Ready Player One (2018)
I enjoyed the movie, but only made it through approximately 1/3 of the book. I feel guilty about that deficiency. However, from the 1/3 that I did read, Steven Spielberg has energized this film. He has merged images, dialogue, sound, and editing into a design that becomes a entity, a single thing that is not betrayed by its individual moving parts. The screenplay writers Zak Penn and Ernest Cline (Cline was also the novel's author) are to be credited for translating a novel into a fast moving adventure movie. I found that I had the urge to press (nonexistent) pause and rewind buttons. My biggest complaint was I wanted a longer movie with more time IN the Oasis. Solving the game after 5 years seem to proceed a warp speed. Will be looking forward to using that pause/rewind feature when this movie streams/issued in blu-ray. I think that Spielberg and the writers were trying to make a valid point that reality overcomes fantasy in its power for humanity.
This was a fun movie. Only got through beginning 1/3 of the book. I feel badly about that. Steven Spielberg gave the world within the novel an energy and warmth not in the portion that I read. However, one of the scriptwriters (Ernest Cline) was also listed as one of two screenwriters. Perhaps having the book be more weighty, somber and serious than the movie may just be a case of comparing apples (books) to oranges (movies). Two great things that are not the same things.
Ready Player One was so much fun. I only made it 1/3 into the novel. I am going to have to buy this movie so I can repeatedly pause and rewind. Thank you Jeremy! I totally missed that the librarian was the "ask Jeeves" from the olden days when Google was not yet a verb!
I do like a fantasy world far beyond the one waiting for me as I exit the theater . While I applaud the message, part of me wants the fantasy of world building.
One weird point...who thought that Samantha aka Art3mis (Olivia Cooke) looked a little like "young" Lorraine (Lea Thompson) in Back To The Future?
DIRECTED BY - Steven Spielberg
Innovative Online Industries (IOI) = Nolan Sorrento's corporation trying to acquire the Oasis
Ontologically Anthropocentric Sensory Immersive Simulation (OASIS) = partners Halliday/Ogden Morrow
Parzival/Wade Watts - Tye Sheridan
Art3mis/Samantha - Olivia Cooke
I-R0k - TJ Miller
Nolan Sorrento - Ben Mendelsohn
Ogden Morrow - Simon Pegg
Anorak/Halliday - Mark Rylance
Aech/Helen - Lena Waithe
Sho (Shoto in bk) - Philip Zhao
Daito - Win Morisaki
F'Nale Zandor - Hannah John-Kamen
Kira - Perdita Weeks
Friday, March 30, 2018
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Thoughts - March 28, 2018
(commented on Philip DeFranco channel on You Tube published 03/28/18)
(1) I too lean towards believing that Walmart was opening up more room for selling profitable candy rather than space dependent magazines.(2) NEVER EVER TWEET without thinking it over for an hour, that means you celebrities, ordinary people and organizations who depend on funding.(3)Read about 3 pages of Donald Glover's Deadpool (series) script. That portion seemed to be overly dependent on Ace Ventura Pet Detective-like themes (a rhino with very special skills is involved), but I appreciated the Ben Carson and bitcoin jokes. (4) Uncomfortable with this law. I see it being abused and used, while also being helpful. Maybe I am uncomfortable with the fact that there needs to be a law to not use other laws to falsely punish parents. (5)Regarding the census citizen question I have come to the point, admittedly prejudiced, that if it is suggested by the Trump administration, it is wrong, unethical, stupid and pointless. Going to have some Starbucks and try to cheer up.
(commented on Philip DeFranco channel on You Tube published 03/27/18)
(1) On information given about the Saints Cheerleader, yes it seems unfair and unethical, but not sure if illegal. (2) Good news, however livestream record numbers have changed, probably in the last 24 hours. (3) I still do not understand how the Tempe Uber crash happened with a live driver, supposedly the "human" safety back up for the self-driving vehicle. This article indicates that "human" was looking down at her phone. https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2018/03/former-uber-backup-driver-we-saw-this-coming/556427/ (4) Just argh. I feel like I have dug my own FB hole, jumped in and deciding to sit it out. As for FB apologizing on paper, consider the audience that needs to be reached (the ones that issue fines and prison time) and it makes more sense (5) This catastrophic fire (Kemerovo Mall, Russia) is horrific, unnecessary also reminds me of the recent collapse of that Florida pedestrian bridge and the Water Slide death in Kansas where multiple errors, hubris and stupidity led to tragedies.
(commented on Philip DeFranco channel on You Tube published 03/28/18)
(1) I too lean towards believing that Walmart was opening up more room for selling profitable candy rather than space dependent magazines.(2) NEVER EVER TWEET without thinking it over for an hour, that means you celebrities, ordinary people and organizations who depend on funding.(3)Read about 3 pages of Donald Glover's Deadpool (series) script. That portion seemed to be overly dependent on Ace Ventura Pet Detective-like themes (a rhino with very special skills is involved), but I appreciated the Ben Carson and bitcoin jokes. (4) Uncomfortable with this law. I see it being abused and used, while also being helpful. Maybe I am uncomfortable with the fact that there needs to be a law to not use other laws to falsely punish parents. (5)Regarding the census citizen question I have come to the point, admittedly prejudiced, that if it is suggested by the Trump administration, it is wrong, unethical, stupid and pointless. Going to have some Starbucks and try to cheer up.
