Idiocy in the government.
A good friend of mine recently sent me this e-mail:
"Further evidence of how messed up our government is...
A recent Department of Commerce report regarding declining highway maintenance budget suggests, amongst other things, a specific tax for hybrid vehicles and small cars to make up for their reduced contribution in gasoline taxes due to higher gas mileage.
Besides begin totally moronic, I wonder if they considered the relative contributions to road wear made by a ~2500lb small car or hybrid vs. a mid-sized SUV at ~4500lb or a full-sized truck at 6000+lb"
Now, wait a minute. With rising gas prices, using up more and more fossil fuels, and becoming more and more aware of the impact our emissions has on the environment, isn't the whole purpose to reduce emissions, increase gas mileage, and ultimately decrease our dependence on fossil fuels? I guess some in the government would have us be punished for doing a good thing. And heck, while we're at it, how about putting a specific tax on those among us who don't even own cars and use public transportation or bicycles to get to where they need to go. They're not contributing anything in gasoline taxes, not to mention not contributing to the smog and dependency on oil we face. I think something needs to be done about them too.
And that's my rant for today.
28 November 2005
22 November 2005
"Crash" review
9 out of 10 stars. Really good movie.
I had heard very little about this movie when it came out and very little from friends who had seen it other than, "You should see this movie, it's really good" but I didn't even know what it was about. I knew it was one of those movies that has a big cast and follows how each person is interconnected, but I thought it about a car crash and how everyone was affected by that. There's a line at the very beginning of the film said by Don Cheadle's (another incredible acting job by him) character that says:
"It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."
This really sets off the whole film, which is more about racism than anything else. It reminded me of a really hard hitting Spike Lee movie, but instead of just using the black/white racism found in his films, this one was racism viewed from all different cultures about all different cultures. Overall it is a really powerful film with an incredible cast that really makes you feel what the characters are feeling. There are a couple lines and scenes in the movie that are almost like a punch in the gut and leave you shocked. I also have to give props to Sandra Bullock in this film who plays a rich middle aged white woman who is an angry racist. She does an amazing job and I have to respect her for having the courage to take that part and play it up the way she did.
The movie is definitely a drama, far from the scope of comedy, and is not going to lift you up or anything, and you're not going to feel all warm and fuzzy after it's over. It's a powerful, hard hitting film and if you're in the mood for something like that, I would recommend it absolutely.
I had heard very little about this movie when it came out and very little from friends who had seen it other than, "You should see this movie, it's really good" but I didn't even know what it was about. I knew it was one of those movies that has a big cast and follows how each person is interconnected, but I thought it about a car crash and how everyone was affected by that. There's a line at the very beginning of the film said by Don Cheadle's (another incredible acting job by him) character that says:
"It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."
This really sets off the whole film, which is more about racism than anything else. It reminded me of a really hard hitting Spike Lee movie, but instead of just using the black/white racism found in his films, this one was racism viewed from all different cultures about all different cultures. Overall it is a really powerful film with an incredible cast that really makes you feel what the characters are feeling. There are a couple lines and scenes in the movie that are almost like a punch in the gut and leave you shocked. I also have to give props to Sandra Bullock in this film who plays a rich middle aged white woman who is an angry racist. She does an amazing job and I have to respect her for having the courage to take that part and play it up the way she did.
The movie is definitely a drama, far from the scope of comedy, and is not going to lift you up or anything, and you're not going to feel all warm and fuzzy after it's over. It's a powerful, hard hitting film and if you're in the mood for something like that, I would recommend it absolutely.
