Tuesday, November 15
Monday, November 14
(M) The Squid and the Whale (Noah Baumbach, 2005) Grade: B
This film had several things going for it: Baumbach is the co-scripter with Wes Anderson of such films as Life Aquatic; Anderson is the producer; and Laura Linney. Squid was somewhat entertaining, but I was a wee underwhelmed. The performances were outstanding and there was some memorable dialogue; especially the banter between the two writer parents. Example: Jeff Daniels declaring Tale of Two Cities “mediocre Dickens” and wondering why English classes force its students to read the worst books by the best writers. Ha!
(B/M) Shopgirl (Steve Martin, 2005) Grade: C-/C
I think I missed the charm of this novella entirely. A friend recommended it, but I struggled to finish the very short 120-some pages. It might have been Martin’s writing style (or really lack thereof) that I found distressing and distracting. Perhaps I am just wary of actors-turned-writers (i.e. Ethan Hawke). But for me, the novella read like a screenplay. And screenplays don’t work as books. Curious to see the film despite my initial negative opinion, I enjoyed the cinematic adaptation more but only marginally so. As I suspected, Shopgirl worked better on screen. The execution of it all, however, was a bit of a mess. Scenes were repetitive (in order to demonstrate the intense bond between Claire Danes and Martin’s characters), but since there was an obvious lack of chemistry, the scenes were ineffective and pointless. Lack of editing really hurt this film’s chances. The only saving grace was Jason Schwartzman.
(G) Death Cab for Cutie/Stars @ Wiltern (Nov. 12) Grade: A
Although Death Cab focused mostly on new album Plans, the band has certainly improved its on-stage persona. I just wished they delved more into their past catalog for the fans that have been with them since Something About Airplanes. Stars were ace as the opener, and Ben Gibbard even did a duet with singer Torquil Campbell, who is lovely when he dances. All in all, an enjoyable night (despite the younger age group).
This film had several things going for it: Baumbach is the co-scripter with Wes Anderson of such films as Life Aquatic; Anderson is the producer; and Laura Linney. Squid was somewhat entertaining, but I was a wee underwhelmed. The performances were outstanding and there was some memorable dialogue; especially the banter between the two writer parents. Example: Jeff Daniels declaring Tale of Two Cities “mediocre Dickens” and wondering why English classes force its students to read the worst books by the best writers. Ha!
(B/M) Shopgirl (Steve Martin, 2005) Grade: C-/C
I think I missed the charm of this novella entirely. A friend recommended it, but I struggled to finish the very short 120-some pages. It might have been Martin’s writing style (or really lack thereof) that I found distressing and distracting. Perhaps I am just wary of actors-turned-writers (i.e. Ethan Hawke). But for me, the novella read like a screenplay. And screenplays don’t work as books. Curious to see the film despite my initial negative opinion, I enjoyed the cinematic adaptation more but only marginally so. As I suspected, Shopgirl worked better on screen. The execution of it all, however, was a bit of a mess. Scenes were repetitive (in order to demonstrate the intense bond between Claire Danes and Martin’s characters), but since there was an obvious lack of chemistry, the scenes were ineffective and pointless. Lack of editing really hurt this film’s chances. The only saving grace was Jason Schwartzman.
(G) Death Cab for Cutie/Stars @ Wiltern (Nov. 12) Grade: A
Although Death Cab focused mostly on new album Plans, the band has certainly improved its on-stage persona. I just wished they delved more into their past catalog for the fans that have been with them since Something About Airplanes. Stars were ace as the opener, and Ben Gibbard even did a duet with singer Torquil Campbell, who is lovely when he dances. All in all, an enjoyable night (despite the younger age group).
Random thoughts:
- Arrested Development being cancelled is sad but I guess I can't say I'm that surprised.
- Game night at Hedwig was fun and neat. I haven't been out to the IE in a long time. Darth and I got to see a man dressed in a bright pink suit with a white hat at the supermarket. So awesome. Oh and the biggest Target I've ever been to.
