Avatar Review

James Cameron makes his return to feature films with his magnum opus: Avatar. He wrote the script back in the 90s and has been working on the film for 4 years. After his success with Titanic, it makes sense that Cameron would do a project like this. Nevertheless, is it worth all the hype and the wait? Well, the answer is complicated, at least from my perspective.


Avatar is one of those films that I left with mixed reactions. It is, without a doubt, visually stunning and every dollar of it’s $230 million budget is displayed on screen. The 3D format enhances the visceral level of the visual world that Cameron has created. This is the reason that you should experience the film in a digital 3D theater at least once. There is an impressive sense of detail in every aspect of the planet Pandora and it's ecosystem.

However, for all of Avatar’s technical excellence, it lacks interesting characters and storyline. It seems that Cameron forgot to polish up his script after he took it off the shelf. The characters and plot of Avatar are too 2 dimensional and are not compatible with the 3 dimensional world that they inhabit. Now, I am not saying that this type of film should have a complicated plot, but it should not feel overtly clichéd and familiar. Sometimes you have to take a simple plot structure and find new things to make it singular. Unfortunately, I do not feel like Avatar did that, it was too familiar and not inventive in the way that the aesthetics of the film were. The characters are a little better off, but they lack depth and charisma. The culture of the Na’vi itself is interesting and detailed; conversely, each character fits rigidly into a boring archetype. Nonetheless, for all of Avatar’s flaws, it is still an entertaining ride. For a 2 hour and half running time, it moves at a quick and steady pace.

So, where do I stand on Avatar? Well I like the film for it’s virtues and have come to terms with it’s flaws. I think it accomplishes so much, in spite of itself. Maybe, it is because it represents it’s inspiration from B science fiction stories of paperback novels in such an operatic style. I will say that it has provided me with a new catch phrase to add to my lexicon, “freaking daisy cutters.”

Disaster or Disastrously Amusing?

Well, 2012 arrives in theaters this weekend and I'm sure that while I write this there is a line at the multiplex for the next showtime. However, I am not in the category of those eager to have 2 hours and half of their life sucked away by an over the top disaster film, but I will anyway eventually. It is just hard to resist the temptation of chessy disaster films; they provide us with a comfortable way to enjoy our morbid curiosity. It doesn't matter that 2012 probably has a minimal plot and superficial characters; as an audience, we just want to sit there and have stuff blow up and look cool, while doing so. Who said a disaster can't be fun? Here is my list of my top five "chesse-tastic" disaster films, sure to make you "ohh" and "ahh," while laughing your butt off at the pure stupidity of Hollywood logic.

1. Twister (1996) Now why would I put this at the top of the list? Two reasons, One: flying cow, two: surviving a twister via a belt. I think those two reasons are enough to justify this film as a semi-comedy. This 1996 blockbuster was my first real disaster experience in theaters and even as a kid I was confused about the logic of it all. I didn't know it was so easy to chase, out run and survive a twister, as long as you have a truck and a trusty belt ready to be strapped to a pipe. Ah, Twister, how many times have you saved my life during my visits to tornado alley, there are too many to count.

2. Volcano (1997) So, it appears that according to this film, concrete barriers can hold back lava and detonated charges can stop a volcanic fault line. Also, Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Hache make one heck of a volcano fighting team. Now of course, there are plenty moments of great fiery performances to go around in this epic fight against molten rock. Oh yes, the character who sacrifices himself, the people who learn to tolerate each other in the face of adversity and of course the slow motion running scene are all there.

3. Armageddon (1998) Micheal Bay, you have given us so many giant explosive fire balls of sub-par excellence; it was only natural that you take it to the next level: explosions in SPACE. Hence, why NASA, helmed by Billy Bob Thorten (this already brings up the believability factor of the film), decides to send an oil-drilling team on a space mission to blow an asteroid in two pieces before it reaches Earth. That almost sounds like it might work, but not before Bruce Willis must sacrifice himself in one of the most moving scenes I have ever witnessed. The only thing to move me more than that scene was the amazing song "Don't want to miss a Thing" by Aerosmith, which is on the soundtrack. It left me in utter shambles. Why must Bruce Willis die, while we all live? A deep question that we all must ask ourselves.