(commented on Philip DeFranco channel on You Tube published 03/27/18)
(1) On information given about the Saints Cheerleader, yes it seems unfair and unethical, but not sure if illegal. (2) Good news, however livestream record numbers have changed, probably in the last 24 hours. (3) I still do not understand how the Tempe Uber crash happened with a live driver, supposedly the "human" safety back up for the self-driving vehicle. This article indicates that "human" was looking down at her phone. https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2018/03/former-uber-backup-driver-we-saw-this-coming/556427/ (4) Just argh. I feel like I have dug my own FB hole, jumped in and deciding to sit it out. As for FB apologizing on paper, consider the audience that needs to be reached (the ones that issue fines and prison time) and it makes more sense (5) This catastrophic fire (Kemerovo Mall, Russia) is horrific, unnecessary also reminds me of the recent collapse of that Florida pedestrian bridge and the Water Slide death in Kansas where multiple errors, hubris and stupidity led to tragedies.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Thoughts - 03/26/2018
(from Philip DeFranco published 03/26/2018 on You Tube)
(1) I understand YouTube's algorithm. However while watching subscribed (aka "old" previously published) material, I have missed live versions of "belled" content. What I would like, would be a notification in upper or lower corner of screen indicating a live feed is currently underway. Email notification of live feeds usually is viewed too late to be valuable. (2) Stormy Daniels' attorney...Trump's attorney has an attorney, I believe her and also believe that the legal profession is getting the major money in this kerfuffle.(3) I applaud those who march. My "march" will be through every politician's record whenever I vote. I wonder who is running NRA pr, whenever they issue a statement it sounds disingenuous and just plain stupid. (4) Sad, but whenever I hear a terse, overly diplomatic, calm denial by Russian government officials, I hear the same terse, overly diplomatic, calm denial by Russian government officials regarding doping their athletes, in the film Icarus. https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/08/icarus-review-netflix/535962/
(from Philip DeFranco published 03/26/2018 on You Tube)
(1) I understand YouTube's algorithm. However while watching subscribed (aka "old" previously published) material, I have missed live versions of "belled" content. What I would like, would be a notification in upper or lower corner of screen indicating a live feed is currently underway. Email notification of live feeds usually is viewed too late to be valuable. (2) Stormy Daniels' attorney...Trump's attorney has an attorney, I believe her and also believe that the legal profession is getting the major money in this kerfuffle.(3) I applaud those who march. My "march" will be through every politician's record whenever I vote. I wonder who is running NRA pr, whenever they issue a statement it sounds disingenuous and just plain stupid. (4) Sad, but whenever I hear a terse, overly diplomatic, calm denial by Russian government officials, I hear the same terse, overly diplomatic, calm denial by Russian government officials regarding doping their athletes, in the film Icarus. https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/08/icarus-review-netflix/535962/
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Breathe (2017)
watched on Amazon Prime 03/25/2018
Breathe, is a funny movie about an unfunny illness. Uplifting without being maudlin, it is expertly directed by first time director, Andy Serkis (yes that one). Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy (as Robin and Diana Cavemdish) inhabit their roles not just act them. Supporting actors such as Tom Hollander (as twins Bloggs Blacker and David Blacker), Hugh Bonneville (as Teddy Hall) and Stephen Mangan (as Dr. Clement Aitken) are the standouts in the supporting cast. The pace of this movie never drags and takes you many more places than one would expect to go in a story about severe disability. At the start of the closing credits are real life clips of the actual people Robin and Diana Cavendish and their son Jonathan. Jonathan Cavendish cofounded Imaginarium Studios with Andy Serkis. This film is dedicated to Robin Cavendish.
watched on Amazon Prime 03/25/2018
Breathe, is a funny movie about an unfunny illness. Uplifting without being maudlin, it is expertly directed by first time director, Andy Serkis (yes that one). Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy (as Robin and Diana Cavemdish) inhabit their roles not just act them. Supporting actors such as Tom Hollander (as twins Bloggs Blacker and David Blacker), Hugh Bonneville (as Teddy Hall) and Stephen Mangan (as Dr. Clement Aitken) are the standouts in the supporting cast. The pace of this movie never drags and takes you many more places than one would expect to go in a story about severe disability. At the start of the closing credits are real life clips of the actual people Robin and Diana Cavendish and their son Jonathan. Jonathan Cavendish cofounded Imaginarium Studios with Andy Serkis. This film is dedicated to Robin Cavendish.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)
seen in regular format at a theater (03/23/2018)
Was totally illogical with questionable science and tech. However it was a lot of fun.