- A creepy/scary version of 10 year Alhambra High School reunion was strange for me, Mac the Knife and Darth Bronger. Freaking weird.
- I'm on a Asian film watching kick so all my reivews might be that for awhile. After I get tired of that I was thinking a Criterion Collection kick.
- The holidays are upon us which means shopping, eating and all that junk.
- Arrested Development being cancelled is sad but I guess I can't say I'm that surprised.
- Game night at Hedwig was fun and neat. I haven't been out to the IE in a long time. Darth and I got to see a man dressed in a bright pink suit with a white hat at the supermarket. So awesome. Oh and the biggest Target I've ever been to.
- A creepy/scary version of 10 year Alhambra High School reunion was strange for me, Mac the Knife and Darth Bronger. Freaking weird.
- I'm on a Asian film watching kick so all my reivews might be that for awhile. After I get tired of that I was thinking a Criterion Collection kick.
- The holidays are upon us which means shopping, eating and all that junk.
(M) Shopgirl. (Anand Tucker, 2005) Grade: C-
Thoughts: I would give this movie a D but there were a few scenes that saved this piece of crap. I was actually really looking forward to watching it but I was so disappointed and bored. Mirabelle (Claire Danes) works at Saks Fifth in Beverly Hills in the glove department. She is a lonely and quiet girl until she meets Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman) one day at the laundromat. They try "dating" but things don't work out exactly the way Mirabelle likes. Enter Ray Porter (Steve Martin) who sweeps Mirabelle off her feet with nice dinners and fancy presents while never letting her into his heart. The biggest problem I had was I never cared for any of the characters and it was difficult to get involved with a movie when you have no interest in what will happen to the people. The film was only 104 mins but it should have been less than 90 mins. Mirabelle was too weak/helpless, Ray was too cold and isolated and Jeremy was not in the film enough.
(M) Jue lai yip yue leung saan ang (Juliet In Love). (Wilson Yip, 2000) Grade: B+
Thoughts: I wouldn't mind if they made an American version of this film because it has a strong story. Jordan Cheng (Francis Ng) is a low level gangster trying to make it in the cities of Hong Kong. He befriends Judy Chu (Sandra Ng Kwan Yue) a hostess at a Chinese restaurant and recent divorce who has just suffered from breast cancer. They forge a friendship/relationship due to strange circumstances and end up trying to learn to love again. The acting by both Ngs is amazing and Francis Ng is moving up on my list of actors I like watching.
(M) Liu sue oi seung mau (Cat and Mouse). (Gordon Chan, 2003) Grade: C
Thoughts: Not a great film so I won't say much. Zhan Zhao (Andy Lau) and Bai Yutong (Cecilia Cheung) are foes that end up falling in love, although it takes awhile for the both to realize it.
(M) Hak bak sam lam (Colour of Truth). (Marco Mak, Jing Wong, 2003) Grade: B
Thoughts: This film had some Infernal Affairs undertone but is not nearly as good. Coke (Ho Yin Hong) finds out his cop father is killed by Huang, a long time cop friend, (Anthony Wong Chau-Sang) and decides to avenge his father's death by killing Huang. Unfortunately Coke becomes a cop himself and works under Huang where they develop a father/son relationship. The ending a bit flat but I still found the movie entertaining.
(M) Hung wun chiu yun (My Lucky Star). (Vincent Kok, 2003) Grade: C+
Thoughts: Yip Koo Hung (Miriam Yeung Chin Wah) has been cursed with bad luck throughout her life. She is hoping Lai Lu Po (Tony Leung Chiu Wai), a Fung Shui master, can help her out. The only problem is her bad luck is actually coming from her evil stepmother. I have to admit it was not the best movie but it was decent enough and Tony looked quite good.