4. Dante's Peak (1997) Another volcano type movie, only this time it is Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton who must battle an exploding mountain of death. OK, this film gets some "cool" points because an entire town gets blown up by a giant pryroclastic cloud and a grandma gets burned by an acid lake. I dare you to find any other film that can deliver you both a better exploding town sequence and elderly death scene than this one. Of course, everything the kids do is mind numbingly stupid and once the town blows up, who cares what happens, the good part is over. We all know it's just going to be a happy ending where only minor characters die in slightly heroically humiliating ways.

5. Deep Impact (1998) A comet is heading towards Earth, the president of the U.S. is Morgan Freeman and Elijah Wood will do anything to save Leele Sobieski, I would too. There are other events that transpire as well, but I don't quite remember them all to clearly. All I can recall is New York and other cities being wiped out by tidal waves. Poor Morgan Freeman, his first time as president and he lets a piece of a comet hit Earth.

Honorable mentions:
The Day After Tomorrow (2004) How do you survive the next ice age? You run away from it as fast as you can.

Independence Day (1996) These aliens must have crappy computer programmers because their security system has as many holes as Windows Vista.

The Core (2003) The core has stopped spinning and the Earth will destroy itself. How will you stop this from happening? By using implausible junk science of course.

Pearl Jam's Backspacer

The early 90s were a radical time in music. The sonic landscape was changing for the better. Eventually, the underground came above ground and a wave of alternative rock bands were given their opportunity to bring back music from the edge. Many of these bands were grown in the urban clubs of Seattle, Washington. It is quite impressive to think that at one time a lonely teenager out in downtown Seattle could hear Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam in the same night with almost no cash in his pocket.

Both Nirvana and Pearl Jam were the front runners of the 90s grunge era. Nirvana's Nevermind brought Alternative Grunge music to the masses and Pearl Jam's Ten quickly followed. It goes without saying that had Kurt Cobain not taken his life, Nirvana could have been as prolific as The Beatles were in their time. However, it was not meant to be and their catalogue is strong as it stands. Pearl Jam, on the other hand, has been making music ever since they formed. Even when grunge became post-grunge and eventually became a fad, Pearl Jam was always and is still around.

Now in their 19th year as a band, Pearl Jam has released their ninth studio album Backspacer. Earlier this year, the band also released another version of Ten, which included unreleased tracks. However, that was an incentive to fans and Backspacer is more of an effort in comparison. The album is a layered reminder of why Pearl Jam has endured as along as they have. Even though many of the members are older than they where in their Seattle heyday, they still have the same veracity and energy. Every single bit of that comes through in Backspacer. It is one of the more well-rounded albums that Pearl Jam has produced over the years. Each track has it's own noisy resonance that calls back to the nostalgia of pre and early 90s alternative rock. Tracks listed on the album:

1. Gonna See my Friend
2. Got Some
3. The Fixer
4. Johnny Guitar
5. Just Breathe
6. Amoungst the Waves
7. Unthought Uknown
8. Supersonic
9. Speed of Sound
10. Force of Nature
11. The End

My personal favorite tracks include: The Fixer, The End and Unthought Uknown. The Fixer is the first single off the album and I'm sure many will hear it on the radio or somewhere else. The first time I heard it, it got under my skin and I found it spinning in my head even after it had left the airwaves. It has an anthemic sensibility to it and it is easily accessible. The End is one of the more somber tunes on the album. Most of Backspacer is occupied by more noisy fare and The End is the closure to that. It ends everything on melancholic note, which gives it a long lasting feel, even after it is over. It somewhat reminds me of the songs that Eddie Vedder composed for the Into the Wild soundtrack. Unthought Uknown just builds up and envelopes in an apex of sound and I have always been a fan of songs that build up intensity. Nevertheless, I don't think Backspacer can be enjoyed without the sum of it's parts all working together. When you get the chance, close the door, drown out the outside world, put on your headphones and get caught in the waves of sound.

