Well it’s been a week since exercise has returned to my life and I’m still standing. Yes I’m no fan of physical activity. I’d rather walk than run. I’d rather float than swim. I’d rather watch than play. Of course like most semi-conscious health folks these days I understand the need for fitness…I just don’t like it.
Leave it to Nintendo to exorcise the boredom from exercise. The Wii Fit has a few kinks but overall is a very successful first foray into the world of video fitness. Probably its biggest misstep comes in its BMI measurement system. The balance board apparatus weighs you and asks for your height and age. However it never asks about your bone mass or muscle build which can both affect the results. Even though the resulting measurement can be off it still gives you a broad idea of where you stand. For example, I quickly realized I have the balance of a much older man.
Wii Fit balances both a fun and serious approach to the off-couch world. The balance and aerobic games are in the same vein as Wii Sports as you use your Mii in a variety of tasks. My partner and I have both enjoyed the downhill skiing and hula hoop events. Surprisingly the jogging event has become a favorite in my house. The balance board gets put away and you simply jog in a virtual park with the wiimote in your pocket. It’s a good workout and graphically pleasing. The strength and yoga exercises are where the serious work comes in and the training continues to reward. I particularly am finding the yoga intro very rewarding. My partner was very skeptical of the work out potential the game truly holds but after a pair of back to back workouts she’s convinced this is the real deal.
The balance board itself deserves a quick mention here. Once again Nintendo has made another break through in gaming. As I do the simple tasks in Wii Fit, I can’t help but think how the board could lend itself to skate and road games. Its mechanics are near flawless and the reaction time is instantaneous. I can’t wait until Tony Hawk brings us something that utilizes the board even further.
With 3 days of training down I can hardly contain my Wii Fit joy. Of course its summer and I should be enjoying the great outdoors but why do that when you can exercise in the comfort of your own private gym.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Northern Exposure- Moose, Mountains, and Restaurants
As a rule, I don’t get along with Mother Nature. Despite being a liberal environmentalist, I’d rather spend an afternoon in a concrete jungle then a rain forest. I’ve often said if I ever bought a house I’d pave over any greenery. So as I prepared for my Alaskan vay-kay, I kept my expectations about the scenery in check. Then I got there and saw images like the one above. Seriously it was like the moment in The Simpsons Movie when Homer drives over the hill to reveal Alaska’s glory…except real and even prettier. We were centered in Anchorage, the most metropolitan area of the state but even then all you had to do is look up and see the surrounding mountains to have your breath taken away.
Of course my travels are much like my home life so many of my vacation activities were focused on food and drink. Sure we spent plenty of time at our host’s place enjoying exquisite raspberry weiss home brew and reindeer hot dogs but as is my habit we also ate out plenty. For such a remote city Anchorage certainly has no shortage of high quality food and of course the abundance of fresh seafood certainly plays a role in that. Here are some quick highlights:
Humpy’s: This bar/restaurant was our first stop and immediately we dove into seafood land. Their halibut fish and chips were fried perfectly. The fish was fresh and absorbed all the fried goodness and the fries were above average. We also had some mini King Crab cakes. A nice mix of crab and filler these dandies came with a great garlic aioli. Finally we tried a salmon spread that pleased my partner and her friend to no end. I’m not huge on salmon and the spread was too rich for me but for those that like salmon this seemed top notch. Probably my favorite meal of the trip.
Chair 5: While this was probably our most pedestrian meal of the trip, it certainly maintained the high level of quality. The service was sporadic as it was clear the beautiful weather had driven more customers in then the place expected but the burgers were cooked perfectly and our post dinner appetizer of chicken nachos were more then satisfactory. Plus the reverse beer snob in me has to love any place that has Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap.
Moose’s Tooth: Brewery’s are everywhere in Alaska. Whether it is in someone’s bedroom closet or in a pizzeria, you won’t have any problems finding a good beer. The Moose’s Tooth provided one of the beer highlights of the trip with a hard cider that was probably the best I’ve ever had, and a food highlight in the form of interesting pizzas. My party of four sampled four types of pizza on our visit. First up was a blackened halibut pie that was of course fresh and had a nice sear to it but lacked the expected spice. The chipotle steak pizza on the other hand had no problem in the spice department as the combo of peppers, steak and cheese danced on my palette and even had my reaching for my beer a couple of times. The roasted garlic chicken pizza also was a keeper as whole cloves of roasted garlic squished between my teeth with bits of spinach and ricotta cheese. Finally a 3 on 3 special of chorizo, Italian and polish sausage mixed with 3 types of mushrooms hit the spot as well. The chorizo in particular was of a high quality.