Thoughts: I would give this movie a D but there were a few scenes that saved this piece of crap. I was actually really looking forward to watching it but I was so disappointed and bored. Mirabelle (Claire Danes) works at Saks Fifth in Beverly Hills in the glove department. She is a lonely and quiet girl until she meets Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman) one day at the laundromat. They try "dating" but things don't work out exactly the way Mirabelle likes. Enter Ray Porter (Steve Martin) who sweeps Mirabelle off her feet with nice dinners and fancy presents while never letting her into his heart. The biggest problem I had was I never cared for any of the characters and it was difficult to get involved with a movie when you have no interest in what will happen to the people. The film was only 104 mins but it should have been less than 90 mins. Mirabelle was too weak/helpless, Ray was too cold and isolated and Jeremy was not in the film enough.
(M) Jue lai yip yue leung saan ang (Juliet In Love). (Wilson Yip, 2000) Grade: B+
Thoughts: I wouldn't mind if they made an American version of this film because it has a strong story. Jordan Cheng (Francis Ng) is a low level gangster trying to make it in the cities of Hong Kong. He befriends Judy Chu (Sandra Ng Kwan Yue) a hostess at a Chinese restaurant and recent divorce who has just suffered from breast cancer. They forge a friendship/relationship due to strange circumstances and end up trying to learn to love again. The acting by both Ngs is amazing and Francis Ng is moving up on my list of actors I like watching.
(M) Liu sue oi seung mau (Cat and Mouse). (Gordon Chan, 2003) Grade: C
Thoughts: Not a great film so I won't say much. Zhan Zhao (Andy Lau) and Bai Yutong (Cecilia Cheung) are foes that end up falling in love, although it takes awhile for the both to realize it.
(M) Hak bak sam lam (Colour of Truth). (Marco Mak, Jing Wong, 2003) Grade: B
Thoughts: This film had some Infernal Affairs undertone but is not nearly as good. Coke (Ho Yin Hong) finds out his cop father is killed by Huang, a long time cop friend, (Anthony Wong Chau-Sang) and decides to avenge his father's death by killing Huang. Unfortunately Coke becomes a cop himself and works under Huang where they develop a father/son relationship. The ending a bit flat but I still found the movie entertaining.
(M) Hung wun chiu yun (My Lucky Star). (Vincent Kok, 2003) Grade: C+
Thoughts: Yip Koo Hung (Miriam Yeung Chin Wah) has been cursed with bad luck throughout her life. She is hoping Lai Lu Po (Tony Leung Chiu Wai), a Fung Shui master, can help her out. The only problem is her bad luck is actually coming from her evil stepmother. I have to admit it was not the best movie but it was decent enough and Tony looked quite good.
Saturday, November 12
(A) Playing The Angel (Depeche Mode, 2005) grade: A
(A) Confessions on a Dancefloor (Madonna, 2005) grade: B-
So after hearing the first single, "Hung Up", and liking it, I expected this album to be pretty good. I was dissappointed. The beats and music are pretty good, but the songs are ruined by her perpetual promotion of her spirituality. She also did this on Ray of Light, but the songs didn't suffer then, I guess she is just more "into" it now. The only song besides the first single that I enjoyed was "Forbidden Love"
(M) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Tim Burton, 2005) grade: C
When I first listened to this album, I was pretty disappointed. After enjoying the first single, "Precious", which I thought was amazing, I expected great things from the album. As is usual with me and a new DM album, it takes me a while for the songs to grow and me and love them (this is why I've waited so long to review it). It's happened again. I now really enjoy this album (thus the grade). The next single will be "A Pain That I'm Used To", which seems rather unconventional. It's a great song that reminds me of "The Dead of Night" from Exciter. I also enjoy "John the Revelator", especially the end, where it sounds kinda ghetto to me (like it could be a beat to a hip-hop song). Definitely check it out.