The primary lead John Boyega (as Jake Pentecost) actually seemed like a stronger character than his acting in Star Wars.
Secondary characters standouts: Scott Eastwood (as Nate Lambert), Cailee Spaeny (as teen recruit, Amara Namani)Burn Gorman (as Dr. Hermann Gottlieb), Charlie Day (as Dr. Newton Geiszler) and Tian Jing (as Liwen Shao).
Jaegers were first and last line of defense against the Kaiju. Liwen Shao heads a company angeling to replace Jaegers with 2 pilots joined by "drifting" with automated drones. Dr. Newton Geiszler is in charge of programming these drones.
The guys are right, this movie doesn't have the crazed style, enthusiasm and energy of the first one (which was directed by and written by Guillermo del Toro). However it was a fun movie. John Boyega being much more heroic than his character (Finn) in Star Wars. It is funny that the one detail of this Jaeger vs Kaiju movie where it was the hardest to suspend disbelief, was the power and versatility of an iPad (or tablet?) for remotely reprogramming a complex entity. With the assistance of popcorn and a matinee price, I was entertained throughout this movie.
This movie was fun. I saw it as a matinee in regular format (= cheap as I could see it). Yeah the biology, tech and even the big villain was less than coherent, but it was organized chaos. However, I did miss Guillermo del Toro's really out there enthusiastically out of the box/off the wall point of view. Ironically the one element in this Jaeger vs. Kaiju scenario upon which was the hardest to suspend disbelief was the connectivity and complexity of an ordinary-looking iPad ( or Tablet?) in a complex reprogramming stunt.
seen in regular format at a theater (03/23/2018)
Was totally illogical with questionable science and tech. However it was a lot of fun.
The primary lead John Boyega (as Jake Pentecost) actually seemed like a stronger character than his acting in Star Wars.
Secondary characters standouts: Scott Eastwood (as Nate Lambert), Cailee Spaeny (as teen recruit, Amara Namani)Burn Gorman (as Dr. Hermann Gottlieb), Charlie Day (as Dr. Newton Geiszler) and Tian Jing (as Liwen Shao).
Jaegers were first and last line of defense against the Kaiju. Liwen Shao heads a company angeling to replace Jaegers with 2 pilots joined by "drifting" with automated drones. Dr. Newton Geiszler is in charge of programming these drones.
The guys are right, this movie doesn't have the crazed style, enthusiasm and energy of the first one (which was directed by and written by Guillermo del Toro). However it was a fun movie. John Boyega being much more heroic than his character (Finn) in Star Wars. It is funny that the one detail of this Jaeger vs Kaiju movie where it was the hardest to suspend disbelief, was the power and versatility of an iPad (or tablet?) for remotely reprogramming a complex entity. With the assistance of popcorn and a matinee price, I was entertained throughout this movie.
This movie was fun. I saw it as a matinee in regular format (= cheap as I could see it). Yeah the biology, tech and even the big villain was less than coherent, but it was organized chaos. However, I did miss Guillermo del Toro's really out there enthusiastically out of the box/off the wall point of view. Ironically the one element in this Jaeger vs. Kaiju scenario upon which was the hardest to suspend disbelief was the connectivity and complexity of an ordinary-looking iPad ( or Tablet?) in a complex reprogramming stunt.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Tabula Rasa
9-episode 2017 series from Belgium (2017)
This is an emotional mystery/thriller from Belgium but not from Hercule Poirot universe in manner or in details. There is a timeline of events and behavior that seems to defy reality, still entertains. The condition of a home's basement seems utterly incomprehensible, which could be my personal prejudices regarding a livable environment. This series has the familiar trope of the lead character, being both a major suspect in a murder and a victim (of a drunken driver). However the lead, Veerle Baetens (as Annemie "Mie" D'Haeze), portrayed her part quite expertly. She is a formerly popular entertainer who after a massive car accident, is left alive but with brain damage resulting in short term memory loss. The supporting cast has various levels of expertise, but all seem capable. Jeroen Perceval (as Thomas De Geest) and Peter Van Den Begin (as Vronsky) were the standouts. There are MacGuffins galore galloping through the first 8 episodes. While I was able to solve some of the mysteries before the exposition heavy episode 9 gave them all away, there were still enough loose ends to keep me on board through the end of episode 9. The early episodes unfold in a slow leisurely pace, with lots of food being prepared, eaten and dishes washed. However I took all this kitchen action as a good script technique to focus on the wall-sized blackboard that filled one wall. This wall and a handwritten journal make up most of Mie's post-accident memories. The slow pace of the earlier episodes allows for Mie's investigation regarding her accident and a missing person (probable murder) incident. The last episode is so speed and exposition-driven that I was grateful for the pause and rewind feature on the streaming service. The ending while rushed, did provide some closure. I wonder if the script was intended to be a much longer series. There was no theatrical rating on this series, due to some blood and physical violence, but primarily due to subject matter, I would rate this series as an R.
