who gives a fuck about a guy who also wrote The Scorpion King.
3. This has to do with Lucas' directing, but who does he get to light his movies. The real people look like shit. They all have this saintly glow around them at all times. It is because they are all in front of a green screen all of the time and everything around them on screen is just CGI. There are scenes in the movie where the CGI characters look better than the real people because of the lighting.
I do think it is the best movie of Episodes 1-3 however.
5.16.2005
Recent Movies
Some movies that I have seen in the past couple of weeks are:
Hitchhicker's Guide to the Galaxy was a little funny and a little fun. I have never read the books, but I did still enjoy it. Sam Rockwell was outright hysterical at times.
Unleashed was also a good time. It isn't quite as much fun as Kiss of the Dragon, but it has some really good fight scenes, and Morgan Freeman is refreshingly light and upbeat.
Gloomy Sunday - Ein Lied von Liebe und Tod - was very good. This film was actually released about five years ago in Germany and the rest of Europe, but finally worked its way to the U.S. through a little film company called Menemsha Films. It has had super long runs at theatres in New York, L.A. and Boston. It didn't fare so well here, but that is more than likely the cause of a complete lack of advertising on the part of Marcus. The Jewish Film Festival was able to sell out their shows of it in November? when we had it at North Shore, but the crowds when we had it for a run were just small and steady. Anyway, the movie centers around a woman (Erika Marozsán, the two men she is in love with (Joachim Król, Stefano Dionisi) and a Nazi officer who will do almost anything to be with her (Ben Becker). This movie, like the song it is named after (known in Europe as the Suicide song because of all the people who killed themselves while listening to it) has many tragic and emotionally involving moments throughout. The movie, while being a German film production, has just about everything Hollywood movies have forgotten they need in order to be a well rounded movie experience. I suggest that anyone who has the chance to see this movie should do so as soon as possible. It isn't life altering in any way, but it is a really good film.
The Dreamers. Now, there's not a whole lot I can say about this movie. I liked it, its very weird, somewhat sickening/disturbing and through all of that, just a little redeeming (in a very, very weird and sick way). The story revolves around a college age American male (Michael Pitt) who moves to Paris to study French during the Vietnam War, but ends up spending all of his time in the local Cinema. There he meets a brother and sister (Eva Green, Louis Garrel) who take him into their lives. However, their lives do not end up being as wholesome as they originally seemed to be and the rest of the movie is a constant test of the viewers sense of morality and their ability to distinguish between real life and a fictitious film. One really great thing about this movie is that throughout it, the three 'Friends' imitate old movies, which is very cool and well done (selling Newspapers on the Champs Elysees ala Breathless).
Hitchhicker's Guide to the Galaxy was a little funny and a little fun. I have never read the books, but I did still enjoy it. Sam Rockwell was outright hysterical at times.
Unleashed was also a good time. It isn't quite as much fun as Kiss of the Dragon, but it has some really good fight scenes, and Morgan Freeman is refreshingly light and upbeat.
Gloomy Sunday - Ein Lied von Liebe und Tod - was very good. This film was actually released about five years ago in Germany and the rest of Europe, but finally worked its way to the U.S. through a little film company called Menemsha Films. It has had super long runs at theatres in New York, L.A. and Boston. It didn't fare so well here, but that is more than likely the cause of a complete lack of advertising on the part of Marcus. The Jewish Film Festival was able to sell out their shows of it in November? when we had it at North Shore, but the crowds when we had it for a run were just small and steady. Anyway, the movie centers around a woman (Erika Marozsán, the two men she is in love with (Joachim Król, Stefano Dionisi) and a Nazi officer who will do almost anything to be with her (Ben Becker). This movie, like the song it is named after (known in Europe as the Suicide song because of all the people who killed themselves while listening to it) has many tragic and emotionally involving moments throughout. The movie, while being a German film production, has just about everything Hollywood movies have forgotten they need in order to be a well rounded movie experience. I suggest that anyone who has the chance to see this movie should do so as soon as possible. It isn't life altering in any way, but it is a really good film.
The Dreamers. Now, there's not a whole lot I can say about this movie. I liked it, its very weird, somewhat sickening/disturbing and through all of that, just a little redeeming (in a very, very weird and sick way). The story revolves around a college age American male (Michael Pitt) who moves to Paris to study French during the Vietnam War, but ends up spending all of his time in the local Cinema. There he meets a brother and sister (Eva Green, Louis Garrel) who take him into their lives. However, their lives do not end up being as wholesome as they originally seemed to be and the rest of the movie is a constant test of the viewers sense of morality and their ability to distinguish between real life and a fictitious film. One really great thing about this movie is that throughout it, the three 'Friends' imitate old movies, which is very cool and well done (selling Newspapers on the Champs Elysees ala Breathless).