(M) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Tim Burton, 2005) grade: C
So after missing the chance to see this in the theater, I was rather upset. But boy am I glad now. All in all, this "re-interpretation" of the book by the same name is awful, especially compared to 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Tim Burton failed to create the awe-inspiring images of candy that made the 1971 film so great (even with the cheesy special effects). Besides, you can't beat the orange Oompa-Loompa's.
(A) Super Extra Gravity (The Cardigans, 2005) grade: B+
(A) Super Extra Gravity (The Cardigans, 2005) grade: B+
This "one-hit wonder" band has consistently put out good albums since their hit, "Lovefool". Upon listening to the first single from this new album, "I need some fine wine and you, you need to be nicer", I knew I had to check out the album. The songs aren't as strong as the ones on the last two albums, but they're still catchy and entertaining. Personally, I like Nina Persson's voice, which gives the songs a nice quality. Worth a listen (although I don't think it's out in the U.S. yet).
Hey party people, just got back from my 10 year reunion, and boy was it great! Oh no....wait.....wait.....it wasn't my 10 year reunion, it just felt like it because I saw everyone from high school jam packed into one area. Darth I will end you for picking me up and taking me there, New Wave you're still cool. Anyways i'm still up for some reason and have decided to promote my new blogsite. I will still be a contributor here, but I just wanted to let you know how stupid I could be. So here it is: Dance Like Geisha. Oh yeah and the GRADE = F for my blog.
Wednesday, November 9
(M) Bonhoeffer (2003, Martin Doblmeier - Documentary) Grade: C+
Grade of the documentary is a C+, actions of the man's life = A
This German theologian who had his doctorate in theology by the age of 21 and graduated summa cum laude from his university challenged Christian thought during his life, but more importantly resisted the Nazi regime and Hitler. He organized a group of people oppossed to the dictator and attemped to assasinate him.
The documentary is a mixture of historical B&W German footage mixed with interviews with students and friends of Bonhoeffer. Still shots are used of Bonhoeffer but there is no motion picture footage of him, he was killed by the Germans after a bomb they had planted in a room with Hitler exploded killing several officers, but miraculously Hitler survived.
Tuesday, November 8
Monday, November 7
(G) The Most Serene Republic @ Spaceland (Nov. 7) Grade: A-
What a treat. MSR performed for free tonight and it was a shame more people did not turn out to see them. Musically, their landscapes are similar to Architecture in Helsinki in that within one song there are high points (crashing cymbals, screaming vocals) and lower plateaus (piano melodies, singer Adrian Jewett harmonizing with his mouth). After seeing MSR live, the almost frenetic energy compressed and then released throughout their album, Underwater Cinematographer, makes sense with such a borderline ADD case as Jewett in the frontman role. Filled with boundless energy, he almost stole the show. But what was more mesmerising was the sweet vocals of Emma Ditchburn. Although they are not breaking new ground, MSR is worth giving a listen.
(More Canucks tomorrow with Arts & Crafts label mates Broken Social Scene. Glee!)
What a treat. MSR performed for free tonight and it was a shame more people did not turn out to see them. Musically, their landscapes are similar to Architecture in Helsinki in that within one song there are high points (crashing cymbals, screaming vocals) and lower plateaus (piano melodies, singer Adrian Jewett harmonizing with his mouth). After seeing MSR live, the almost frenetic energy compressed and then released throughout their album, Underwater Cinematographer, makes sense with such a borderline ADD case as Jewett in the frontman role. Filled with boundless energy, he almost stole the show. But what was more mesmerising was the sweet vocals of Emma Ditchburn. Although they are not breaking new ground, MSR is worth giving a listen.
(More Canucks tomorrow with Arts & Crafts label mates Broken Social Scene. Glee!)
Tomorrow is Election day and I hope all of you will be going out there and voting. Here is a link to find out more information about the propositions and polling places.
