Thursday, June 28, 2018
Floyd Norman: An Animated Life (2016)
a documentary watched on Netflix 06/28/2018
5/5 STARS
This movie gave me everything I could want from a documentary. I learned new things, was entertained and found a role model. I was just passing through Netflix looking for something, anything and came across this film. It began slowly, with the usual talking heads motif, but Floyd Norman's attitude, talent and lack of filter began to grab my attention. Interest in Disney, Pixar and general animation is a plus, but not necessary to enjoy this movie. An Animated Life manages to give the viewer data on Floyd Norman, Disney's early animation years (while Walt Disney was still alive) and even what makes an artist. There are discussions on corporate employment that will surprise the viewer in their direction. These discussions are as real and as vital as Floyd Norman himself. This is a well-edited and directed movie. Of course, that the primary attraction becomes Floyd Norman which as the film says, is an animator, a storyteller and a troublemaker.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Thoughts on 6/27/2018
John Campea video published 6/27/2018 on You Tube RE: What should theaters do when mistakes happen?
I usually get blank looks on my initial report of a problem. When I restate the problem, I see the lights go back on in the employee's eyes resulting in immediate assistance or a free pass. I think that the job lends itself towards a hypnotic type state. So I recommend kindness and patience as these guys are TIRED and a little bored. Excepting an occasional clueless and classless audience member, I have never been disrespected in a theater.
John Campea video published 6/27/2018 on You Tube RE: What should theaters do when mistakes happen?
I usually get blank looks on my initial report of a problem. When I restate the problem, I see the lights go back on in the employee's eyes resulting in immediate assistance or a free pass. I think that the job lends itself towards a hypnotic type state. So I recommend kindness and patience as these guys are TIRED and a little bored. Excepting an occasional clueless and classless audience member, I have never been disrespected in a theater.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Thoughts on June 24, 2018
Comment posted to TYT video published 06/24/18
RE: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Booted From Red Hen Restaurant
While I would not wish to be her server or even be a customer in the same restaurant, letting her eat there would probably be the easiest act. I read the interview with the owner of the restaurant. Seems like everyone, including Sarah Sanders, acted in a civil manner. I think that people are just so frustrated with administration policies, that any one supporting these policies who appear in a public location such as a restaurant, can be a triggering factor. Maybe The White House should just issue a memorandum stating that federal employees just avoid restaurants...especially those serving Mexican food. I would pay major dollars for an image of a highly placed official parked at a Taco Bell drive-through. Remember November 3, 2020 edges ever closer.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2108)
It was fun sit (once I moved to get away from a blinding cell phone). Chris Pratt did kind of exude super power in several action scenes, but I did not attend this movie expecting a documentary. I wanted fun and popcorn. While I overpaid for the popcorn, I still had an entertaining time. My movie ranking:
(1) Jurassic Park (1993)
(2) Jurassic World (2015)
(3) Jurassic World:Fallen Kingdom (2018)
(4) Jurassic Park: The Lost World (1997)
(5) Jurassic Park III (2001) <----reasons for low ranking: Téa Leoni's annoying screaming and the talking ("Alan") velociraptor.
The pachycephalosaurus (in 3rd Act of movie back at Lockwood Mansion) had some of the best comic scenes in the movie. (SPOILER: during jail break scene and auction riot scene)
The carnotaurus was kind of the "dick" and bully who in one or two scenes was kind of like the Wily Coyote to the tyrannosaurus rex's Roadrunner.
As perfunctory as it was, listen to the prologue and epilogue delivered by Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). Badly paraphrasing, this cataclysm began when the first bit of DNA was extracted from the amber, altered and grown w/o any ethics or concern for the future.