Pocky
So last night one of my good friends and I were in the mood for a movie and went to a local video store called the Village Vidiot. They have pretty much everything there in the way of independent films, foreign films, and just anything that you would be surprised to see say if you were at Blockbuster. So we had both wanted to see the movie "Crash" so we picked that up and were getting ready to check out when we noticed they had a bunch of Japanese candy, including a whole bunch of Pocky. Now for those of you who don't know, Pocky are thin breadstick like things dipped in anything from different kinds of chocolate to yogurt covered. But the best thing was- are you ready for this? Men's Pocky! We came up with some conclusions of our own before the owner told us that there's a strip on the side of the box that if you put it in the refrigerator it will reveal your fortune in love. Sadly, we did not end up getting Men's Pocky, but instead opted for the chocolate Pocky with almonds, which was - I am happy to say - a huge success.
18 November 2005
"Titus" review
Wow. 10 out of 10 stars. This movie is incredible. I saw it a couple years ago, and remembered it being good, but not this good. But then again, using Shakespeare as the script, its tough to go too wrong, although I didn't like the modern version of "Romeo & Juliet".
Titus is one of Shakespeare's bloodiest tragedies and it shows in the film. Anthony Hopkins is incredible as Titus Andronicus, and the rest of the cast does an amazing job as well. Angus Macfadyen (Robert the Bruce in "Braveheart") is great as Titus' son Lucius and Jessica Lange plays the part of a revengeful, merciless queen of the goths perfectly. Apart from the acting, I also really enjoyed the production of the film, with the mix of modern and old set pieces seemed to blend all time periods together. Along with that the costume design (which was nominated for an Oscar) worked really well in the movie, especially the costume of the victorious Titus returning from war with the goths.
One other aspect of the film that deserves mentioning was the moor Aaron. All props on this go to Shakespeare and the actor Harry Lennix. Shakespeare for creating one of his most evil and baseless villains of all time and Harry Lennix for pulling it off so perfectly that you hate him so much but he becomes one of your favorite things in the film.
If you haven't seen this movie, see it. It's long, but it certainly doesn't seem long at all (except for the last 20 seconds, they could have moved a little faster). Even if you're not a huge fan of Shakespeare I think you will appreciate the quality of acting, the amazing story, and the artful approach to a classic that this film takes.
Titus is one of Shakespeare's bloodiest tragedies and it shows in the film. Anthony Hopkins is incredible as Titus Andronicus, and the rest of the cast does an amazing job as well. Angus Macfadyen (Robert the Bruce in "Braveheart") is great as Titus' son Lucius and Jessica Lange plays the part of a revengeful, merciless queen of the goths perfectly. Apart from the acting, I also really enjoyed the production of the film, with the mix of modern and old set pieces seemed to blend all time periods together. Along with that the costume design (which was nominated for an Oscar) worked really well in the movie, especially the costume of the victorious Titus returning from war with the goths.
One other aspect of the film that deserves mentioning was the moor Aaron. All props on this go to Shakespeare and the actor Harry Lennix. Shakespeare for creating one of his most evil and baseless villains of all time and Harry Lennix for pulling it off so perfectly that you hate him so much but he becomes one of your favorite things in the film.
If you haven't seen this movie, see it. It's long, but it certainly doesn't seem long at all (except for the last 20 seconds, they could have moved a little faster). Even if you're not a huge fan of Shakespeare I think you will appreciate the quality of acting, the amazing story, and the artful approach to a classic that this film takes.
14 November 2005
"The Day After Tomorrow" review
Alright. So I had heard this was a terrible movie from some of my friends, but I decided to watch it anyway, and I'm glad I did. Now it's not like it's one of my favorite movies, and probably not even in the top 50, but for an entertaining Saturday afternoon movie, when it's cold outside and you have nothing else to do, it hits the mark.
I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Let me also tell you that I'm kind of a sucker for big disaster - how humans cope with terrible situations - type movies. And this movie followed the formula to a tea. Similar to "Independence Day" and "Armageddon", the movie touched on several different characters in the set up (you know, so we could get a feeling of their lives and feel bad when they die) and then followed a few main characters through the entire movie. I thought everyone in the movie did a good job, but I think they could have picked just about anyone for each role. The one actor who I thought did a great job, and was actually my favorite segment of the movie was Ian Holm, but I suppose that is to be expected. Not to look down on Dennis Quaid or anything, he did a great job also, but I think that other actors could have done the same.