Sunday, November 6
(O) Cat on a Hot Tin Roof @ Geffen Playhouse (Nov. 6) Grade: B+
As part of the reopening of this theatre, the next few plays to be held here will celebrate American playwrights. Fitting then that the celebration starts off with Tennessee Williams. This Cat offered lots of great performances: John Goodman was an imposing figure as Big Daddy, Brenda Fricker concealed her Irish accent well as the deluded Big Mama and Jennifer Mudge was an effectively strong Maggie. I also thought the overall theme of mendacity versus truth and how each character seeks them were well explored. The play’s official opening is Nov. 16, so try to catch it if you get the chance.
Didn’t you notice the powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity in this room?
(G) Magic Numbers @ Troubadour (Nov. 1) Grade: A
This band is huge in the UK right now. And no, I’m not referring to their size. The two pairs of brothers and sisters are the antithesis to the thin, well coifed and smart dress acts of today but Magic Numbers proves that all of the above is just about marketing and not about, well, the music. This was the first date of their headlining U.S. tour and it was obvious that they were as happy to be there on stage as the sold out audience was to see them. In fact, I don’t think singer Romeo Stodart stopped smiling. As Pitchfork writes: The Magic Numbers are easy to love. Why, yes, they are. Highlight: I See You, You See Me
As part of the reopening of this theatre, the next few plays to be held here will celebrate American playwrights. Fitting then that the celebration starts off with Tennessee Williams. This Cat offered lots of great performances: John Goodman was an imposing figure as Big Daddy, Brenda Fricker concealed her Irish accent well as the deluded Big Mama and Jennifer Mudge was an effectively strong Maggie. I also thought the overall theme of mendacity versus truth and how each character seeks them were well explored. The play’s official opening is Nov. 16, so try to catch it if you get the chance.
Didn’t you notice the powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity in this room?
(G) Magic Numbers @ Troubadour (Nov. 1) Grade: A
This band is huge in the UK right now. And no, I’m not referring to their size. The two pairs of brothers and sisters are the antithesis to the thin, well coifed and smart dress acts of today but Magic Numbers proves that all of the above is just about marketing and not about, well, the music. This was the first date of their headlining U.S. tour and it was obvious that they were as happy to be there on stage as the sold out audience was to see them. In fact, I don’t think singer Romeo Stodart stopped smiling. As Pitchfork writes: The Magic Numbers are easy to love. Why, yes, they are. Highlight: I See You, You See Me
(M) Saw (2004 Suspense/Horror movie) Grade: B+
Okay so I had a HUGE midterm thingy on Wednesday so I had to pass up Halloween on Monday for a night of studying. However, Friday night I made up for it on "scary movie night" in which somebody recommended watching this movie 'Saw' which I had no real interest in seeing but was curious as a sequel was made so I figured it might be somewhat interesting. I was very suprised by how much I actually enjoyed this movie. Though the acting is not tops (but it was shot in 18 days with no rehearsals due to such a small budget). Anyway... it was somewhat different from modern day horror/suspense movies, though I did kinda feel somebody watched the movie Seven and decided to make their own "do the world good by being bad" movie. Anyway... it can be suspenseful, not really "scary" but it is bloody and I didn't see the end coming at all which was really interesting.
Quick Synopsis: Mystery person is putting people in life or death situations so that the victims will appreciate life. They can either die which they deserve, since anybody who doesn't appreciate life shouldn't be allowed to live, or they can try and get out of this "trap" and live to bring realization and meaning to their life, provided they can escape the situation before the situation brings about their death.
(M) Saw 2 (2005 Horror/Suspense Movie) Grade: B-/C+
Off of the enjoyment of the first one which I saw Friday, I rushed out to see the second one Saturday night. Had this one been the first movie, I may not have gone and seen part 2... but it wasn't the first one, it was the second one so maybe I shouldn't have expected much originality. Though I enjoyed it, it was probably the end that raised my opinion of the movie. However, I discredit a movie that relies on the ending to justify the entire movie as "good". But it was ok, well.. better than ok. Instead of showing different scenarios that different people had to go through (like in the first one), it was a group experience of "torture".