This is a big dumb fun popcorn movie. I am told that trailers spoiled a lot of this movie. Glad that I avoided them. The direction was good, soundtrack acceptable, writing problematic and CGI excellent on dinosaurs, but laughable on lava. While this movie did show flashes of themes that I wanted to explore and see expanded, like any theme park ride it just went full speed without deviation until the end. However there was a scene, (in the movie's middle act) which oddly went on far too long, wringing emotion in an unpleasant way, even though the cinematography was breathtaking. Problematically, this scene is almost a visual whiplash, stopping the movie's momentum in an emotionally painful way. With cartoony villains, odd plot twists, Wily Coyote/Roadrunner humor and ethical disputes, there seemed to be many ideas with odd tonal shifts. It does make me wonder about if J. A. Bayona was in 100% control. While the movie itself was showed signs of expert direction, there was also a bipolar feel in that this film did not know if it was an action/adventure fantasy, a commentary on corporate greed, an animal rights discussion or bio-ethics in our time.
Some flashes of fun: (1) news (?CNN) crawl in early scene of this movie...check out a quote by a certain upper level USA government official, (2) Deux ex machina...via T-Rex and (3) there is a dinosaur (pachycephalosaurus) in the third act who was an unofficial action star.
Fallen Kingdom has dinosaurs, I went, adding a tub of (unbuttered) popcorn my experience was good. Will I be disappointed if it does not win best picture, no. Will I go to 3rd (aka 6th) one in 2020...maybe, only if they do not rip off Planet of the Apes.
It was fun sit (once I moved to get away from a blinding cell phone). Chris Pratt did kind of exude super power in several action scenes, but I did not attend this movie expecting a documentary. I wanted fun and popcorn. While I overpaid for the popcorn, I still had an entertaining time. My movie ranking:
(1) Jurassic Park (1993)
(2) Jurassic World (2015)
(3) Jurassic World:Fallen Kingdom (2018)
(4) Jurassic Park: The Lost World (1997)
(5) Jurassic Park III (2001) <----reasons for low ranking: Téa Leoni's annoying screaming and the talking ("Alan") velociraptor.
The pachycephalosaurus (in 3rd Act of movie back at Lockwood Mansion) had some of the best comic scenes in the movie. (SPOILER: during jail break scene and auction riot scene)
The carnotaurus was kind of the "dick" and bully who in one or two scenes was kind of like the Wily Coyote to the tyrannosaurus rex's Roadrunner.
As perfunctory as it was, listen to the prologue and epilogue delivered by Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). Badly paraphrasing, this cataclysm began when the first bit of DNA was extracted from the amber, altered and grown w/o any ethics or concern for the future.
This is a big dumb fun popcorn movie. I am told that trailers spoiled a lot of this movie. Glad that I avoided them. The direction was good, soundtrack acceptable, writing problematic and CGI excellent on dinosaurs, but laughable on lava. While this movie did show flashes of themes that I wanted to explore and see expanded, like any theme park ride it just went full speed without deviation until the end. However there was a scene, (in the movie's middle act) which oddly went on far too long, wringing emotion in an unpleasant way, even though the cinematography was breathtaking. Problematically, this scene is almost a visual whiplash, stopping the movie's momentum in an emotionally painful way. With cartoony villains, odd plot twists, Wily Coyote/Roadrunner humor and ethical disputes, there seemed to be many ideas with odd tonal shifts. It does make me wonder about if J. A. Bayona was in 100% control. While the movie itself was showed signs of expert direction, there was also a bipolar feel in that this film did not know if it was an action/adventure fantasy, a commentary on corporate greed, an animal rights discussion or bio-ethics in our time.
Some flashes of fun: (1) news (?CNN) crawl in early scene of this movie...check out a quote by a certain upper level USA government official, (2) Deux ex machina...via T-Rex and (3) there is a dinosaur (pachycephalosaurus) in the third act who was an unofficial action star.