Empire Records - The Gen-X Guilty Pleasure

There are certain movies, that lack in various departments but have a sort of redeeming quality to them. For example, Empire Records (1995), the Generation-X comedy that came out at the peak of the Grunge era. Now, Empire Records is far from a great movie; it is, in an opinion, a shallow pop version of Clerks (1994). Nevertheless, there is something about it that makes it a somewhat enjoyable experience. Maybe it's the idea that we might one day want to work at a place like Empire Records, an idealized version of a record store, where life problems are solved within the lapse of a day.

Empire Records is occupied by stock characters, who all basically seem to fit into their respective stereotypical 90's archetype. They all play their part within the story and follow their own predictable re-awakening. This is what makes the it feel very superficial, even if it tries to strive for a message against non-commercialism and individuality. At the end, everything is too neatly resolved and put together, especially after one day. However, I have to say, maybe that is the appeal of it. We all fantasize about resolving our inner and outer conflicts in the matter of about 24 hours or less, so Empire Records gives us what we want, as opposed to what we need. I think it is important to stand back and view the movie not as something that strives for realism but for formalism. Empire Records is, in a sense, a fantasy film that tries to ground it's self in reality.

Probably the only great thing about Empire Records is the soundtrack. The array of music that pulsates through the movie is it's ultimate redeeming factor. Every song is not placed in an ad-hoc fashion, but is instead placed in the right scene at the right time. I think this is the reason it succeeds, even in the wake of it's faults. It is pure entertainment filled with great songs; it is a 90's pop artifact. If you dis-like the film, then you at least have the soundtrack to make up for the lost time. This is the track listing:

1. Til I Hear it from You - Gin Blossoms
2. Lair - Cranberries
3. Girl like you - Edwyn Collins
4. Free - The Martinis
5. Crazy Life - Toad and the Wet Sprocket
6. Bright as Yellow - The Innocence Mission
7. Circle of Friends - Better Than Ezra
8. I Don't want to Live Today - Ape Hangers
9. Whole Lotta Trouble - Cracker
10. Ready, Steady, Go - Meices
11. What You Are - Drill
12. Nice Overalls - Lustre
13. Here it Comes Again - Please, Please
14. Ballad of El Gordo - Evan Dando
15. Sugarhigh - Coyote Shivers

Plus there are the songs that are played in the movie but are not on the soundtrack, which include but are not limited to: Plowed - Sponge, Hey Joe -Jimi Hendrix, Counting Blue Cars - Dishwalla, Romeo and Juliet - Dire Straits, Daniel Johnston - Rock 'n' Roll/ EGA, so forth and so on...

(500) Days Of Summer Review

(500) Days of Summer is a fresh breeze in the stale summer air. I have to say personally it is on my top ten list for this year, so far. It has more honesty and relativity in one frame than most films this year have been able to achieve in their full running time. Now it goes without saying that this film is not for everyone; the film techniques and the non-linear format might turn those off who are more comfortable with regular narrative structures. Nevertheless, the creative approach that the film-makers take to tell the story is what gives the film another layer of nuance. For it's introspection into how we think about relationships in our minds, as scattered fragments of time instead of chronological moments, is what makes the film personally relevant, at least in my opinion.

In a similar way as Annie Hall, High Fidelity, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, (500) Days of Summer takes a male perspective on a romantic relationship. Actually it is more like a relationship built on unrequited love. Although, there are moments where Tom Hanson does share a connection with Summer Finn, she never truly reciprocates his love for her. We never get a full reason for Summer's actions as a character, since we mostly view her through Tom's perspective. However, that is the point, Summer seems undecided about her emotions and her actions because that is how Tom remembers her. She will always be kind of a mystery to him and us the audience.