Glacier Brew House: While the beer here was great as well I have to mention the Apple Pear Sake-tini as a stand out. The drink was not overly sweet and the liquor not overpowering. Definitely a keeper cocktail. The food also was a hit. Once again I opted for halibut fish and chips and while Humpy’s was the best, this was a close second. The breading was a little heavier but the fish still stood out as the star. Their fries coated in parmesan where the best of the trip. My partner sampled their seafood chowder and declared it heavenly.
Snow City Café: We ended our trip with a Sunday morning breakfast that merits much love. The Snow City Café was the only place I had researched prior to going and based on their breakfast laurels I knew this was a place to hit. The café in downtown Anchorage is usually packed out the door but perhaps due to the holiday we were able to get in after a short wait. While the mix of scrambles, omelets, and stuffed French toast all looked delectable, it was the Heart Attack on a Plate that stole my heart. This was a coiffed mound of hash browns with peppers, onions, shrooms, and bacon topped with cheddar cheese. You could add eggs like my partner but that seemed like meaningless filler. Seriously this was one of my best breakfasts ever, especially right before a six hour plane ride.
So of course the food dominates my memories but I can’t stress enough how beautiful Alaska is. Considering we spent all of our time in and around Anchorage and that the state is the size of 7 Wisconsins, I’m eager to get back and see more.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Pre Alaska Thoughts
I’m heading off to the great wilderness that is Alaska tomorrow so this may be my last post for the next week although I’ll try to post some pics and notes from the beautiful far, far North. In the meantime here are some quick observations and rants to tide you over:
Let’s all give Lost a giant standing ovation. Last week’s penultimate ep (or hour one of the 3 hour finale) was further proof that the show has never been better. Season 4 has outshined any previous season and while I don’t think the last two hours will have a shocking twist like last year’s flash-forward reveal, I do think the sum of the 3 hours will go down as the best Lost ep ever. Furthermore, I’ve got to say the week off in between eps, while not the producer’s choice, turned out to be a great move. I know I’m enjoying this extra time to contemplate the theories, crackpot and otherwise, that are floating through my head.
After praising the first two new eps of Battlestar Galactica’s new season I felt like a Sheppard leading lambs to slaughter. Let’s face it the journey of the Demetrius and Lee Adama’s pouting political maneuvers were not great television. Of course just when I was getting reading to piss and moan we get a stellar ep this week and it looks like the final season is back on course. My anguish over the forgotten dream sequences of last year was suddenly forgotten and the emergency jump that carried away the President seems to set the stage for a series of stunning revelations. The news that we may get another TV movie to tide us over until the second half of the final season airs next spring makes me one frakking happy geek.
Anyone else smell something fishy about the California Supreme Court decision last week to overturn the gay marriage ban? While it’s a move that’s long overdue and one that I applaud I find some of the circumstances ripe for conspiracy. The court is weighted towards conservative Republicans so the fact that they all of a sudden found faith in the Bill of Rights is a bit suspect. Secondly the two biggest issues in the upcoming election are the economy and Iraq, two things the Republicans have no chance of winning on and not great motivators for getting the crackpot Right out to vote. Now a return of the gay marriage issue to the national stage would be a quick remedy for motivating the Christian Right to mobilize in November. This is an especially crucial event for John McCain who’s been spending the last few months cozying up to religious zealot wing of the party. I hope I’m wrong and that the judges simply overturned the ban because it was the right thing to do. I hope this is just the first step to all states realizing their illegal laws are unconstitutional and unjust. I hope this leads to a day where every Tom, Dick, and Mary can marry whoever the hell they want. Unfortunately the cynic and the conspiracy nut in me thinks we’ll see this quickly overturned once the election is over and the issue has done its job of mobilizing the Christian conservatives. I hope I’m wrong.
Let’s all give Lost a giant standing ovation. Last week’s penultimate ep (or hour one of the 3 hour finale) was further proof that the show has never been better. Season 4 has outshined any previous season and while I don’t think the last two hours will have a shocking twist like last year’s flash-forward reveal, I do think the sum of the 3 hours will go down as the best Lost ep ever. Furthermore, I’ve got to say the week off in between eps, while not the producer’s choice, turned out to be a great move. I know I’m enjoying this extra time to contemplate the theories, crackpot and otherwise, that are floating through my head.
