Lars and the Real Girl

so i got around to watching Lars and the Real Girl last night... not sure If I enjoyed the movie or not as a whole. I found myself sitting all the way through it because of the character exploration.

A few years ago, i attended a Cake walk at a local elementary school. While there I noticed that a lady was caring for a plastic baby doll. And by caring I mean... not playing along like it was real for some little kids around her. but she was clinging on to it like it was a real baby.

I made sure not to stare or call any more attention to it... but the experience sorta stuck with me.

this movie sorta touches on that and how people experience incredible loss in life and they need these things to break out of whatever social coma their in.


anyhoo... I'd recommend it if you're up for a movie that will undoubtedly make you think about things you normally wouldn't.

Where did the Summer go?

While driving home this afternoon, I got to thinking.... "where did the Summer go?".

Unlike last Summer... things are going incredibly well for me. I'm excited about an upcoming project @ work and after discovering a few new haunts in San Antonio, the city has become a lot more interesting.

With all the goodness going down, I think thats the reason that the summer feels to be slipping away.

In other news, I got around to watching some recent Summer releases.

Becoming Jane : Caught this a few nights ago... I don't know how many liberties they took with Jane Austin's life - but the film was very enjoyable and as romantic drama's go, it's been one of the best I've seen in recent memory. I didn't enjoy it as much as ONCE... but would recommend it to anyone hoping to watch something with a little merit.



Superbad : Caught this, late Sunday evening... there's hundreds of glowing reviews online for the picture, so I won't spend too much time giving it anymore praise.



I found it to be a little slow at times, but it was a total knee slapper. Knocked Up, however remains as my favorite Summer comedy.

Random Monday thoughts

Scott Baio. Yes, that Scott Baio
Set my DVR to record a number of VH1 "Classic Album" documentaries, so that I could do a little write up about some of their selections.


This subject is taking a back seat, due to a show that debuted over the weekend called "Scott Baio, 45 and Single".

For those of you not in the know, Scott Baio is a secret indulgence of mine. Thanks to shows like 'Happy Days' and 'Charles in Charge' - I grew up with Baio always being on my television.

I even attempted a few years ago, to get Scott Baio to become an honorary member of my Scooter Club. I couldn't garner enough support from my group to follow through with an invite tho'.

Anyhoo, I set my DVR to record the season premiere this evening. I'll post thoughts on the show later this week.


The Cubs
When I wasn't watching documentaries on the Sex Pistols, Fleetwood Mac and Nirvana this evening - I took in a few innings of the Cubs & Giants.

The Cubs have been getting a lot of dap in recent weeks because of a staggering 15 wins in 19 games.

Tuned in to see the Cubs trailing the Giants by 1 run, with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th with no one on base. A few clutch hits later - the Cubs won their 16th game with a 3-2 score.

It's a little early to weigh on the Cubs chances for the post season. But it doesn't hurt to win games the way they did tonight. I called my father afterwards and he (a life long cub fan) is beginning to take a shine to Piniella's boys.


The Spanish Prisoner

I forget what channel it was over the weekend, Showtime or Cinimax, but they're showing one of my favorite movies of all time - this week : The Spanish Prisoner.

I happened to record a showing of it in HD and can't wait to carve out 2 hours to catch it.


Flight of the Concords

Is anyone else of the opinion that this show would be a lot better if it were 15 minutes long? Anyone?


Another Simpson Avatar Submission

Received another Simpson Avatar submission by email this afternoon. This one from my friend Heather. Of the three - this one is pretty close to what I look like... well, except for the lips. I don't have A-Rod, Jetter-ass-kissin' lips.



My friend Heather felt compelled to submit a avatar with corrected lips...

In praise of : Shortbus

Got around to watching John Cameron Mitchell's film "Shortbus" this morning... wantedto quickly write that its possibly the best rental I've made all Summer.

The film is a little difficult to describe...

It's a very courageous and if you're into artistic films - its a must see movie.

Simpson Avatar

I'm a little unsure about checking out the Simpson movie in a few weeks... I do however recommend going to the site and going to the official movie website and creating your own Simpson avatar tho'.

below is mine.

Update: I've been getting a number of complaints on how my avatar looks nothing like me. Ted has submitted one... I'm of the opinion that I look nothing like it. Have your say in the comments section.

Recent DVD rentals

Watched a number of movies over the weekend... below are some thoughts.

Smokin' Aces : despite having an embarrassing ammount of accomplished actors... Smokin' Aces isn't worthy of a recommended movie rental. The picture desperately tries to find a voice while never feeling the bit original. Sucks Wang

The Grifters : Rented this movie after it got a heartfelt plug on the Tony Kornhiser show... The film stars John Cusack, Anjelica Houston and a rail thin Annette Bening. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this film to friends... If you're in to Pulp - then you need to see this. If you're at all interested in seeing Annette Bening naked - then I would also recommend that you drop everything and see this.

The Queen: I can't believe how much I enjoyed this movie. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know very much about Queen Elizabeth II before seeing this movie... I imagined her to be a quiet, symbolic figure - who showed up around the globe for good cheer and good will.

The movie centers itself at the time of Princess Diana's death.... so the film focuses on the turmoil surrounding the Royal Family.

My favorite part of the film was seeing the Queen and a recently elected Tony Blair work together at a very difficult time for the Royal Family.

Again... the things portrayed in the film could be far fetched, but it was a fascinating picture.

Rocks Royal Wang

@ the Cinema

Met up with some friends last night to watch two movies at a local cineplex.