The film takes different creative techniques to show us Tom's emotional ups and downs. These give us an open window into his mind throughout his 500 day journey. There are too many to highlight, but I will make note of 3 different occasions that I thought were poignant. The first is the dance sequence that occurs after Tom leaves Summer's apartment. I think this dance sequence is a near perfect metaphor for the emotional high a person feels when they fall in love with someone. Of course, it's followed by the depressive downturn many days later. The second is when Tom is sitting in the cinema and is watching himself inserted into different French films. For example for The Seventh Seal homage, Tom plays chess with cupid, instead of death. The third and the one that resonated with me the most was the Reality vs. Expectation sequence. I think we all go through situations expecting an outcome but end up dealing with the reality, which is usually the opposite of what we expected.

(500) Days of Summer is a film that connects with it's audience on a personal level. It delves into the range of feelings that can occur in unrequited love. It takes an authentic introspection into it's themes of heartbreak and hope. Tom is a hopeless romantic and Summer is skeptical about the very notion of romance; these characters both fundamentally represent different sides of the spectrum. However, both are able to reach a middle ground about their varied perspectives. In the end, we are all just waiting for an Autumn after every Summer.

Transformers Rise of the Fallen Review

Transformers: Rise of the Fallen is all noise and no fun. I would go as far to say that it is the worst movie of the summer season so far and that is saying a lot compared to what audiences have had to contend with this summer. Transformers (2007) was big dumb fun, it lacked in a lot of departments but it was an enjoyable movie. In contrast, Transformers: Rise of the Fallen is just big and dumb.

I don't think any movie is a better example of everything that is wrong with current American mainstream cinema. It seems that Hollywood keeps churning out these shallow action movies that are all style and no substance. I concede that certain action movies do get by with being shallow fun, but only if they have a certain respect for the audience's intelligence.

Transformers: Rise of the Fallen basically hits the audience over the head for 3 excruciating hours. It's really hard sit through the awkwardly unfunny comedy this movies tries to accomplish. It's almost like Micheal Bay is sitting behind you, poking your shoulder every five-minutes, screaming in your ear, "Isn't that hilarious, ha ha, ethnic stereotypes and sexual innuendos. Oh, I'm such a visionary."

In terms of plot, well there isn't any. Any semblance of plot is nothing but a contrived line of events that are linked by mediocre action scenes. Every sub-plot that is set up goes nowhere fast. The plot is paper thin and is as deep as the inside of a Coke can. The characters in Transformers Revenge of the Fallen have as much depth as the plot. Every character is nothing but a disposable piece used to thrust the action along.

The human characters are all uninteresting and lack any emotional connection with the audience, so why should I care if Sam or Mikaela almost die? Is it because they are the leads in the story? is that the only reason you have to give me? Oh, by the way, Megan Fox might be extremely attractive but she has the acting skills of a disabled mime. Shai LaBeouf is basically playing the one note character of Sam with as much grace as Fox plays her character. In all honesty, I'm being unfair to the actors, it's not their fault that the script is a muddled mess or that their director is not very deft on plot or characters. Now when it comes to the Transformers, they are actually way more interesting than their human counterparts. It's too bad that great characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron are reduced to meandering parts. Also, who ever had the idea of making two Autobots into over the top stereotypes, one of which who sports a gold tooth, should be fired from production and should be sent to racial sensitivity school.

The special effects and action sequences should be the redeeming factor in movie, right? Nevertheless, I think the effects and the action in this movie weren't as great as the first, in my opinion at least. It's very sad, when I start to get bored during an action scene. Maybe it's because when you have no interest in the characters or the situations on screen there is no suspense to keep you hooked in. The CGI and the effects quickly loose their gleam as the movie progressively gets more disconnected. Now, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen is going to make it's millions at the Box Office, that is a given. Although, I hope that bad of word of mouth hurts it in the end. Truthfully, though, I know that the masses will flock to it and that it will make its money, procuring a pointless sequel.

Pixar's UP

Pixar continues to surprise me. It seems that they are the only production company making intelligent family films. While companies like Disney, Dreamworks and Nickelodeon keep churning out the same old prescribed "kiddy crack", as I like to call it, Pixar is more interested in telling well rounded stories that are subtly complex. Now I know Pixar is a subsidiary of the Disney corporation, but I count them as a separate creative entity from the abomination that Disney has become.