After praising the first two new eps of Battlestar Galactica’s new season I felt like a Sheppard leading lambs to slaughter. Let’s face it the journey of the Demetrius and Lee Adama’s pouting political maneuvers were not great television. Of course just when I was getting reading to piss and moan we get a stellar ep this week and it looks like the final season is back on course. My anguish over the forgotten dream sequences of last year was suddenly forgotten and the emergency jump that carried away the President seems to set the stage for a series of stunning revelations. The news that we may get another TV movie to tide us over until the second half of the final season airs next spring makes me one frakking happy geek.
Anyone else smell something fishy about the California Supreme Court decision last week to overturn the gay marriage ban? While it’s a move that’s long overdue and one that I applaud I find some of the circumstances ripe for conspiracy. The court is weighted towards conservative Republicans so the fact that they all of a sudden found faith in the Bill of Rights is a bit suspect. Secondly the two biggest issues in the upcoming election are the economy and Iraq, two things the Republicans have no chance of winning on and not great motivators for getting the crackpot Right out to vote. Now a return of the gay marriage issue to the national stage would be a quick remedy for motivating the Christian Right to mobilize in November. This is an especially crucial event for John McCain who’s been spending the last few months cozying up to religious zealot wing of the party. I hope I’m wrong and that the judges simply overturned the ban because it was the right thing to do. I hope this is just the first step to all states realizing their illegal laws are unconstitutional and unjust. I hope this leads to a day where every Tom, Dick, and Mary can marry whoever the hell they want. Unfortunately the cynic and the conspiracy nut in me thinks we’ll see this quickly overturned once the election is over and the issue has done its job of mobilizing the Christian conservatives. I hope I’m wrong.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bringing Home Baby
Yesterday I experienced the joy of becoming a new father. I woke up excited and anxious. Bounding out of my bed I checked the status on the impending child birth. Where, when, and at what cost? I tried to settle my nerves by reading the Sunday paper but my eyes kept darting to pictures of other babies and soon my thoughts wandered.
The cost of a new child can astronomical. Obviously there’s the initial medical expense but then there’s all the additional costs you don’t think of like insurance, cables, and TiVos. By the time I left the house to scout hospitals my anxiety was at a new high.
Like any new parent I wanted to make sure we were getting our baby from the best facility. First up was Target. Good prices but they seemed unwilling to share any meaningful knowledge with a new parent like myself. Then it was Best Buy where the staff was nowhere to be found and the prices made me feel like I was having twins, although the delivery room was very nice. Finally there was American where the knowledge came fast and furious but the staff seemed likely to switch babies on us. I walked away from all three feeling no closer to my due date.
Then a moment of clarity…no matter what, any new baby was going to look better and act better then the old grown child sitting in my living room. Resolved and somewhat anxiety free I trekked back out to Target and after some Braxton-Hix contractions at one store I finally took delivery of my new baby at another.
I know I’m biased but she is so beautiful. Coming in at a nice length of 40 inches, she’s already a good sized girl. The anxiety level crept back up when we got home as I was worried how the dog would react to a new sibling but they got along well. Of course we also had to redecorate her room and rearrange all the cords and cables. Finally we had to kick her older brother out of the house which was a little emotional for the whole family. Yes he had far outstayed his welcome but he was a good kid for the most part except for that faded tattoo in the upper left corner of his screen.
I was up late staring into my new babies face and while I already love her, I can’t wait to see her grow. Soon she’ll have a HD hook up and a complexion as clear as the night sky. Like any new child it’s been an anxiety filled ride but I can’t wait for the next adventure to begin.
The cost of a new child can astronomical. Obviously there’s the initial medical expense but then there’s all the additional costs you don’t think of like insurance, cables, and TiVos. By the time I left the house to scout hospitals my anxiety was at a new high.
Like any new parent I wanted to make sure we were getting our baby from the best facility. First up was Target. Good prices but they seemed unwilling to share any meaningful knowledge with a new parent like myself. Then it was Best Buy where the staff was nowhere to be found and the prices made me feel like I was having twins, although the delivery room was very nice. Finally there was American where the knowledge came fast and furious but the staff seemed likely to switch babies on us. I walked away from all three feeling no closer to my due date.
Then a moment of clarity…no matter what, any new baby was going to look better and act better then the old grown child sitting in my living room. Resolved and somewhat anxiety free I trekked back out to Target and after some Braxton-Hix contractions at one store I finally took delivery of my new baby at another.