Anyway over all I would say it was a pretty good flick, entertaining at least if not the most plausible movie. But seriously, if you're watching "The Day After Tomorrow" and expecting some scientifically based plausible story, you've got other problems than finding a good movie to watch.
I give it 6 out of 10 stars.
Let me also tell you that I'm kind of a sucker for big disaster - how humans cope with terrible situations - type movies. And this movie followed the formula to a tea. Similar to "Independence Day" and "Armageddon", the movie touched on several different characters in the set up (you know, so we could get a feeling of their lives and feel bad when they die) and then followed a few main characters through the entire movie. I thought everyone in the movie did a good job, but I think they could have picked just about anyone for each role. The one actor who I thought did a great job, and was actually my favorite segment of the movie was Ian Holm, but I suppose that is to be expected. Not to look down on Dennis Quaid or anything, he did a great job also, but I think that other actors could have done the same.
Anyway over all I would say it was a pretty good flick, entertaining at least if not the most plausible movie. But seriously, if you're watching "The Day After Tomorrow" and expecting some scientifically based plausible story, you've got other problems than finding a good movie to watch.
11 November 2005
Another flat tire?!?
I am a pro at getting flat tires. If anyone has had more flat tires in a shorter period of time, I would like to meet them. And it's not like I drive through construction sites, or over hot lava, or boards with nails in them, or chase cars who throw spikes out the back to pop my tires. They just happen to go flat.
I thought this might change when I started riding bicycles, but I was wrong. I've been on a bike everyday for the past 3 months now, and I've gotten 5 flat tires! Different bikes too! I've gotten 2 on one of them and three on the other. Got my most recent one this morning on the way to work. And you know what? It used to be that there was nothing in life that got me pissed off except getting a flat tire. But today, wasn't angry at all. It was almost as if when I looked down and saw that the rear tire was flat, I had almost expected it. I wonder if now that I can deal with them civilly, I'll still get them? Let's hope not, because even if they don't bother me now as much as they did, it's still better to not get them at all.
I thought this might change when I started riding bicycles, but I was wrong. I've been on a bike everyday for the past 3 months now, and I've gotten 5 flat tires! Different bikes too! I've gotten 2 on one of them and three on the other. Got my most recent one this morning on the way to work. And you know what? It used to be that there was nothing in life that got me pissed off except getting a flat tire. But today, wasn't angry at all. It was almost as if when I looked down and saw that the rear tire was flat, I had almost expected it. I wonder if now that I can deal with them civilly, I'll still get them? Let's hope not, because even if they don't bother me now as much as they did, it's still better to not get them at all.
05 November 2005
"Rushmore" review
10 out of 10 stars! Way to go Wes Anderson & Owen Wilson!
This movie is great. The script is completely original and the characters are amazing. Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Olivia Williams are excellent in the movie along with all the rest of Wes Anderson's crew. It's hard to believe that it's Jason Schwartzman's first movie, he plays so well along side of Bill Murray, and there's a great scene when he's drunk at dinner with Bill Murray, Olivia Williams and Luke Wilson. Bill Murray also does a great job in the movie and although he's in way to many excellent movies to rank which ones I like him in the best, this is definitely up there. The quintessential scene of his character is a little ways into the movie after we've been introduced to him at his twin sons birthday party. He's sitting on the other side of the pool, smoking, drinking and wearing big read swim trunks with the Budweiser logo on them, when he gets up and stumbles up the ladder to the diving board (with drink still in hand), finishes his drink, looks around and does a cannon ball into the pool. It's great, and the music to back up the scene is perfect, as with all scenes in the movie.