9-episode 2017 series from Belgium (2017)
This is an emotional mystery/thriller from Belgium but not from Hercule Poirot universe in manner or in details. There is a timeline of events and behavior that seems to defy reality, still entertains. The condition of a home's basement seems utterly incomprehensible, which could be my personal prejudices regarding a livable environment. This series has the familiar trope of the lead character, being both a major suspect in a murder and a victim (of a drunken driver). However the lead, Veerle Baetens (as Annemie "Mie" D'Haeze), portrayed her part quite expertly. She is a formerly popular entertainer who after a massive car accident, is left alive but with brain damage resulting in short term memory loss. The supporting cast has various levels of expertise, but all seem capable. Jeroen Perceval (as Thomas De Geest) and Peter Van Den Begin (as Vronsky) were the standouts. There are MacGuffins galore galloping through the first 8 episodes. While I was able to solve some of the mysteries before the exposition heavy episode 9 gave them all away, there were still enough loose ends to keep me on board through the end of episode 9. The early episodes unfold in a slow leisurely pace, with lots of food being prepared, eaten and dishes washed. However I took all this kitchen action as a good script technique to focus on the wall-sized blackboard that filled one wall. This wall and a handwritten journal make up most of Mie's post-accident memories. The slow pace of the earlier episodes allows for Mie's investigation regarding her accident and a missing person (probable murder) incident. The last episode is so speed and exposition-driven that I was grateful for the pause and rewind feature on the streaming service. The ending while rushed, did provide some closure. I wonder if the script was intended to be a much longer series. There was no theatrical rating on this series, due to some blood and physical violence, but primarily due to subject matter, I would rate this series as an R.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Thoughts -- 03/20/2018
Regarding: Honest Trailers: All Wes Anderson Movies published 03/20/18 on You Tube
Massive job, massively well-done and a true tribute to the Wes Anderson-verse. I tried to sound Wes Andersony, but I failed didn't I or is the acknowledgement of failure a true Wes Anderson-ism. I will stop...now.
Suggestion for their next ALL-------Movies :
Don't hate me...do Guillermo del Toro? Maybe chose odd numbered years, this century (argh then you miss Cronos). Ok then Alfonso CuarĂ³n. Still too long? Do NOT make me say Uwe Boll. Argh, now I have said it...sorry.
Regarding: Honest Trailers: All Wes Anderson Movies published 03/20/18 on You Tube
Massive job, massively well-done and a true tribute to the Wes Anderson-verse. I tried to sound Wes Andersony, but I failed didn't I or is the acknowledgement of failure a true Wes Anderson-ism. I will stop...now.
Suggestion for their next ALL-------Movies :
Don't hate me...do Guillermo del Toro? Maybe chose odd numbered years, this century (argh then you miss Cronos). Ok then Alfonso CuarĂ³n. Still too long? Do NOT make me say Uwe Boll. Argh, now I have said it...sorry.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Altered Minds (2015---although the closing credits indicate 2013)
1 hr 35 min
Watched on Amazon Prime.
This is a highly charged movie. A family in crisis due to the illness of the father, but deeply broken and wounded. Due to subject matter only (non-deadly violence/a small amount of blood) I would rate this as a hard R. I found myself involuntarily holding my breathe during portions of this film. Ironic due to the condition of the main character. Acting was superb. Judd Hirsch (as Dr, Shellner) was the standout, but the entire ensemble worked well together and seemed to be relatable. The soundtrack did venture into hyper-dramatic drive in parts, but the excellent performances kept me watching. While the movie takes a while to get going, it seemed like the last 30 minutes raced to the conclusion. I can see this more effectively unfolding in dramatic play than in cinema format. Some scenes needed a little editing, but that is nitpicking. I cannot recommend this movie as entertainment, but I can recommend it as education and enlightenment. The last 2 lines of this film spoken by Judd Hirsch were amazing. I am not sure if they belong to the scriptwriter or someone else, but they resonated in my mind after the closing credits ended.
1 hr 35 min
Watched on Amazon Prime.
This is a highly charged movie. A family in crisis due to the illness of the father, but deeply broken and wounded. Due to subject matter only (non-deadly violence/a small amount of blood) I would rate this as a hard R. I found myself involuntarily holding my breathe during portions of this film. Ironic due to the condition of the main character. Acting was superb. Judd Hirsch (as Dr, Shellner) was the standout, but the entire ensemble worked well together and seemed to be relatable. The soundtrack did venture into hyper-dramatic drive in parts, but the excellent performances kept me watching. While the movie takes a while to get going, it seemed like the last 30 minutes raced to the conclusion. I can see this more effectively unfolding in dramatic play than in cinema format. Some scenes needed a little editing, but that is nitpicking. I cannot recommend this movie as entertainment, but I can recommend it as education and enlightenment. The last 2 lines of this film spoken by Judd Hirsch were amazing. I am not sure if they belong to the scriptwriter or someone else, but they resonated in my mind after the closing credits ended.