I know I’m biased but she is so beautiful. Coming in at a nice length of 40 inches, she’s already a good sized girl. The anxiety level crept back up when we got home as I was worried how the dog would react to a new sibling but they got along well. Of course we also had to redecorate her room and rearrange all the cords and cables. Finally we had to kick her older brother out of the house which was a little emotional for the whole family. Yes he had far outstayed his welcome but he was a good kid for the most part except for that faded tattoo in the upper left corner of his screen.
I was up late staring into my new babies face and while I already love her, I can’t wait to see her grow. Soon she’ll have a HD hook up and a complexion as clear as the night sky. Like any new child it’s been an anxiety filled ride but I can’t wait for the next adventure to begin.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Quick Comix Review: Batman #676 aka Batman RIP
The summer box office may belong to Tony Stark but the summer box office for comic books looks to be all about Grant Morrison. The prolific writer not only pens the “final” Final Crisis for DC but is continuing his run on one of their flagship titles, Batman, with a huge storyline ominously entitled Batman RIP. Now I’d be quite surprised if DC or their corporate masters really let Grant do in Bruce Wayne right before the release of The Dark Knight in theaters but the title certainly is an attention grabber.
The first issue of this arch opens in typical Morrison style…aka there’s a lot going on. Morrison writes at a pace that is baffling when compared to other comics. In one issue he tells the amount of story that most writers would spread out over three issues. I always feel like I’m missing something but I’m guessing even if I went back and read the last few issues I’d still be confused. That’s just the same route Morrison employed on his epic run on New X-men. You have to take a leap of faith as a reader and once you do Morrison usually rewards. The issue does a great job of emotionally establishing where our main characters are. Batman is a bit bored, Bruce is in love, Robin is looking for his place in the world, Alfred is well Alfred and the Joker is as crazy as ever. I have no idea where this is going story wise but the opening page is the kind of attention grabber that makes me want to see the story through to the end.
Art wise Tony Daniel gives this story the epic weight that the title implies. His art is stunning where you’d expect to be, the opening page, the reveal of the new Batmobile, etc. However it’s the little moments that truly show his art work at its peak. Take the moment shared between Alfred and Robin. Their 2-D body language tells us all we need to know about where Robin is at and where he may be going. The final page featuring everyone’s favorite villain is ready to be immortalized on screen savers and t-shirts around the world.
The last Batman story I read was Morrison’s first on the title where he introduced a brat of a kid named Damian who looked to be Batman’s son. That turned out to be a bit of a let down but if this issue is any indication I’m thinking RIP will RULE. (super cheesy I know but damn it I’m tired)
The first issue of this arch opens in typical Morrison style…aka there’s a lot going on. Morrison writes at a pace that is baffling when compared to other comics. In one issue he tells the amount of story that most writers would spread out over three issues. I always feel like I’m missing something but I’m guessing even if I went back and read the last few issues I’d still be confused. That’s just the same route Morrison employed on his epic run on New X-men. You have to take a leap of faith as a reader and once you do Morrison usually rewards. The issue does a great job of emotionally establishing where our main characters are. Batman is a bit bored, Bruce is in love, Robin is looking for his place in the world, Alfred is well Alfred and the Joker is as crazy as ever. I have no idea where this is going story wise but the opening page is the kind of attention grabber that makes me want to see the story through to the end.
Art wise Tony Daniel gives this story the epic weight that the title implies. His art is stunning where you’d expect to be, the opening page, the reveal of the new Batmobile, etc. However it’s the little moments that truly show his art work at its peak. Take the moment shared between Alfred and Robin. Their 2-D body language tells us all we need to know about where Robin is at and where he may be going. The final page featuring everyone’s favorite villain is ready to be immortalized on screen savers and t-shirts around the world.
The last Batman story I read was Morrison’s first on the title where he introduced a brat of a kid named Damian who looked to be Batman’s son. That turned out to be a bit of a let down but if this issue is any indication I’m thinking RIP will RULE. (super cheesy I know but damn it I’m tired)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Hooray for The Hills
Last night's finale of The Hills was very Battlestar in that this has all happened before and it will all happen again. Instead of LC turning her back on the job of a lifetime for a douche bag in pants it was Heidi. Of course you felt a lot less sad for Heidi based on her much publicized desire to be a "singer" clearly overshadowing her career as a publicist. Still if you somehow held out hope that all the appearances on Tyra and what not were all a ruse and that Heidi had shook free of the barnacle that is Spencer you were given a reality check last night. Meanwhile looks like LC is being betrayed by another friend. Sadly it appears Audrina went to the Heidi school of friendship and figured the only way to stay on TV was to pick a fight with our heroine. So sad...but on the plus side based on the preview below we might get a chance to see our favorite friend Lo bust some Audrina ass. I can't wait.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Most Anticipated Summer Movies of ’08: #9 and #10
#9. Stepbrothers (July 25th)
Anyone else tired of Will Ferrell sports comedies? The answer after his latest basketball foray was a resounding yes from the American public. Thankfully his latest film puts Ferrell back in a familiar paring with writing/directing partner Adam McKay (Anchorman) and Talladega Nights costar John C Reilly. The R-rated comedy about adult siblings who become a Brady-duo should remind us all why we like Ferrell. Oh and it doesn’t hurt that current film God Judd Apatow is once again producing (that makes it 82 films released this summer that he has a hand in).