After sitting through Pixar's latest film, UP, I have no doubt that they are one of the last remaining beacons of hope in the family entertainment industry. Now I have always been a fan of family films that didn't pander to it's target audience and UP succeeds in that. Why should parents suffer through a film just to keep their children entertained. I think for a family film to truly be successful, everyone has to be able to enjoy some aspect of it...actually that goes for any film. Nevertheless, I feel like the plenitude of family targeted entertainment out there is sugar coated nonsense. So while the kids sit entranced by the bright colors and the lowbrow humour, killing off precious new neurons, the parents sit by awkwardly grinding there teeth through the torture.

What ever happened to the daring family entertainment of years back. I don't think a film like The Never-Ending Story or a TV show like The Adventures of Pete and Pete would ever have a chance today. Instead, what we get in return is pre-pubescent teens selling ignorance and empty promises to the children of tomorrow.

Ok, so my intention was to do a review of UP, but I got sidetracked and got up on my soap box instead. Either way, I think its because a film like UP reminded me of a time where I could go to a family film and enjoy it, as opposed to being annoyed by it.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

I finally finished listening to Grizzly Bear's new album Veckatimest. The album was released last week, but I like to give an album a few listens before I pass judgement on it. I have to say, after a few spins in my CD player, Veckatimest is Grizzly Bear's best work to date. The indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY has been making psychedelic experimental folk rock for a while now. They made their first debut with Horn of Plenty (2004), which was an admirable first effort from a growing group of musicians. However, in my opinion, Veckatimest is the album where Grizzly Bear have found their artistic peak.

There are a few songs that stand out to me from Veckatimest. When I first heard "Two Weeks" there was no doubt that it was an addictive layered track that swooned to the meanderings of the heart. I'm sure anyone who hasn't heard of Grizzly Bear or this album will eventually listen to this song at one point. "Cheerleader" and "While You Wait For the Others" are tracks that have a stand alone quality that make them easily re-playable and oddly satisfying.

Veckatimest is collage of sound that mixes the old with the new. Grizzly Bear blend their pop sensibilities with their experimental flairs. Mostly, every song on the album connects appropriately with the other; blending into a melodic sound scape. There are places where certain songs wander, but it doesn't sound as pretentious as many other indie musical explorations. As a whole, Veckatimest has its flaws; nevertheless, it reaches for a meticulous need for greatness that is commendable.

There are some that find Grizzly Bear's music too quietly reserved, but I think that in the right state of mind or after a few listens, Veckatimist is the kind of album that is hard not to get lost into.

Terminator Salvation Review

Terminator Salvation was a one of those movies that was fun to sit through, but easy to forget. That is the best way I can sum up this some what average entry in the Terminator series. Salvation is an improvement on the abomination that was Terminator 3, but it still falls way short from the greatness of the first 2 films.

Now, it does not go without saying that it is a very enjoyable pop corn summer movie. So within the summer movie season, Terminator Salvation fits right in with all the other run of the mill fare that comes out during this time, but that is where the problem lies. I have to put part of the blame on MCG, he is not a talented director when it comes to character development and story structure, but he is a proficient action director. Though, I have to point out that some of the best action sequences in Salvation were pale imitations of other films. Once the movie was over, I noticed that some of the most thrilling sequences had an air of deja-vu to them. Nevertheless, the action is non-stop and mostly crowd-pleasing.

When it came to the characters, that is where the movie got lost. The only character that evolves or has any kind of arch is Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington). Every other character in the movie is paper-thin and have no dimension to them. Christian Bale does the best he can with the part of John Conner. He tries to add feeling and depth into a superficially written role. At certain points, Connor comes off as an egotistical guy with a messianic complex. He talks about saving civilians trapped within Skynet, but only goes to save Kyle Reese, after which he decides to nuke the Skynet facility filled with countless civilians still trapped within its walls. So John Conner was only using saving civilians as an excuse to assure his conception, this isn't the Connor that James Cameron popularized. Also, for a series known for presenting strong female characters (Sarah Connor), the women in Salvation are given nothing to do. Blair Williams (Moon Bloodgood) serves as only a means to get Marcus Wright out of containment and Kate Connor (Bryce Dallas Howard) is a pregnant docile housewife, who can apparently do open heart surgery in a bunker with no supplies in a barren future...so maybe I do have to give her some respect.