Thoughts - 03/19/2018
Philip DeFranco video published on 03/10/18 on YouTube
1)People like to watch and play, so....? (2) Twitch can and will survive. (3) I LOVE how people say dumb things in live feeds and twitter and then "apologize". Sorry I tend to believe the stream of consciousness w/o filter being the truth. As for this individual being a public official, well he isn't the worst or the most powerful out there, unfortunately. (4) I hope they solve it soon, obviously to keep people save, but to avoid copycats that simply want to be known in media. (5) So sad, that whenever the name "Trump" appears, it seems linked to suspicious, illegal, immoral, unethical or downright stupid behavior. That being said, my FB profile is right, left, middle and all over the place. So I am proud that if my data was co-opted, maybe it would assist in messing up whatever analytics were being mined and used. Is FB at fault? It comes down to stupid or liar, probably 60/40.
The Avengers - Infinity War (2018)
to be released
Black Panther: How Long Can It Stay #1 at the Box Office? - Movie Talk
(published 03/19/2018 on You Tube)
This is a theory, NOT a spoiler. Yes there will be major deaths, lots of them that match Tony Stark's dream-like images. BUT with the help of several Infinity Stones (maybe power & time) and Dr. Strange most or all come back. Perhaps some might be changed (She-Hulk?). Add into that theory the reality elements: actors' contracts, actors' ages and the Marvel movie (future) slate of films.
to be released
Black Panther: How Long Can It Stay #1 at the Box Office? - Movie Talk
(published 03/19/2018 on You Tube)
This is a theory, NOT a spoiler. Yes there will be major deaths, lots of them that match Tony Stark's dream-like images. BUT with the help of several Infinity Stones (maybe power & time) and Dr. Strange most or all come back. Perhaps some might be changed (She-Hulk?). Add into that theory the reality elements: actors' contracts, actors' ages and the Marvel movie (future) slate of films.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Tomb Raider (2018)
I would have traded most of the BMX scenes for additional time at the island. Early on, at the island section, Lara gets from point A to point B and back again in seemingly minutes. I did enjoy the scene with a certain large piece of used equipment during this relatively short commute. Difficult to be more specific without spoilers. I am a (very) casual player of this game franchise. While I did have issues with the movie, I enjoyed it for what it was, a popcorn movie. I did not dwell on its deficiency at being the savior of video game movies. I feel someday that there will be a "Wonder Woman" of video game movies (along with prosperity, world peace and AI which are not our overlords). Such is the context and fantasy regarding my opinion on Tomb Raider (2018).
-------------- I am only a casual Tomb Raider game player. However I did recognize some of the iconic scenes of Lara "in action" . As a fun popcorn movie this version of Tomb Raider was entertaining. This is more of a prequel Tomb Raider with many scenes of Lara as a child. Yes I did know who the big bad villain(not just the bad villain) was, but it didn't make me want to exit the movie, physically or mentally. I could have used less BMX time with more sailing and island time. I would watch a 2nd movie with Alicia Vikander in this role. -------------
I would have traded most of the BMX scenes for additional time at the island. Early on, at the island section, Lara gets from point A to point B and back again in seemingly minutes. I did enjoy the scene with a certain large piece of used equipment during this relatively short commute. Difficult to be more specific without spoilers. I am a (very) casual player of this game franchise. While I did have issues with the movie, I enjoyed it for what it was, a popcorn movie. I did not dwell on its deficiency at being the savior of video game movies. I feel someday that there will be a "Wonder Woman" of video game movies (along with prosperity, world peace and AI which are not our overlords). Such is the context and fantasy regarding my opinion on Tomb Raider (2018).
-------------- I am only a casual Tomb Raider game player. However I did recognize some of the iconic scenes of Lara "in action" . As a fun popcorn movie this version of Tomb Raider was entertaining. This is more of a prequel Tomb Raider with many scenes of Lara as a child. Yes I did know who the big bad villain(not just the bad villain) was, but it didn't make me want to exit the movie, physically or mentally. I could have used less BMX time with more sailing and island time. I would watch a 2nd movie with Alicia Vikander in this role. -------------
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Thoughts -- 03/15/2018
Re: video games/violence -- You Tube Video by Funhaus "Dude Soup" published 03/15/18
I often game play as an Elf. However I do not identify as an Elf, do not think that I am an Elf nor do I have any prejudices regarding Orcs (hey I liked the last 20 minutes of Bright). These dumb video games = serial killer theses that surface after every tragedy, gives me headaches and thoughts that the movie Idiocracy (2006) was a sly documentary.