#10. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (August 15th)
How this new animated film (and subsequent TV series) can top the Cartoon Network series that aired between episodes 3 and 4 is beyond me but the Star Wars fan in me is willing to give it a shot. Sadly the great Genndy Tartakovsky is missing from this go around which promises new stories from this pivotal war of Star Wars lore. The CG animation looks great though and seeing any version of Star Wars on the big screen is still enough to get me excited.
Anyone else tired of Will Ferrell sports comedies? The answer after his latest basketball foray was a resounding yes from the American public. Thankfully his latest film puts Ferrell back in a familiar paring with writing/directing partner Adam McKay (Anchorman) and Talladega Nights costar John C Reilly. The R-rated comedy about adult siblings who become a Brady-duo should remind us all why we like Ferrell. Oh and it doesn’t hurt that current film God Judd Apatow is once again producing (that makes it 82 films released this summer that he has a hand in).
#10. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (August 15th)
How this new animated film (and subsequent TV series) can top the Cartoon Network series that aired between episodes 3 and 4 is beyond me but the Star Wars fan in me is willing to give it a shot. Sadly the great Genndy Tartakovsky is missing from this go around which promises new stories from this pivotal war of Star Wars lore. The CG animation looks great though and seeing any version of Star Wars on the big screen is still enough to get me excited.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Most Anticipated Summer Movies of ’08: #7 and #8
#7. Get Smart (June 20th)
The answer to your question is that no, we do not need yet another film based on a TV show. Then again, is there any more perfect casting then tapping Steve Carrell to fill Don Adams’ phone shoes. I loved Get Smart as a kid and this film has a lot to live up to. On the downside, the director is a no name whose biggest credit is the Sandler stinker Anger Management and its got the frakking Rock on the plus side it looks pretty damn funny. Let’s roll the dice and hope that this film hits the mark…by that much.
#8. Wall-E (June 2nd)
Pixar has a near perfect track record with me except for the sub par Finding Nemo. Unfortunately this year’s Pix-of-the-year comes from the director of that unfunny snoozer. If not for that this could be my number one film of the summer because the premise is just so damn intriguing. A mostly word free movie focused on a trash robot in the future who makes friends and falls in love…with other robots (and a cockroach). As always the Pixar production looks like its raising the animation bar which makes this a sure fire top 10 as long as the director holds this high browed premise to its full promise.
The answer to your question is that no, we do not need yet another film based on a TV show. Then again, is there any more perfect casting then tapping Steve Carrell to fill Don Adams’ phone shoes. I loved Get Smart as a kid and this film has a lot to live up to. On the downside, the director is a no name whose biggest credit is the Sandler stinker Anger Management and its got the frakking Rock on the plus side it looks pretty damn funny. Let’s roll the dice and hope that this film hits the mark…by that much.
#8. Wall-E (June 2nd)
Pixar has a near perfect track record with me except for the sub par Finding Nemo. Unfortunately this year’s Pix-of-the-year comes from the director of that unfunny snoozer. If not for that this could be my number one film of the summer because the premise is just so damn intriguing. A mostly word free movie focused on a trash robot in the future who makes friends and falls in love…with other robots (and a cockroach). As always the Pixar production looks like its raising the animation bar which makes this a sure fire top 10 as long as the director holds this high browed premise to its full promise.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Most Anticipated Summer Movies of ’08: #5 and #6
#5. The Dark Knight (July 18th)
Obviously the death of Heath Ledger puts a damper on this Batman sequel but it’s hard not to be giddy with excitement over the film and even the performance of Ledger as the Joker. The previews have been exhilarating and up until a week ago Batman Begins was arguably the best comic book movie ever so it’s fair to expect big things from director Christopher Nolan and his crew. One of the weaker points of the first film, Katie Holmes, has been jettisoned in favor of the great Maggie Gyellenhall. Aaron Eckhart also joins the cast as a frienemy to Bruce Wayne. The story looks darker and the Bat once again seems to be the center, which is the secret to a great Batman film. With the greatness that is Iron Man already in the books The Dark Knight has a lot to live up too.