The plot of the movie has the same problems the characters do, it is as thought out as the Resistance's plan to disable Skynet. If you take the time to dissect any part of the story, the movie comes crumbling down like a house of cards. Fortunately, MCG keeps everything moving so fast, you won't notice. So was Terminator Salvation worth all the work? No, not really, it is an entertaining action movie, but it lacks (ironically) a heart and soul.

Terminator series Mini-Reviews

So Terminator Salvation arrives in theaters tomorrow. The early reviews and word of mouth have not been good. What can you expect with a director like McG? Aside from his great track record of Charlies Angles films, superficial music videos, and a juvenile name (McG really? Somehow he got rapper confused with film director), I'm sure he was the best choice to helm the 4th installment in the Terminator franchise..cough, cough. However, until I check out the film, I will reserve judgment on it. Instead, I'm going to do a mini-review of all 3 of the Terminator films, that's right even the sub-par Rise of the Machines. James Cameron's Terminator has become embedded in pop-culture. So much so, that it has it's own ride in Universal Studios; that's how you know it's reached a plateau of popularity beyond a simple 80's film about an assassin cyborg from the future. What all started with a fever dream or inspiration from an Outer Limits episode, depending on which story you subscribe to, has produced 2 classic films, one mediocre and another one on the way. So where to start, as the saying goes, At the beginning:

THE TERMINATOR (1984): Well, if you haven't checked out the one that started it all, I suggest you go to your nearest video store, run don't walk. This is the film that made Arnold, oh wait, I'm sorry, the current Governor of California's career. Who knows where he would be if it wasn't for his turn as a killer cyborg from the future. This is the one with that really cool quote that has become part of the social conscious, "I'll be back." The Terminator was James Cameron's breakout film, before he did this, he was doing low-budget Roger Corman movies. Ah, and of course, the beautiful and talented Linda Hamilton also got her break in this film. Unfortunately, Micheal Biehn was not as lucky as his colleagues, but Cameron still threw him many roles in his future films, so maybe he didn't have it that bad after all. Either way, I've gotten off subject, the point is that this film was made for a very independent low-budget, yet it achieves so much. That is because it is built on ideas and Cameron understands how to shape a smart entertaining story. Sure, there is the whole time-travel conundrum, so Kyle Reese is John Connor's father, wait...what? Nevertheless, it doesn't become that much of a problem until the third film, which screws everything up, but let's move on to the superior sequel to this film.

TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY (1991): I like to compare this and The Terminator, the same way I like to compare Alien and Aliens (which James Cameron directed). T2 (as it is called in many circles) is a superior sequel that expands on the original. The stakes are amped up and the characters are fleshed out a bit more. The infamous and menacing T-1000 is a formidable opponent in this film. The terminator from the last film (T-800) has been sent back in time, re-programed to protect John Connor. The decision to make the villain from the original an underdog cyborg protecting the protagonists in this film is an inspired choice. One of the most impressive things about T2 is how much humanity they add to the mechanical Terminator character, making him almost a father figure to John Connor. Also, surprising enough, this film has a very subtle non-violence message hidden beneath it's action orientated machinery. The ending climax of the film is amazing and it even pulls at the heart strings a bit. As Tim from Spaced would say, "you think I'm unemotional, don't you? I can be emotional, Jesus, I cried like a child at the end of Terminator 2, you know with the thumb and the molten...you know." Terminator 2 is the standard, I think, all sequels should strive for. Alas, though, once James Cameron left, we got....

TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES (2003): Oh, where to start with this one? After 2 great films, we get this mediocre pass for an entry. Everything that is established in the previous film is unraveled in this one. In the previous film, Judgement Day is prevented; therefore, we get the whole idea that we make our own fate. Then in Terminator 3 we find out, oh no, yeah, you know that whole fate can be changed thing, not really true, you can only delay fate for while. This means that everything the characters attempted to do in the past adds up to nothing in the end. No matter what they did they couldn't change the outcome of things. Hence, what was the point of going through the motions? I mean, I understand that Judgment Day needs to happen in order to justify Connor's conception and everything else in the Terminator universe, but it could have been executed in a much more meaningful way. Also, the time-travel conundrum becomes increasingly obvious in this film. So, John Connor's existence is based off a string of paradoxes, it's never been so utterly noticeable before...thank you, Terminator 3 for ruining my memories of the last 2 films. All in all, I could go on and on about how much I don't like this film. I mean it is entertaining at times and it does provide some (albiet rushed) logical answers, but it is the weakest entry in the Terminator franchise so far.

Classic or Remake?

I just finished reading an article in Empire magazine about a few classic films returning to theaters. Some of these films include: Spartacus, The Blues Brothers, Scarface, The Thing and Animal House. Now this is what needs to happen, forget remakes, if production companies want to introduce a new generation to old classics, just re-release them in theaters.

Why should a hack director and writer molest a classic film by putting a unnecessary modern spin that will willingly pander to the lowest common denominator? Now don't get me wrong, there are few remakes, which in the right hands, could expand further than the original. Unfortunately, for every successful remake, there are a thousand unsuccessful ones to take its place. Therefore, for every The Fly there is another The Hitcher remake around the horizon.

The impact of atrocious remakes is never been felt more than in the Horror genre. What was once a thriving genre, in terms of ingenuity and creativity, is now reduced to prepubescent fast food for the ADD masses. So it fills me with great satisfaction when I hear that a classic horror film like John Carpenter's The Thing, which is ironically a successful remake of a 1950's film, is getting another opportunity in theaters. However, it is up to us, the theatergoers, to demand this. If we continue to reward pointless remakes, we are just going to continue to get more of the same. That's right, if you enjoy watching your favorite classics get the same treatment as the economy during the Bush years, then continue advocating pointless remakes...what's the worst that could happen, right?

Searching for Lost Time.

Today has been an uneventful day. It's interesting when we can go through an entire day accomplishing absolutely nothing. How did I spend 12 hours of my day, well it consisted of abysmal television programing. As you can already guess, this could veer into a rant about the low quality of modern television. No, but that would be obvious, as an alternative I will name a few classic novels I have yet to read and could have read all today, had I taken the initiative. Here is a list of few great novels I should of been reading, instead of wasting my last few remaining brain cells on That 70's Show reruns.

1. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

2. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

3. East of Eden by John Steinbeck

4. I, Claudius by Robert Graves

5. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

6. Herzog by Saul Bellow

7. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

8. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

9. Remembrance of Things Past by Marcel Proust

10. Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk

The Office Season 5 Finale

Well I have to say, season 4 and 5 of The Office has been way better than I thought they would be, especially season 5. A lot of shows fall into the trap of getting lazy as the seasons go on but the American version of The Office has actually improved as it has progressed. Sure it has become more far-fetched and over the top. However, it has also brought the laugh quotient up as a result of it. So I kept wondering how are they going to end this season, after the fiasco that was the Micheal Scott Paper Company.

Well the season finale starts at a company picnic. The branches are playing volleyball against each other and of course Dwight is set on winning. Micheal meets up with Holly again and they hit it off as they try to create a sketch for the picnic, which of course is awkward and goes wrong. As per usual, the episode ends on a cliffhanger, involving Pam and Jim; I won't say what it is for those of you who have not watched the episode.

I have to say I was impressed with the way they handled the Micheal and Holly situation. It is easy to figure out from the very moment that they introduced Holly that her and Micheal were destined for each other. Of course they would be the most socially inept couple to currently reach the airwaves, but that is what makes them so endearing. Well eventually Holly left the Scranton branch and Micheal was alone again; he did try to reunite with her, only to find out that she was dating someone else. In this episode though, it is apparent that Micheal and Holly will be the "will they, wont they" couple of the series for seasons to come, maybe along with Andy and the new receptionist. It is interesting to note how Micheal and Holly's relationship parallels with Jim and Pam's revelation at the end of the episode. I hope the writers are able to keep the show evolving in the next season.