Re: video games/violence -- You Tube Video by Funhaus "Dude Soup" published 03/15/18
I often game play as an Elf. However I do not identify as an Elf, do not think that I am an Elf nor do I have any prejudices regarding Orcs (hey I liked the last 20 minutes of Bright). These dumb video games = serial killer theses that surface after every tragedy, gives me headaches and thoughts that the movie Idiocracy (2006) was a sly documentary.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Thoughts : 03/13/2018
The Strangers: Prey At Night (movie), can die in a Netflix abyss. I will not be watching this movie. I hate horror or thriller movies whose main trope is dumb/pretty people (whatever color) who act and react stupidly. It is also lazy writing. Just as jump scares are lazy editing and directing.
The Strangers: Prey At Night (movie), can die in a Netflix abyss. I will not be watching this movie. I hate horror or thriller movies whose main trope is dumb/pretty people (whatever color) who act and react stupidly. It is also lazy writing. Just as jump scares are lazy editing and directing.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Thoughts on --- 03/11/2018
Yes--I would watch. No--I have no problem with a former President and a former First Lady sponsoring and/or participating in documentaries, commentaries or educationally oriented programs.
Full Disclosure: I have, (occasionally in autumn) had reason to use a sharpie near the name, Obama, to complete an official document which I then passed to elderly personnel at a local public building.I have fond memories of those halcyon days.
Obama Netflix Series in Development
Yes--I would watch. No--I have no problem with a former President and a former First Lady sponsoring and/or participating in documentaries, commentaries or educationally oriented programs.
Full Disclosure: I have, (occasionally in autumn) had reason to use a sharpie near the name, Obama, to complete an official document which I then passed to elderly personnel at a local public building.I have fond memories of those halcyon days.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
A Wrinkle In Time (2018)
PG 1 hr 49 min
I did read the book, as a child. Disappointing that (according to many reviews) it does not live up to the book. At 1 hour and 49 minutes running time, I am not surprised that character development wasn't adequate. I still might see it, as a discounted matinee, if only to put large than life colorful images to the memories I have of the book.
Learned from the Double Toasted review (published on 03.08/18) on YouTube that was also a 2003 Disney tv movie, I never knew. I read and loved the book as a child. Unfortunately I feel that one of my childhood illusions is about to be smashed. Aww Ava DuVernay, I had such hopes.
When I was a child this was my favorite book. Although short, in the book the children travel to more places for a considerable time not as fast forward as movie indicates. This movie is choppy, even though I know the story. Wonder if there is a 4 hour Ava DuVernay Director's Cut lurking in that very very deep Disney vault. The movie was sweet, colorful, with decent acting (although the youngest actor had a pitch to his voice that made hearing his dialogue problematic. This character (Charles Wallace, Meg's brother) was waaay less perky in the book. I would have cast an older kid who was short and looked young. Of course kids grow fast, so hiring a short youngish boy could end of being more of a CGI disaster than a certain mustache on a certain actor in a certain superhero film. Recommendations, see as a discounted matinee with maybe a quick look at the book's wiki reference.
PG 1 hr 49 min
I did read the book, as a child. Disappointing that (according to many reviews) it does not live up to the book. At 1 hour and 49 minutes running time, I am not surprised that character development wasn't adequate. I still might see it, as a discounted matinee, if only to put large than life colorful images to the memories I have of the book.
Learned from the Double Toasted review (published on 03.08/18) on YouTube that was also a 2003 Disney tv movie, I never knew. I read and loved the book as a child. Unfortunately I feel that one of my childhood illusions is about to be smashed. Aww Ava DuVernay, I had such hopes.
When I was a child this was my favorite book. Although short, in the book the children travel to more places for a considerable time not as fast forward as movie indicates. This movie is choppy, even though I know the story. Wonder if there is a 4 hour Ava DuVernay Director's Cut lurking in that very very deep Disney vault. The movie was sweet, colorful, with decent acting (although the youngest actor had a pitch to his voice that made hearing his dialogue problematic. This character (Charles Wallace, Meg's brother) was waaay less perky in the book. I would have cast an older kid who was short and looked young. Of course kids grow fast, so hiring a short youngish boy could end of being more of a CGI disaster than a certain mustache on a certain actor in a certain superhero film. Recommendations, see as a discounted matinee with maybe a quick look at the book's wiki reference.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Thoughts on March 7, 2018
Based on TYT show published 03/06/18:
Actress Amber Tamblyn has been accused of anti-semitism after a social media post involving a Hasidic man. Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian, the hosts of The Young Turks, discuss if the criticism is justified. Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
-----------------------------------------
If the driver looked like a Hasidic individual, including that description along with a vehicle description in a police report first (with Twitter a distant second) is not anti-Semitic. Just as describing the driver as caucasian if that individual had white skin would not be prejudiced against caucasians. It is difficult to identify criminals based on a stick figure without details or tones. As for the bike riding comment, again notify the police and follow up, not sure Twitter can provide useful assistance. Twitter seems to be best at dispensing snap judgements on tweets made without filter. Maybe I am just prejudiced against Twitter?
Based on Collider Town Hall published 03/05/18:
Mark Ellis hosts a town hall with new Collider owner Marc Fernandez, Collider.com editor-in-chief Steve Weintraub, Collider Video head of creative Kristian Harloff, and Collider Video head of production Dennis Tzeng. They will be answering all of your questions regarding the future of Collider as we become an independent venture.