#6. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (7/11th)
Of course we can’t all have mega budgets and iconic characters in all our comic book films, sometimes we can have visionaries and cult heroes. This leads us to Hellboy and the mad mind of Guillermo del Toro. The first film was a hilarious romp that utilized the highly underrated Ron Pearlman in a visual spectacle from the man that brought us Pan’s Labyrinth. Now coming of the critical acclaim of that film del Toro looks to up the visual ante and give us more wise cracking from the guy with the shaved horns. Comic creator Mike Mignola wrote an original Hellboy tale with del Toro just for the film, which should wet fanboy appetites and anyone who enjoys a good laugh with a great backdrop.
Obviously the death of Heath Ledger puts a damper on this Batman sequel but it’s hard not to be giddy with excitement over the film and even the performance of Ledger as the Joker. The previews have been exhilarating and up until a week ago Batman Begins was arguably the best comic book movie ever so it’s fair to expect big things from director Christopher Nolan and his crew. One of the weaker points of the first film, Katie Holmes, has been jettisoned in favor of the great Maggie Gyellenhall. Aaron Eckhart also joins the cast as a frienemy to Bruce Wayne. The story looks darker and the Bat once again seems to be the center, which is the secret to a great Batman film. With the greatness that is Iron Man already in the books The Dark Knight has a lot to live up too.
#6. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (7/11th)
Of course we can’t all have mega budgets and iconic characters in all our comic book films, sometimes we can have visionaries and cult heroes. This leads us to Hellboy and the mad mind of Guillermo del Toro. The first film was a hilarious romp that utilized the highly underrated Ron Pearlman in a visual spectacle from the man that brought us Pan’s Labyrinth. Now coming of the critical acclaim of that film del Toro looks to up the visual ante and give us more wise cracking from the guy with the shaved horns. Comic creator Mike Mignola wrote an original Hellboy tale with del Toro just for the film, which should wet fanboy appetites and anyone who enjoys a good laugh with a great backdrop.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Most Anticipated Summer Movies of ’08: #3 and #4
#3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May 22nd)
Walking into Iron Man last Sunday I could not have been more apathetic towards the latest Lucas/Spielberg film. Sure it would be cool to see Indy back and the return of Karen Allen made my geek heart all a flutter but what would really be accomplished by another Indy film? Well after seeing the latest trailer the answer is a whole lot of frakking fun! I’m an acknowledged Spielberg hater but the man’s best work has come directing the hero in the fedora and it certainly looks like he’s out to top himself. The classic matinee serials that inspired the original still look to be what motivates Lucas’ storytelling and the wit and action that have driven the previous films looks to be on full display. Not sure how much I love Shia LaBeouf stepping in as an obvious sequel vehicle but the kids a bonafide star in the making who’s not just another pretty face. If you weren’t jazzed by this trailer, then Indy might just be too old for you.
#4. The X-Files: I Want to Believe (July 25th)
Anyone remember when Buffy was just a botched movie premise or there was no such thing as a Jater or a Skater? Yes prior to the Whedonverse or Lost us cult TV followers had a little show called The X-Files and Mulder and Scully. After what seems like an eternity our agents are coming back to us although in what form seems to be a mystery. After the somewhat unsatisfying ending of the series we were left with our heroes facing a 2012 alien apocalypse they seemed powerless to prevent. Now we find them out of the FBI and living “normal” lives…that is until a case that has X written all over it comes to light. Creator Chris Carter says the new film avoids the alien mythology and instead focuses more on the monster of the week formula that many fans loved. Personally I’d prefer another mythology movie but I’m guessing Carter and Fox will be more then happy to give us one if this films strong enough to reawaken the passion of the X-Files fans and maybe even create some new ones.
Walking into Iron Man last Sunday I could not have been more apathetic towards the latest Lucas/Spielberg film. Sure it would be cool to see Indy back and the return of Karen Allen made my geek heart all a flutter but what would really be accomplished by another Indy film? Well after seeing the latest trailer the answer is a whole lot of frakking fun! I’m an acknowledged Spielberg hater but the man’s best work has come directing the hero in the fedora and it certainly looks like he’s out to top himself. The classic matinee serials that inspired the original still look to be what motivates Lucas’ storytelling and the wit and action that have driven the previous films looks to be on full display. Not sure how much I love Shia LaBeouf stepping in as an obvious sequel vehicle but the kids a bonafide star in the making who’s not just another pretty face. If you weren’t jazzed by this trailer, then Indy might just be too old for you.