5.09.2005
The Batman
Bravo for the final Batman Begins trailer. We finally get to see a decent glimpse of the Scarecrow (the horse with the flaming nostrils is pretty slick, I am thinking of getting some surgically implanted in my own nose). That said, I need to complain about something. Production companies these days have forgotten that part of promoting a good movie is actually making decent posters. The poster seen above is the original teaser and remains the best poster yet released in America (the International poster is the best of all). The other three posters are all pretty shitty and can be seen here. That link will allow you to view all 5 posters, the original teaser, the international and the three subsequent teasers. The whole black and brown look doesn't really work for any accept the above poster (at least that looks like he may be readying himself for his nights patrol in front of a dusk sky) and the cheesy bust shot looks like hot crap on the one poster. Apparently they are yet to release their last poster, but after seeing what they have come out with, I'm not very optimistic.
5.05.2005
The Foo!
Foo Fighters new album, In Your Honor, comes out on the Fourteenth of June. I can't wait. The jury is still out on the only released single thus far, The Best of You, but I'm sure the whole album will be pretty clutch. It is going to be a double discer, first disc rocking out style with the latter being acoustic. I have been told that Nora Jones does some of the vocals on the second disc. Should be interesting. No matter what, I'm sure it'll be awesome.
5.04.2005
Millions
Millions is the best movie 2005. I can't say that it'll stay that way, but I can't envision something knocking it out of my top ten for the year when all is said and done (possibly even top 5). Its true the movie is for kids, but there is still a lot in it for adults that the kids probably just won't see or appreciate. For one thing, the kids will have no idea just how good Danny Boyle is as a director and a storyteller in general. This movie is just like the rest of his films, a constant splash of images that light up the minds eye. Another visually stunning film for Boyle in a long line of the same (I suggest seeing these as well, if you haven't already. 28 Days Later, The Beach, Trainspotting, watch out for the male nudity though).
4.15.2005
Branyan's Bomb
That red dot is where Russ Branyan hit his first bomb of the season. Crazy far. The estimated 465 is a bit conservative in this person's opinion.
Opening Day
Another successful opening day for the brewers and us. Lots of good food and some people that I knew.
4.11.2005
Downfall
I finally saw Downfall after all the talking I've been doing about it. It lived up to my expectations and then some. Truthfully, it is the best movie I have seen this year (I realize it was released before this 01.01.05 in Gearmany, but I'm not counting that). It didn't hurt that I got to sit in nice leather recliners and have Evan there to pretty up the room.
If you want to read some good stuff about this movie, check out Frank's post under the date 4.4.2005.
If you want to read some good stuff about this movie, check out Frank's post under the date 4.4.2005.
4.05.2005
The True Master Brewer
Ben Sheets just may be the best pitcher in baseball right now and as of his first start of the season, it looks as though he may actually get some run support this year (fingers crossed). All in all it was a good start for Big Ben. I would suggest going to your neighborhood sports apparel shoppe and supporting Ben anyway possible, no matter where you live (I have also been contemplating the purchase of a jersey Frank). Anyway, if he can be anywhere near as dominant as last year, the Brewers have much awesomeness to look forward to. Sign him NOW! More Brewers posts will be forthcomming in the next 5 months or so.
4.02.2005
The Master Brewer (1 of 2)
Finally I get to try out my new creation.
(the other master brewer? is not pictured because he is scared of bright lights and badgers)
Northwestern Lager A Success!
My roommate, Andy Kitzke, and I decided it would be a good idea to brew our own beer. Well, on Thursday March 31, 2005 we finally had our first tasting. It was a very simple brew, Northwestern Lager, but we had our struggles (we are both idiots). In the end however, while it may not be perfect, the alcohol content is lower than it should be (a problem we know how to correct now), the beer tastes pretty darn gut. So, we will be continuing to brew our own stuff. Anyone who wants some is welcome to try. There appear to be no lasting side effects.
Pictured is Dan, the official taste tester and spokesman for our brewery (name tbd).
3.30.2005
3 Throws, 3 Bulls!
Awesome!
This is the second best moment of my life (the best was when I got one dart stuck in the back of the other, sweet).