Fallen Kingdom has dinosaurs, I went, adding a tub of (unbuttered) popcorn my experience was good. Will I be disappointed if it does not win best picture, no. Will I go to 3rd (aka 6th) one in 2020...maybe, only if they do not rip off Planet of the Apes.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Thoughts -- June 19 2018
Comment posted to Philip DeFranco video published on You Tube June 19
RE: new WHO addition of compulsive video gaming to their manual
separating children from their families in illegal immigration
I am wondering how many of those suggesting a video game disorder own smart phones, tablets or pads. Also what is their work schedule vs time at home. I could go on, but you get the point that addiction can choose many targets and basically should just be filed in their tome as "Addiction". Perhaps they will be able to add lots of new chapters, when those children separated from their parents grow up showing all kinds of psychological disorders. Listening to those cries make me nauseous, I wonder what chapter that puts me in.
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Anthony Bourdain died from suicide at age 61 -- June 8, 2018
It breaks my heart that he couldn't share his burden with anyone. Watching him on his various shows has cheered me on many occasions. Thank you to Rocha for sharing that sensitive personal story. We need to keep people talking and sharing. That may be one way to keep as many as possible from tragedy.
Anthony Bourdain's presence was a gift that I selfishly took for granted. Kate Spade's death shook me, however Anthony Bourdain's death makes me almost doubt reality. He seemed invincible, courageous and such a vibrant participant in this world. He used food to show us, that globally we all have so much in common, no matter where we live or what we eat. That his emotional pain was so great that he could not go on almost makes it hard for me to breathe. I am glad the media is posting suicide hotlines and repeating that talking to someone is so important.
It breaks my heart that he couldn't share his burden with anyone. Watching him on his various shows has cheered me on many occasions. Thank you to Rocha for sharing that sensitive personal story. We need to keep people talking and sharing. That may be one way to keep as many as possible from tragedy.
Anthony Bourdain's presence was a gift that I selfishly took for granted. Kate Spade's death shook me, however Anthony Bourdain's death makes me almost doubt reality. He seemed invincible, courageous and such a vibrant participant in this world. He used food to show us, that globally we all have so much in common, no matter where we live or what we eat. That his emotional pain was so great that he could not go on almost makes it hard for me to breathe. I am glad the media is posting suicide hotlines and repeating that talking to someone is so important.
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Thoughts (06/07/2018) on Mystery Illness affecting diplomats in Cuba and China
https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN1J232K
Hypothesis: possible cause container of frozen nitrogen released into rooms while inhabitants slept. The metal noise could be the tank being accessed and gas released. High concentrations of nitrogen can produce "the bends" in divers. Theoretically nitrogen released into a closed room could produce similar symptoms of "the bends" involving fatigue, achiness, mental confusion and brain injuries especially with individuals sleeping in a relatively closed confined place.
Selection from linked article:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0601/p2211.html
"Decompression sickness is caused by the release of inert gas bubbles (usually nitrogen) into the bloodstream and tissues after ambient pressure is reduced.2–5,10 At depth, the partial pressures of gasses in the breathing mixture increase in proportion to the ambient pressure, according to Dalton's law.6 Although oxygen is actively metabolized, nitrogen is inert and becomes dissolved in body tissues until saturation, proportional to the ambient pressure as defined by Henry's law.6 The propensity for the formation of nitrogen bubbles depends on the depth of the dive, the length of time at depth and the rate of ascent. If ambient pressure is released too quickly, the dissolved nitrogen gas that cannot remain in solution will form air bubbles within the blood, interstitial fluids and organ."
My Conclusions:
My education in chemistry, physics, even biology is only at 1st year college level. Thus my conclusions are no doubt in error. However, not sure how nitrogen could be accidentally accessed and released. However as this gas is not considered a weapon, international laws against chemical/gas poisons would probably not be legally applicable. As there is no use to large concentrations nitrogen being pumped into rooms (air conditioning malfunction?) that would mean that this activity would unfortunately equate to a military attack on non-combatants. If so, what is the end game of this unfriendly action? Would authorities in Cuba and China be aware of this activity?
https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN1J232K
Hypothesis: possible cause container of frozen nitrogen released into rooms while inhabitants slept. The metal noise could be the tank being accessed and gas released. High concentrations of nitrogen can produce "the bends" in divers. Theoretically nitrogen released into a closed room could produce similar symptoms of "the bends" involving fatigue, achiness, mental confusion and brain injuries especially with individuals sleeping in a relatively closed confined place.