Which brings me to my favorite part of the movie: the music. I've loved the music selection in all of Wes Anderson's movies and this is no exception. Featuring a lot of acoustic guitar music from mainly British invasion bands, the music fits in with every scene perfectly. My favorite two songs come from The Kinks, and The Faces song "Ooh La La" at the end of the film during the credits.
"I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger."
This movie is great. The script is completely original and the characters are amazing. Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray and Olivia Williams are excellent in the movie along with all the rest of Wes Anderson's crew. It's hard to believe that it's Jason Schwartzman's first movie, he plays so well along side of Bill Murray, and there's a great scene when he's drunk at dinner with Bill Murray, Olivia Williams and Luke Wilson. Bill Murray also does a great job in the movie and although he's in way to many excellent movies to rank which ones I like him in the best, this is definitely up there. The quintessential scene of his character is a little ways into the movie after we've been introduced to him at his twin sons birthday party. He's sitting on the other side of the pool, smoking, drinking and wearing big read swim trunks with the Budweiser logo on them, when he gets up and stumbles up the ladder to the diving board (with drink still in hand), finishes his drink, looks around and does a cannon ball into the pool. It's great, and the music to back up the scene is perfect, as with all scenes in the movie.
Which brings me to my favorite part of the movie: the music. I've loved the music selection in all of Wes Anderson's movies and this is no exception. Featuring a lot of acoustic guitar music from mainly British invasion bands, the music fits in with every scene perfectly. My favorite two songs come from The Kinks, and The Faces song "Ooh La La" at the end of the film during the credits.
"I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger."
04 November 2005
"Bottle Rocket" review
Alright, time for another movie review.
First of all, I want to say that I am a huge Wes Anderson fan, so I'm a bit biased. If you've seen one of his movies and you don't like it, you probably won't like this one too much. My roommate left after half of an hour.
But I loved it.
I give it 8 out of 10 stars. The first movie that Owen Wilson & Wes Anderson wrote together and already you can tell the unique writing and direction. Luke Wilson is great in it, and I love how he plays out the first scene. The so-called "escape" from the hospital really sets the scene for the entire movie. Owen Wilson does a great job as an all out go getter with a never say quit attitude who things never quite work out for. I love the scene with him in his yellow jump suit on the dirt bike.
"On the run from Johnny Law. It's no trip to Cleveland"
First of all, I want to say that I am a huge Wes Anderson fan, so I'm a bit biased. If you've seen one of his movies and you don't like it, you probably won't like this one too much. My roommate left after half of an hour.
But I loved it.
I give it 8 out of 10 stars. The first movie that Owen Wilson & Wes Anderson wrote together and already you can tell the unique writing and direction. Luke Wilson is great in it, and I love how he plays out the first scene. The so-called "escape" from the hospital really sets the scene for the entire movie. Owen Wilson does a great job as an all out go getter with a never say quit attitude who things never quite work out for. I love the scene with him in his yellow jump suit on the dirt bike.
"On the run from Johnny Law. It's no trip to Cleveland"
03 November 2005
Dannon water?
So I'm sitting here at my computer, checking my email, friends blogs, what have you, when I pick up the bottle of water to my left and take a drink. No surprises there, it's water. But then I put it down and realize for the first time that it's Dannon Natural Spring Water. No I've heard of Dasani and Evian and all the other stuff, but doesn't Dannon make yogurt? I'm not sure how I feel about drinking yogurt water. I'm not really sure how I feel about drinking bottled water anyway seeing as how I live in Colorado, but they have it where I work and it's better than walking down the stairs to the drinking fountian every four minutes.
01 November 2005
I love Colorado
I can't believe it's November 1st. I woke up today to a beautiful clear blue sky, and rode my bike to work at 7:30 in the morning. Looking at where the sun is you would swear that it is 10:00 or at least 9:00 and although I won't appreciate this as much when it's dark at 5:30 as I'm on my way home, I can live in the moment right now. The weather is perfect also. Not a hint of frost and the only thing that gives away the fact that summer has left us and we're full bore into the middle of fall is all of the fallen leaves on the ground. It had to be around 50 degrees, and with the sun I could have worn shorts and a t-shirt and been comfortable. Everything was there for the makings of a perfect day.