3.29.2005
Trailers
Here are some good trailers to check out.
funny shit: Stephen Tobolowsky's Birthday Party
-by the way, I did know who he was before this trailer. He's the star of Memento and Groundhog day.
Rob Schneider goodness with some midget action.
Layer Cake - might be funny (British style)
Bout time for some new Wallace and Gromit
Go Crusades, this better be good and not just Gladiator 2
Definitely a different look to a movie for A Scanner Darkly
funny shit: Stephen Tobolowsky's Birthday Party
-by the way, I did know who he was before this trailer. He's the star of Memento and Groundhog day.
Rob Schneider goodness with some midget action.
Layer Cake - might be funny (British style)
Bout time for some new Wallace and Gromit
Go Crusades, this better be good and not just Gladiator 2
Definitely a different look to a movie for A Scanner Darkly
3.28.2005
Go Big Ten
Congratulations to the Badgers for making the elite eight. So much for the Big Ten being a "weak conference", two teams in the Final Four and three in the elite. Not too bad for a conference that has gotten nothing but shit from the national media all year.
Movie Reviews
Hope everyone had a good Easter.
Here are some reviews of movies I have seen lately. Hostage was not a terrible movie. It kept moving along and didn't completley bottom out at any one time. The storyline is a bit thin, but if you are a Bruce Willis fan it is easy to get caught up in. It was good to see Bruce looking cool again. He has been virtually non existant for the last few years (Hopefully his upcoming movie Sin City won't be another Robert Rodriguez crapfest. Tarrentino should help everyone out at least.) Robots was decent. It is absolutely no match for and Pixar movie, but it had its moments. Most shocking was their ability to capture just a bit of Robin Williams zanyness in the animatd character. Kudos to Fox animators on that one. The trailer, or rather short film for Ice Age 2 on the front of Robots was better than the movie. The new Star Wars trailer is also on the front of that movie. The trailer looks good, but let me remind you, the trailers looked good for episodes 1 and 2, and we all know how those ended up. Constantine was a semi-decent movie as well. If you are a religious zealot, I suggest staying home, but for everyone else the movie should at least hold attention. Some of my friends think it is the best movie to come out just about ever, but I think it was the most enjoyable movie of the new year. Granted, this year has been almost complete crap thus far. There still has been nothing to rival last year at all, but that is what the first 4 months of the year are for I guess.
Here are some reviews of movies I have seen lately. Hostage was not a terrible movie. It kept moving along and didn't completley bottom out at any one time. The storyline is a bit thin, but if you are a Bruce Willis fan it is easy to get caught up in. It was good to see Bruce looking cool again. He has been virtually non existant for the last few years (Hopefully his upcoming movie Sin City won't be another Robert Rodriguez crapfest. Tarrentino should help everyone out at least.) Robots was decent. It is absolutely no match for and Pixar movie, but it had its moments. Most shocking was their ability to capture just a bit of Robin Williams zanyness in the animatd character. Kudos to Fox animators on that one. The trailer, or rather short film for Ice Age 2 on the front of Robots was better than the movie. The new Star Wars trailer is also on the front of that movie. The trailer looks good, but let me remind you, the trailers looked good for episodes 1 and 2, and we all know how those ended up. Constantine was a semi-decent movie as well. If you are a religious zealot, I suggest staying home, but for everyone else the movie should at least hold attention. Some of my friends think it is the best movie to come out just about ever, but I think it was the most enjoyable movie of the new year. Granted, this year has been almost complete crap thus far. There still has been nothing to rival last year at all, but that is what the first 4 months of the year are for I guess.
3.16.2005
3.15.2005
Interpol
Saw Interpol at the Rave on Sunday night, great show. Q and Not U was really good. The end of their set was kind of gay, but they were forced to play extra because Interpol wasn't ready. Interpol took over though and rocked the house. The Rave is still a little shitty, but if the band is good enough, the venue doesn't matter. It really fucking sucks when you have to pay $40 to get a nice buzz going. I just said fuck it. Dowling and Mojew just hung out by the bar and drank themselves broke.
Interpol played Take You On A Cruise, so I was happy. I hear they cut Obstacle 1 for time reasons or some shit like that, but they got a lot of good shit in there (i.e. Evil, Narc, Lief) They ended huge on Roland.
Interpol played Take You On A Cruise, so I was happy. I hear they cut Obstacle 1 for time reasons or some shit like that, but they got a lot of good shit in there (i.e. Evil, Narc, Lief) They ended huge on Roland.
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