--------------------------------------------------
One of my favorite questions was by Cookbook500 (@44:29) about the source of Collider's revenue as it was prefaced by Mark Ellis's intro "he does not MINCE words". A close 2nd moment for me was Mark Ellis's almost metaphysical comment wondering if Collider employees were now composed of cryptocurrency. When Mark has a good verbal one, it shows in his eyes first, almost reminiscent of a certain scene of a recent science fiction film. Very informative panel (not all about baby carrots), glad that they mentioned they hope to rehire certain past employees as Collider becomes larger.
Based on TYT show published 03/06/18:
Actress Amber Tamblyn has been accused of anti-semitism after a social media post involving a Hasidic man. Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian, the hosts of The Young Turks, discuss if the criticism is justified. Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
-----------------------------------------
If the driver looked like a Hasidic individual, including that description along with a vehicle description in a police report first (with Twitter a distant second) is not anti-Semitic. Just as describing the driver as caucasian if that individual had white skin would not be prejudiced against caucasians. It is difficult to identify criminals based on a stick figure without details or tones. As for the bike riding comment, again notify the police and follow up, not sure Twitter can provide useful assistance. Twitter seems to be best at dispensing snap judgements on tweets made without filter. Maybe I am just prejudiced against Twitter?
Based on Collider Town Hall published 03/05/18:
Mark Ellis hosts a town hall with new Collider owner Marc Fernandez, Collider.com editor-in-chief Steve Weintraub, Collider Video head of creative Kristian Harloff, and Collider Video head of production Dennis Tzeng. They will be answering all of your questions regarding the future of Collider as we become an independent venture.
--------------------------------------------------
One of my favorite questions was by Cookbook500 (@44:29) about the source of Collider's revenue as it was prefaced by Mark Ellis's intro "he does not MINCE words". A close 2nd moment for me was Mark Ellis's almost metaphysical comment wondering if Collider employees were now composed of cryptocurrency. When Mark has a good verbal one, it shows in his eyes first, almost reminiscent of a certain scene of a recent science fiction film. Very informative panel (not all about baby carrots), glad that they mentioned they hope to rehire certain past employees as Collider becomes larger.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Icarus (2017)
Watched on Netflix March 4, 2018
This documentary is rightfully in competition for Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2017. Narrated in parts by Bryan Fogel (also director and producer) and Grigory Rodchenkov (former director of an anti-doping lab in Russia) my attention was riveted to the screen. The music did not overwhelm the narrative. Cinematography ranged from a comparatively intimate setting with 2 individuals talking, to stock footage of various athletic tournaments, all well placed. Editing kept each scene moving with dialogue that was pertinent not polemic. What was especially chilling were the quotations read by Grigory Rodchenkov from the novel by George Orwell 1984. Text segments that prove to be scarily relevant.The terse final credits detail what happened after information held by Grigory Rodchenkov was made public, thanks to the assistance of Mr. Fogel. This started out for Bryan Fogel as a personal story with the devastating news of the long use of steroids by his idol, racing cyclist Lance Armstrong. Bryan Fogel decided to make a documentary of himself actually taking steroids, medically monitored and on video. This would show his journey from months of steroids to participation of the French race "Haute Route" to see if that use would enhance his performance and if so, could it be discovered with current protocols. One of Mr. Fogel's consultant's in this journal was Grigory Rodchenkov, then head of WADA's (World Anti-Doping Agency) branch in Russia. Unexpectedly this personal documentary turned into an international scandal with one whistleblower affecting an entire nation, Russia. Ironically the location to where a very famous United States whistleblower fled. Information released because of this documentary detailed decades long use of prohibited substances taken by Russian athletes. Even knowing about this news, does not diminish the power of this 2 hour documentary. There is more stress, excitement, revelations, international intrigue and drama in this documentary than any spy thriller I have ever seen. There is no blood, no visible bruising, no screams of the tortured and no sexual intrigue...there is only urine. Ultimately that is the final irony, because it was that substance that supported the claims of what the Russian government to this day continues to deny...wide-spread state sanctioned doping.