Selection from linked article:
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0601/p2211.html
"Decompression sickness is caused by the release of inert gas bubbles (usually nitrogen) into the bloodstream and tissues after ambient pressure is reduced.2–5,10 At depth, the partial pressures of gasses in the breathing mixture increase in proportion to the ambient pressure, according to Dalton's law.6 Although oxygen is actively metabolized, nitrogen is inert and becomes dissolved in body tissues until saturation, proportional to the ambient pressure as defined by Henry's law.6 The propensity for the formation of nitrogen bubbles depends on the depth of the dive, the length of time at depth and the rate of ascent. If ambient pressure is released too quickly, the dissolved nitrogen gas that cannot remain in solution will form air bubbles within the blood, interstitial fluids and organ."
My Conclusions:
My education in chemistry, physics, even biology is only at 1st year college level. Thus my conclusions are no doubt in error. However, not sure how nitrogen could be accidentally accessed and released. However as this gas is not considered a weapon, international laws against chemical/gas poisons would probably not be legally applicable. As there is no use to large concentrations nitrogen being pumped into rooms (air conditioning malfunction?) that would mean that this activity would unfortunately equate to a military attack on non-combatants. If so, what is the end game of this unfriendly action? Would authorities in Cuba and China be aware of this activity?
Thoughts on 06/07/2018
SJU (Screen Junkies) panel talks about the story surrounding Star Wars fan reactions towards Kelly Marie Tran and has a discussion about the big picture of fandom in the digital world - it's SJ Universe!
I noticed an increased amount of vitriol and slimy online posts around August 2013 at the beginning of the Gamergate controversy which I am not linking to here as I do not want to dredge up any names. The second big jump seemed to ignite on November 8 2016, changing to a tsunami of questionable posts by 01/01/2017 (I will let others make that connection). I have no solutions. I do not expect Rian Johnson to have any solutions. However something we should all be aware of, if we do not police ourselves others will do it for us. Given the current climate in DC, I think that we should all shape up quickly.
I agree with a comment Dan said (maybe in jest or even frustration), let's retrain humanity. Next time a questionable noun is used, just use the comment field to simply link to the word in a dictionary. For example "snob" http://www.dictionary.com/browse/snob?s=t
Definition does not seem to be complimentary, but maybe that is just my viewpoint?
SJU (Screen Junkies) panel talks about the story surrounding Star Wars fan reactions towards Kelly Marie Tran and has a discussion about the big picture of fandom in the digital world - it's SJ Universe!
Above video posted on 06/07/2018 on You Tube------------My comment:
I noticed an increased amount of vitriol and slimy online posts around August 2013 at the beginning of the Gamergate controversy which I am not linking to here as I do not want to dredge up any names. The second big jump seemed to ignite on November 8 2016, changing to a tsunami of questionable posts by 01/01/2017 (I will let others make that connection). I have no solutions. I do not expect Rian Johnson to have any solutions. However something we should all be aware of, if we do not police ourselves others will do it for us. Given the current climate in DC, I think that we should all shape up quickly.
I agree with a comment Dan said (maybe in jest or even frustration), let's retrain humanity. Next time a questionable noun is used, just use the comment field to simply link to the word in a dictionary. For example "snob" http://www.dictionary.com/browse/snob?s=t
Definition does not seem to be complimentary, but maybe that is just my viewpoint?