In Heaven Everything is Fine...

So they were showing Eraserhead on Sundance and I said why not check it out. I have to say that I forgot how unnerving it was, especially at night. Eraserhead is the kind of film that almost gives off that tangible feeling you get after waking up from a nightmare, once it's over. David Lynch is an expert at designing an atmosphere of dread through sound and surreal imagery. He knows how to get into your head and stay there for a while, destroying everything that you find normal and safe.

Eraserhead is one of those films you either love or hate. Usually if you love it, you can only watch it once or twice, it isn't the type of film you check out for fun...unless your emotionally disturbed, no offense to those who disagree with me. I once heard someone call it the anti-date movie; so if you ever want to test your significant other, put it at the top of your list. Nevertheless, it is one of those films that does leave a mark, no matter what your opinion of it is. Usually everyone has different reactions to it, but it is usually always surrounded with a feeling of disgust or confusion. Most people are just left wondering and scratching their head, "What just happened, what was that all about?" That's usually when I answer, "How about another David Lynch film, to take off the edge?"

What came first the music or the misery?

In honor of High Fidelity, here is my top 10 list of albums to listen to when your in a state of melancholy or lovelorn. Why waste your time chasing after the girl of your dreams, when you can crawl into the fetal position and listen to great music?

1. The Smiths - Singles

2. Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures

3. The Cure - Disintegration

4. Radiohead - The Bends

5. Pink Floyd - The Wall

6. Elliot Smith - Elliot Smith

7. Sigur Ros - ( ) "The Bracket Album"

8. The Jesus and Mary Chain - Psychocandy

9. Alice in Chains - Jar of Flies

10. M83 - Before the Dawn Heals Us

Review: STAR TREK

Gene Roddenberry's original Star Trek series is the gold standard when it comes to science fiction. So when J.J. Abrams decided to go back to Captain Kirk, Spock and the old crew of the Enterprise, it was a welcomed surprise. I have to admit, I was never a huge fan of the Next Generation crew, nothing against Picard, but he is no match to the charisma of Kirk. Star Trek has been in need of a reboot for a while. The atrocious Nemesis was the last nail in the coffin for the Next Generation Star Trek movies. The series has been running on steam for many years now and it was about time it reached out to the masses.

Star Trek was never as understood as say something like Star Wars. It simply was because, in my opinion, Star Trek was the more mature concept. Nevertheless, Star Wars was always more dramatically involved and more fun all around. However, J.J. Abrams has learned to reintroduce the more exhilarating side of Star Trek. Now it goes without saying that this film is no where near the excellence that is Wrath of Khan; nevertheless, it is just as fun and somewhat dramatically interesting.

Now I wont go into the plot, it involves time travel and a clever alternative reality spin on old trek mythology but no worries the plot is actually really easy to follow, considering the concepts involved. Basically, it is a run of the mill plot, you know the basics: bad guy tries to get revenge and attempts to destroy Earth; good guys have to go against all odds to prove themselves and save the day. Although, the plot is generic, that's not what makes this film good, instead what makes it so good is that it is an exhilarating theater going experience. There is a list of plot holes and small flaws that plague the film, but it is all easy to ignore because of the level of artistry that goes into creating great characters (aside from Nero, who was a really underwritten 2 dimensional villain) and a firm ground for more stories to come.

Although, I do have to throw this in there, I don't know what Abrams was thinking in terms of some casting choices, ie: Tyler Perry and Winona Ryder. They were really distracting in the scenes they were in. However, everyone else did an exceptional job at their roles. Abrams has given the Enterprise new blood in it's voyage to boldly go where only some film franchises have gone before.

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Boredom is a strange thing. It pushes people to master the art of time killing. This forum is a firm foundation for passing time and discussing culture. Nothing more and nothing less. It is mostly a space to talk about films, literature, music, art and everyday mundane observations. Therefore, this is the first of many posts designed to kill some time in a somewhat proficient way.