I guess since in the first one you were learning what the mastermind behind all the torture scenarios was doing and why and trying to figure out who he was, it made it more engrossing. Now, knowing who the bad guy is, it takes away the mystery and leaves just wondering who will live, who will die, and what the "catch" of the movie is.
Friday, November 4
BAD MUSIC!
First and foremost, I am not a music snob, nor do I pretend to know a lot about music, I just likes what I likes, but I do know Autobots from Deceptacons, He-man from Skeletor, Jedi from Sith, etc. This is my take on the current day Elmer Fudd's of the world.
Has anyone else heard Kevin Federleeezy's "cut" that is on the mutha net? It is sooooo bad. I heard it on Kevin & Bean earlier this morning and I sat there laughing. I do not understand how this idiot even thinks that what he is doing is considered music. At one point he says something about paparazzi following him, but it sounds like Pavarotti. Grade: F
R. Kelly has released his Trapped in the Closet DVD's for chapters 1-12, and he has already been quoted as saying he has already written up to chapter 22. There's still more to come. How can people support this idiot. He is the same guy that pee uRinates on underaged girls, who knows what else he's done. He says that people can relate to this Hip Hopera because it happens in real life. When was the last time one of you cheated on your wife, then came to find out that she was cheating on you? Only to find out that your wife is cheating on you with your mistress' husband. Only to find out that the guy is a gay priest that has a lover, all this to drive home and get pulled over by a police officer who is also probably sleeping with your wife. Yeah....please don't support this guy. Go download it if you really must see it, or borrow it, but please don't buy it.
That's all, I felt like I needed to type up something, because I was threatened to be discommunicated from 742, by Pontiff New Wave. =)
First and foremost, I am not a music snob, nor do I pretend to know a lot about music, I just likes what I likes, but I do know Autobots from Deceptacons, He-man from Skeletor, Jedi from Sith, etc. This is my take on the current day Elmer Fudd's of the world.
Has anyone else heard Kevin Federleeezy's "cut" that is on the mutha net? It is sooooo bad. I heard it on Kevin & Bean earlier this morning and I sat there laughing. I do not understand how this idiot even thinks that what he is doing is considered music. At one point he says something about paparazzi following him, but it sounds like Pavarotti. Grade: F
R. Kelly has released his Trapped in the Closet DVD's for chapters 1-12, and he has already been quoted as saying he has already written up to chapter 22. There's still more to come. How can people support this idiot. He is the same guy that pee uRinates on underaged girls, who knows what else he's done. He says that people can relate to this Hip Hopera because it happens in real life. When was the last time one of you cheated on your wife, then came to find out that she was cheating on you? Only to find out that your wife is cheating on you with your mistress' husband. Only to find out that the guy is a gay priest that has a lover, all this to drive home and get pulled over by a police officer who is also probably sleeping with your wife. Yeah....please don't support this guy. Go download it if you really must see it, or borrow it, but please don't buy it.
That's all, I felt like I needed to type up something, because I was threatened to be discommunicated from 742, by Pontiff New Wave. =)
Thursday, November 3
(O) Not being able to move your neck. Grade: F-
I don't know what I did but my neck started hurting at work this afternoon. It hurt to turn to the right and bending to the right. Now it's progressesd to hurting in all directions even when I'm in neutral position. So I am uncomfortable ALL THE TIME. I'm gonna take a muscle relaxant before bed and hopefully I'll be all better tomorrow.
I don't know what I did but my neck started hurting at work this afternoon. It hurt to turn to the right and bending to the right. Now it's progressesd to hurting in all directions even when I'm in neutral position. So I am uncomfortable ALL THE TIME. I'm gonna take a muscle relaxant before bed and hopefully I'll be all better tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 1
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