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Thoughts on 06/06/2018
Star Wars (00:06), David Hogg (2:51), Brock Turner (5:27), Kim Kardashian(9:16)
My comment made on Philip DeFranco video published on YouTube 06/06/18
(1) Still not on twitter and glad of it. A lack of impulse control is endemic to that particular platform.(2) Yes, that is definitely a crime. I hope that individual(s) involved were stupid enough to use their own phone(s). (3) Didn't have Brock Turner have "connections", so judgement is not a surprise? However, the court's decision that Brock Turner is not a danger to the public, may be true...for about 1/2 the public. As for Aaron Persky recall, I agree with it as long as it does not result in future misuse. (4) We have tried punishment of drug offenders via jail for decades, it is not working. Time to try something else. As for KK personally requesting a pardon for this woman, I think at least one of the Kardashians may be growing up.
Star Wars (00:06), David Hogg (2:51), Brock Turner (5:27), Kim Kardashian(9:16)
My comment made on Philip DeFranco video published on YouTube 06/06/18
(1) Still not on twitter and glad of it. A lack of impulse control is endemic to that particular platform.(2) Yes, that is definitely a crime. I hope that individual(s) involved were stupid enough to use their own phone(s). (3) Didn't have Brock Turner have "connections", so judgement is not a surprise? However, the court's decision that Brock Turner is not a danger to the public, may be true...for about 1/2 the public. As for Aaron Persky recall, I agree with it as long as it does not result in future misuse. (4) We have tried punishment of drug offenders via jail for decades, it is not working. Time to try something else. As for KK personally requesting a pardon for this woman, I think at least one of the Kardashians may be growing up.
Monday, June 4, 2018
Thoughts - 06/04/2018
Comment posted to moviebob video on Geek.com published 06/04/18 on You Tube (Solo)
I love tech, fantasy sagas and giant creatures running around (someone else's) town, but the binary nature of all news is becoming annoying. I think that I have lost some vital IQ points in the last few years. So thank you moviebob for trying, you are appreciated...and needed.
Comment posted to TYT video published 06/ 01/18-You Tube (Samantha Bee "c***" word)
Joe Sanberg was right. Samantha Bee diminished her point, power and talent by using that word. As for Rosanne Barr's latest twitter rant, Rosanne Barr obviously has issues that would better be addressed by medical means than social media. BTW celebrities, politicians and anyone consider Twitter a quadrant of electronic space that should only be attempted by expert pilots.
Comment posted to TYT video published 05/31/18 on You Tube (man killed in own FL garage)
I read a news article on this incident. The article indicated multiple parents called and music which was more than loud but also had questionable language. So calling local authorities was not unreasonable. However the escalation of violence by said authorities was beyond reason. The local laws behind the civil suit may not have allowed for a finding of zero dollars resulting in a nonsensical amount.
Comment posted to Jeremy Jahns video published 05/04/18 on You Tube (trailer#2)
The trailer did make me laugh, especially the Princess scene. However even though Disney owns/will own everything, I do not really want to pay money to watch a Disney infomercial. Guess that I am hesitantly hopeful for Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 and later Ralph Reformats The Internet: Wreck It Ralph 3.0 (yeah, I made up that last one).
Comment posted to moviebob video on Geek.com published 06/04/18 on You Tube (Solo)
I love tech, fantasy sagas and giant creatures running around (someone else's) town, but the binary nature of all news is becoming annoying. I think that I have lost some vital IQ points in the last few years. So thank you moviebob for trying, you are appreciated...and needed.
Comment posted to TYT video published 06/ 01/18-You Tube (Samantha Bee "c***" word)
Joe Sanberg was right. Samantha Bee diminished her point, power and talent by using that word. As for Rosanne Barr's latest twitter rant, Rosanne Barr obviously has issues that would better be addressed by medical means than social media. BTW celebrities, politicians and anyone consider Twitter a quadrant of electronic space that should only be attempted by expert pilots.
Comment posted to TYT video published 05/31/18 on You Tube (man killed in own FL garage)
I read a news article on this incident. The article indicated multiple parents called and music which was more than loud but also had questionable language. So calling local authorities was not unreasonable. However the escalation of violence by said authorities was beyond reason. The local laws behind the civil suit may not have allowed for a finding of zero dollars resulting in a nonsensical amount.