#4. The X-Files: I Want to Believe (July 25th)
Anyone remember when Buffy was just a botched movie premise or there was no such thing as a Jater or a Skater? Yes prior to the Whedonverse or Lost us cult TV followers had a little show called The X-Files and Mulder and Scully. After what seems like an eternity our agents are coming back to us although in what form seems to be a mystery. After the somewhat unsatisfying ending of the series we were left with our heroes facing a 2012 alien apocalypse they seemed powerless to prevent. Now we find them out of the FBI and living “normal” lives…that is until a case that has X written all over it comes to light. Creator Chris Carter says the new film avoids the alien mythology and instead focuses more on the monster of the week formula that many fans loved. Personally I’d prefer another mythology movie but I’m guessing Carter and Fox will be more then happy to give us one if this films strong enough to reawaken the passion of the X-Files fans and maybe even create some new ones.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Most Anticipated Summer Movies of ’08: #1 and #2(with Bonus review)
Yes despite the fact that most of the Midwest saw snowflakes in the last week it really is summer movie season. Of course that means it’s time for my third annual summer movie preview. Now these aren’t necessarily the best movies of the summer but my most anticipated. Quite honestly I’m sure some of them will be monumental pieces of crap like 2006’s Nacho Libre or The Da Vinci Code and of course last year’s Spiderman 3. Nevertheless, this is that wonderful time where I can be hopeful that the Hollywood blockbuster doesn’t have to be crap and can actually be worth a damn. I’m happy to say my #1 most anticipated film certainly renews my faith and since it was released this weekend we’re going to do this year’s preview from the top down complete with a review of #1.
#1. Iron Man (in theaters now)
As I prepped my list I was so shocked that this flick came in a number 1, that I actually ended up doing the list a couple of times to make sure I wasn’t giving anyone short shrift. I mean Iron Man has always been a second-class hero to me. I hated the Avengers as a team and Iron Man was just a drunk with too much money. Yet when the info on the movie started to hit the web a couple years back my interest began to grow. Robert Downey Jr. was the best superhero casting I’d ever seen on paper. He screams Tony Stark with his look and natural behavior. Jon Favreau was an odd to choice to direct but he handled a special effects film deftly with Zathura and he’s obviously got a good storytelling hand. Thrown in Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrance Howard and I was officially psyched.
Now having seen the flick I’m happy to say all my hope and expectations were actually met which is virtually unheard if in the summer movie season. It seems like every couple of years a comic book movie comes along that raises the bar for the genre. First it was X2 then Spiderman 2, then Batman Begins and now Iron Man. This is a great movie and it’s the gold standard for comic book movies to come (hear that Batman and Hellboy). Downey Jr. redefines the lead role in a comic book movie. If Christian Bale took the genre to the next level in Batman Begins, Downey might have just taken it to its peak. His Stark is filled with flaws, some of which are only hinted at in the film. In fact one the biggest complements I can give this film is that I want to see a sequel not just because the action was great but because I want to see the evolution of the characters. Paltrow rejuvenates her career here by giving us a modern take on the old “His Girl Friday” routine. Favreau keeps the pace moving and the F/X are great without being overpowering. Of course I’ve got to say the geek out moments are awesome too especially the post credit sequence. With Marvel Comics now producing all their own films in house the continuity between films could be great and Iron Man certainly is a shining first effort.
#2. Speed Racer (May 9th)
I hate the Matrix films. I used to like the first one but after the steaming piles that were the sequels any joy I once had disappeared like it never happened. That being said the Wachowski brothers are two filmmakers who will always capture my interest. Their debut film, Bound, was a tight thriller that was visually exhausting. The Matrix was a beautiful looking film if nothing else, and V for Vendetta (technically produced but we’ve all heard the rumors) is a highly underrated film that again pushed the visual boundaries of modern cinema. With all that said Speed Racer looks like it’s set to bury them all. The first pictures of the Mach 5 made my eyes pop and the subsequent trailers have made me drool. Of course I’m a bit worried this film is all visuals and nothing else but the appeal of seeing some japanimation come to life on the big screen is enough for me to take a leap and make Speed Racer my second most anticipated film of summer 2008.