And then the back tire on my bike went flat and I had to carry the bike the last fifteen minutes to work.
And then the back tire on my bike went flat and I had to carry the bike the last fifteen minutes to work.
"What the Bleep do we Know?" review
So there's been a lot of talk about this movie, and I finally saw it. Some of my good friends who are philosophy majors said it was complete bunk and that I shouldn't waste my time, but some other friends who I've listened to before said I need to check it out. So here's my review on it, take it or leave it.
I give it 3 out of 10 stars. Really didn't like it much at all.
First of all, what was with the whole wedding scenes? The polka dance and the animated addiction cells? Could have lived without all of that.
I thought the movie was split into three different aspects, none of the three I really cared for. The first one with seemed to me like a dialogue you would stumble across with a bunch of high, partially drunk PhD professors in philosophy and quantum physics at some party out east somewhere. It reminded me of all that I can't stand about philosophy. Now I'm always one to expand my mind and introduce myself to new ideas, but I can't stand this continuous debate on what is reality. Does it matter? I would like to see one of those philosophers who talks about this whole thing with quantum physics being able to choose your own reality actually live in his own reality. Because until then, we're all living on the same planet, with the same rules and the same reality as far as I'm concerned. And if someone does break out into some crazy new reality that they've created, odds are everybody's going to know about it the next day.
Secondly, I thought it was lame when the movie took a turn to kind of a self-help "lift up your self-confidence" type thing. Okay, so we can control our own decisions and they effect our feelings and our life. Right. Big deal. I think everybody knows that, thank you very much.
Finally I think it could have really done without the whole spiritual turn towards the end. The last thing I need to hear is a bunch of new age physicist-philosophers trying to tell me about God and faith and how we all tie in to the bigger picture.
Anyway, if you're one of those types who likes to hear all the different views on things, or is into debating what is reality and all that type of stuff, I guess you can spend a couple hours to check out this movie. If you're pretty much fine with your way of thinking, and not really into a whole bunch of new-age philosophy, I also recently saw "Bottle Rocket" and really liked that.
I give it 3 out of 10 stars. Really didn't like it much at all.
First of all, what was with the whole wedding scenes? The polka dance and the animated addiction cells? Could have lived without all of that.
I thought the movie was split into three different aspects, none of the three I really cared for. The first one with seemed to me like a dialogue you would stumble across with a bunch of high, partially drunk PhD professors in philosophy and quantum physics at some party out east somewhere. It reminded me of all that I can't stand about philosophy. Now I'm always one to expand my mind and introduce myself to new ideas, but I can't stand this continuous debate on what is reality. Does it matter? I would like to see one of those philosophers who talks about this whole thing with quantum physics being able to choose your own reality actually live in his own reality. Because until then, we're all living on the same planet, with the same rules and the same reality as far as I'm concerned. And if someone does break out into some crazy new reality that they've created, odds are everybody's going to know about it the next day.
Secondly, I thought it was lame when the movie took a turn to kind of a self-help "lift up your self-confidence" type thing. Okay, so we can control our own decisions and they effect our feelings and our life. Right. Big deal. I think everybody knows that, thank you very much.
Finally I think it could have really done without the whole spiritual turn towards the end. The last thing I need to hear is a bunch of new age physicist-philosophers trying to tell me about God and faith and how we all tie in to the bigger picture.
Anyway, if you're one of those types who likes to hear all the different views on things, or is into debating what is reality and all that type of stuff, I guess you can spend a couple hours to check out this movie. If you're pretty much fine with your way of thinking, and not really into a whole bunch of new-age philosophy, I also recently saw "Bottle Rocket" and really liked that.
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