Watched on Netflix March 4, 2018
This documentary is rightfully in competition for Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2017. Narrated in parts by Bryan Fogel (also director and producer) and Grigory Rodchenkov (former director of an anti-doping lab in Russia) my attention was riveted to the screen. The music did not overwhelm the narrative. Cinematography ranged from a comparatively intimate setting with 2 individuals talking, to stock footage of various athletic tournaments, all well placed. Editing kept each scene moving with dialogue that was pertinent not polemic. What was especially chilling were the quotations read by Grigory Rodchenkov from the novel by George Orwell 1984. Text segments that prove to be scarily relevant.The terse final credits detail what happened after information held by Grigory Rodchenkov was made public, thanks to the assistance of Mr. Fogel. This started out for Bryan Fogel as a personal story with the devastating news of the long use of steroids by his idol, racing cyclist Lance Armstrong. Bryan Fogel decided to make a documentary of himself actually taking steroids, medically monitored and on video. This would show his journey from months of steroids to participation of the French race "Haute Route" to see if that use would enhance his performance and if so, could it be discovered with current protocols. One of Mr. Fogel's consultant's in this journal was Grigory Rodchenkov, then head of WADA's (World Anti-Doping Agency) branch in Russia. Unexpectedly this personal documentary turned into an international scandal with one whistleblower affecting an entire nation, Russia. Ironically the location to where a very famous United States whistleblower fled. Information released because of this documentary detailed decades long use of prohibited substances taken by Russian athletes. Even knowing about this news, does not diminish the power of this 2 hour documentary. There is more stress, excitement, revelations, international intrigue and drama in this documentary than any spy thriller I have ever seen. There is no blood, no visible bruising, no screams of the tortured and no sexual intrigue...there is only urine. Ultimately that is the final irony, because it was that substance that supported the claims of what the Russian government to this day continues to deny...wide-spread state sanctioned doping.
Saturday, March 3, 2018
Thoughts -- 03/03/2018
The Shape of Water (see Lindsay Ellis "My Monster Boyfriend" published 03/02/18)
I always enjoy these discussions of cinema as it pertains to our psychology and sociology. However in my non-intellectual, non-informed and shall we say random theories, I believe women, while susceptible to beauty, are more evolved into seeing nobility, honesty and intelligence in a less than visually pleasing entity. Full disclosure: I am and identify as, female.
comment to a 03/02/18 published review of Death Wish (2018) of SJ news on You Tube
Didn't, nor do I wish to, see this movie (in any format). My negative feelings are just based on the trailer and reviews. Did Eli Roth want to make a point, a la The Purge movie? Maybe to persuade the part of the population kind of uncertain regarding gun laws along with undiagnosed/untreated mental instability. However considering the Occam's razor algorithm, maybe this release date is due to contractual issues (actor, copyright, insurance whatever). Highly probable that this film had to be released before a particular deadline.
The Shape of Water (see Lindsay Ellis "My Monster Boyfriend" published 03/02/18)
I always enjoy these discussions of cinema as it pertains to our psychology and sociology. However in my non-intellectual, non-informed and shall we say random theories, I believe women, while susceptible to beauty, are more evolved into seeing nobility, honesty and intelligence in a less than visually pleasing entity. Full disclosure: I am and identify as, female.
comment to a 03/02/18 published review of Death Wish (2018) of SJ news on You Tube
Didn't, nor do I wish to, see this movie (in any format). My negative feelings are just based on the trailer and reviews. Did Eli Roth want to make a point, a la The Purge movie? Maybe to persuade the part of the population kind of uncertain regarding gun laws along with undiagnosed/untreated mental instability. However considering the Occam's razor algorithm, maybe this release date is due to contractual issues (actor, copyright, insurance whatever). Highly probable that this film had to be released before a particular deadline.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Thoughts - 03/01//2018
Regarding Philip DeFranco video published 03/01/18
(1) If I understand Trump's words concerning gun laws, I agree with him? Inconceivable, I must have misheard. (2) Equifax, am not surprised. Shortly after first announcement, I went onto their site. In order to check my potential liability, I had to give them some very personal information. I said (to myself) hell no and simply monitored my records on my own. (3) So few tears for Mr. Kelly.(4)So I can buy toilet tissue, prunes, nail polish AND a gun at Kroger's? USA USA USA (5)Most tweets are best kept silent. (6) West Virginia with health costs skyrocketing and teacher salaries diminishing in buying power, might want to study and implement the Colorado model of fiscal solvency. (7) LOVE new queer eye, not equally each episode, but definitely better reality streaming video than realty network tv shows.
Regarding Philip DeFranco video published 03/01/18
(1) If I understand Trump's words concerning gun laws, I agree with him? Inconceivable, I must have misheard. (2) Equifax, am not surprised. Shortly after first announcement, I went onto their site. In order to check my potential liability, I had to give them some very personal information. I said (to myself) hell no and simply monitored my records on my own. (3) So few tears for Mr. Kelly.(4)So I can buy toilet tissue, prunes, nail polish AND a gun at Kroger's? USA USA USA (5)Most tweets are best kept silent. (6) West Virginia with health costs skyrocketing and teacher salaries diminishing in buying power, might want to study and implement the Colorado model of fiscal solvency. (7) LOVE new queer eye, not equally each episode, but definitely better reality streaming video than realty network tv shows.
Thoughts on Red Sparrow (trailer) 2018
I would rather see a film about all those Russian hackers and trolls in one room posting on USA-fb and USA-political sites. Jennifer Lawrence would of course be the lead in that film. That element plus the "extra-curricular" training which plays such a major part of Red Sparrow, would most likely get more people into the tech and science fields...I am only partially joking.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)