#1. Iron Man (in theaters now)
As I prepped my list I was so shocked that this flick came in a number 1, that I actually ended up doing the list a couple of times to make sure I wasn’t giving anyone short shrift. I mean Iron Man has always been a second-class hero to me. I hated the Avengers as a team and Iron Man was just a drunk with too much money. Yet when the info on the movie started to hit the web a couple years back my interest began to grow. Robert Downey Jr. was the best superhero casting I’d ever seen on paper. He screams Tony Stark with his look and natural behavior. Jon Favreau was an odd to choice to direct but he handled a special effects film deftly with Zathura and he’s obviously got a good storytelling hand. Thrown in Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges and Terrance Howard and I was officially psyched.
Now having seen the flick I’m happy to say all my hope and expectations were actually met which is virtually unheard if in the summer movie season. It seems like every couple of years a comic book movie comes along that raises the bar for the genre. First it was X2 then Spiderman 2, then Batman Begins and now Iron Man. This is a great movie and it’s the gold standard for comic book movies to come (hear that Batman and Hellboy). Downey Jr. redefines the lead role in a comic book movie. If Christian Bale took the genre to the next level in Batman Begins, Downey might have just taken it to its peak. His Stark is filled with flaws, some of which are only hinted at in the film. In fact one the biggest complements I can give this film is that I want to see a sequel not just because the action was great but because I want to see the evolution of the characters. Paltrow rejuvenates her career here by giving us a modern take on the old “His Girl Friday” routine. Favreau keeps the pace moving and the F/X are great without being overpowering. Of course I’ve got to say the geek out moments are awesome too especially the post credit sequence. With Marvel Comics now producing all their own films in house the continuity between films could be great and Iron Man certainly is a shining first effort.
#2. Speed Racer (May 9th)
I hate the Matrix films. I used to like the first one but after the steaming piles that were the sequels any joy I once had disappeared like it never happened. That being said the Wachowski brothers are two filmmakers who will always capture my interest. Their debut film, Bound, was a tight thriller that was visually exhausting. The Matrix was a beautiful looking film if nothing else, and V for Vendetta (technically produced but we’ve all heard the rumors) is a highly underrated film that again pushed the visual boundaries of modern cinema. With all that said Speed Racer looks like it’s set to bury them all. The first pictures of the Mach 5 made my eyes pop and the subsequent trailers have made me drool. Of course I’m a bit worried this film is all visuals and nothing else but the appeal of seeing some japanimation come to life on the big screen is enough for me to take a leap and make Speed Racer my second most anticipated film of summer 2008.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Quick Music Review- Madonna: Hard Candy
So guess what…the old bird still has it. Yes Madonna has released yet another album proving that a) she is still relevant, and b) she still knows how to make a hit. Hard Candy might be her most consistent album in years. Front to back, the album is consistently dance accessible. Even the 3 bonus remixes on the deluxe version are solid stand alone tracks. Some particular highlights:
Incredible- This track starts off like the finest teen bubblegum pop. You can truly imagine Brit Brit or Hilary singing the track. Then about half way through the song changes and grows taking it to a higher level.
Candy Shop- Here Madonna seems to channeling Prince’s synth pop of the mid 90s. It’s sex pop at its best.
Spanish Lesson- This track reminds of old Madonna updated for 2008 and that’s just fine with me. The beat is infectious and carries the song.
Beat Goes On- When was the last time you actually enjoyed a guest appearance by Kanye West? I haven’t in years as it seems he wouldn’t bring his A-game but Madonna brings out the best in him on this track.
If you haven’t found yourself getting hyped at the horn intro to 4 Minutes then this album isn’t for you but if the first single has gripped you I implore you to pick up Madge’s latest effort.
Incredible- This track starts off like the finest teen bubblegum pop. You can truly imagine Brit Brit or Hilary singing the track. Then about half way through the song changes and grows taking it to a higher level.
Candy Shop- Here Madonna seems to channeling Prince’s synth pop of the mid 90s. It’s sex pop at its best.
Spanish Lesson- This track reminds of old Madonna updated for 2008 and that’s just fine with me. The beat is infectious and carries the song.
Beat Goes On- When was the last time you actually enjoyed a guest appearance by Kanye West? I haven’t in years as it seems he wouldn’t bring his A-game but Madonna brings out the best in him on this track.
If you haven’t found yourself getting hyped at the horn intro to 4 Minutes then this album isn’t for you but if the first single has gripped you I implore you to pick up Madge’s latest effort.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)