Comment posted to Jeremy Jahns video published 05/04/18 on You Tube (trailer#2)
The trailer did make me laugh, especially the Princess scene. However even though Disney owns/will own everything, I do not really want to pay money to watch a Disney infomercial. Guess that I am hesitantly hopeful for Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 and later Ralph Reformats The Internet: Wreck It Ralph 3.0 (yeah, I made up that last one).
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Thoughts - 06/03/2018
Comment posted to Collider Movie Talk video published on You Tube 06/01/18
I like the 3-person panel format (vs 4+). Seems to allow for more individual expressions of both relevant and irreverent discussion points. Jojo Rabbit sounds a little close to THE line, but if anyone can do it (and be entertaining), it is Taika Waititi. Peppermint seems too trope-ridden. However, Jennifer Garner's performance might save it. Not sure about the films, but Perri (Power Rangers faction) vs Rocha (Transformers faction) is always entertaining. Great panel!
Comment posted to Collider Movie Talk video published on You Tube 06/01/18
I like the 3-person panel format (vs 4+). Seems to allow for more individual expressions of both relevant and irreverent discussion points. Jojo Rabbit sounds a little close to THE line, but if anyone can do it (and be entertaining), it is Taika Waititi. Peppermint seems too trope-ridden. However, Jennifer Garner's performance might save it. Not sure about the films, but Perri (Power Rangers faction) vs Rocha (Transformers faction) is always entertaining. Great panel!
Friday, June 1, 2018
Upgrade (2018)
R 1 hour 35 minutes
I liked, but not loved Upgrade. The strongest part was the humor in the middle act. Grey Trace (acted by Logan Marshall-Green) had good timing both with the comedy elements and the physicality of both injury and marital arts. I agree with this panel, the end was very predictable with some logic flaws when thinking back to behavior of some of the major characters, especially Eron (acted by Harrison Gilbertson). While I had problems with the script the acting was fun with just a little bit of scenery chewing which actually added to the humor element.
Never had to look at the time and even forgot to eat my popcorn (that is major) during this movie. I had not thought of the upcoming Venom movie until MovieBob's review. Logan Marshall-Green, with the slightly spoiler name of Grey Trace in Upgrade along with a more than passing resemblance to Tom Hardy, made this movie work equally as much as the script and directing.
I did like this movie. I think that the "divisive" aspect for some viewers is the movie's changing mood. Act 1 is a dark thriller, Act 2 is comedic and then Act 3 becomes a cold horror with its concluding scene.
It is a very good film with the lead (Logan Marshall-Green) making this movie exceptional. I kind of wish the humor had been carried to the end, but that is more personal preference than for any other reason. Kudos to Leigh Whannell (director/writer) for being courageous enough to end this movie as he did.
R 1 hour 35 minutes
I liked, but not loved Upgrade. The strongest part was the humor in the middle act. Grey Trace (acted by Logan Marshall-Green) had good timing both with the comedy elements and the physicality of both injury and marital arts. I agree with this panel, the end was very predictable with some logic flaws when thinking back to behavior of some of the major characters, especially Eron (acted by Harrison Gilbertson). While I had problems with the script the acting was fun with just a little bit of scenery chewing which actually added to the humor element.
Never had to look at the time and even forgot to eat my popcorn (that is major) during this movie. I had not thought of the upcoming Venom movie until MovieBob's review. Logan Marshall-Green, with the slightly spoiler name of Grey Trace in Upgrade along with a more than passing resemblance to Tom Hardy, made this movie work equally as much as the script and directing.
I did like this movie. I think that the "divisive" aspect for some viewers is the movie's changing mood. Act 1 is a dark thriller, Act 2 is comedic and then Act 3 becomes a cold horror with its concluding scene.
It is a very good film with the lead (Logan Marshall-Green) making this movie exceptional. I kind of wish the humor had been carried to the end, but that is more personal preference than for any other reason. Kudos to Leigh Whannell (director/writer) for being courageous enough to end this movie as he did.
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