The first one was Pirates of the Caribbean (At World's End)... the third of the Pirat had a very hard time finding anyone willing to see it with me. The film pulled an obscenee trilogy. I amount of money last weekend... I won't bother with a detailed review. I think it was the best of the three Pirate movies. I sincerely hope that the series is put to bed.


The second film was a true treat. I was asked to attend a private (advanced) screening of Knocked Up and agreed to watch it at midnight.

I honestly can't say enough good things to say about the movie. It's an unapologetic comedy that explores relationships & unexpected pregnancies.

The trailer (in my opinion) lends itself to being a fun "date" movie... A "chick" flick - if you will.

The film however is a fabulous commentary on contemporary relationships.

A true film that is really rewarding for those in their 20's and 30's.

If urge you to drop everything and catch this movie.

.alamo city rollie.

Episode IV - the 30th Anniversary

30 years ago today, Star Wars debuted in theaters throughout the country.

I was born in December of 1977, so I won't be posting any stories about how I saw it in the theater as a little tike.

I don't recall the first time I saw Episode IV... It may have been after seeing Empire Strikes Back. I do however recall my father purchasing Episode IV on Videodisc for me while we were on vacation in Denver, CO.

I've seen the movie upwards of 200 times... I haven't seen it in a few years, but plan to catch it this evening on Cinemax as they intend to show all 6 Episodes in HD.

Thoughts on Spidey 3

I left the theater feeling a little disappointed. I wasn't exactly sure why at first... Summer "blockbusters" are a guilty pleasure of mine. I snicker when idiots flock to see films like STEALTH... but there's something about seeing a film like Spiderman - on opening weekend.

I couldn't believe that I was going to throw money at the "machine" that would break every box-office record to date.

I'll do the same in 3 weeks when I catch the last installment of PIRATES but I digress.

The Good

I don't know if I'm alone in saying this... but I get a kick out of seeing Sam Raimi's name associated with one of the largest grossing - motion pictures to ever hit the silver screen. I can't believe the guy who brought us The EVIL DEAD has been given the keys to the Spiderman cineverse.

When I'm not mentally slurping Raimi for taking part in Spidey 3, I sit back in awe and watch special effects - such as the Sandman and wonder what films will be like in 5 years.

If given enough time over the weekend, I can create a Quicktime movie of me wielding a light saber.

It's films like this that set the bar of "movie magic" to a new high...

That said... on to the bad

Let me preface my little rant by saying that I've never read a comic book in my life. I haven't the foggiest idea if this film upsets the devout-comic fan... I do however know that I've seen Comic-Book related movies my entire life.

As far as Spiderman 3 goes... I'm of the opinion that the film covered to much ground for a comic book film.

Here's a short list of things that upset me.

• Was it me or was Spiderman 3 was a little dialogue heavy?

• So let me get this straight.... it was Sandman who killed your Uncle? (anyone reading this blog, ever read the comic? is this a big leap here?)

• So by Spiderman 5... Will Peter be done with his Ph.D. and not be living in shitty studio with a door that doesn't stay shut?

• Was it me or did Peter (dressed in all black) look a lot like Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes?



• If you're going to pay a ridiculous homage to "Saturday Night Fever" - track the fucking song...

• Sammy... I get it. You and Bruce Campbell are friends - enough with finding him bit parts in Spideyverse.
•• Sub Point : This was the comedic interjection that the movie sorely needed after the first 45 minutes. Had Spiderman 3 started with this scene.... I think I would be writing a different review.

• What's with the musical numbers?

• If Parker is going to dawn the black suit and cross the line... then CROSS the line. Chicks he should have boned in Spidey 3. 1.) The receptionist at the Daily Bugle, 2.) the Romanian neighbor - who makes him cookies 3.) Gwen Stacy - she should be burdened with carrying his hate-child.

• Villains for the most part have a purpose for existing... the two-bit photographer who ended up becoming VENOM - upset me to no end. In the grand scheme of things, Spiderman could give a precious fuck-all about him.

I could go on and on... but I'll stop here.

Movie Nite : Stick It

]After spending a good part of my Saturday in a small Honda Civic to Round Rock, Texas (Ikea), then to downtown Austin (Waterloo Records) - I opted to come home tonight and just chill out on the couch with my dog.

After downing a few Pyramid Apricot Ale's - I stumbled across a movie called "Stick It" on one of my many HD channels.

The immediate appeal was simple. Gymnast girls doing floor routines in HD = man chub.

I thought about flipping the channel as soon as the dialogue began, but I began to learn a lot of little things about gymnastics.

example. for years I wondered how girls kept their leotards from riding up their butts. the film shows gymnasts spraying their lower half's with Stick-Em glue.

the film also discussed point systems and how fickle judges are. did you know that a bra - showing during a floor routine is a deduction?

The film is horrible. Jeff Bridges, is in it... he plays a burned out coach. He totally phones in his performance and he even throws in a few "dude" moments in the event someone like myself hangs in for the conclusion of the film.

American Hardcore : A Tribal History

Watched American Hardcore : A Tribal Historyon DVD the other night and I wanted to give a quick review on the documentary.

I read and loved, Steven Blush's "American Hardcore: A Tribal History" a few years ago and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about hardcore music.

I had very high hopes for the documentary, but it fell a little short for me... there's no way the documentary could cover everything thats in the book. An expansive 10 DVD documentary could only do that.

What I really wanted to see was the Misfits get some attention in the documentary, like they did in the book. This did not occur.

I don't recall the Dead Kennedy's getting heavy print in the book, but they got zero screen time on the documentary. Bad Brains and Black Flag got heavy screen time, but they also received a lot of inches in the book.

I think anyone whose into Hardcore will love the movie. There's incredible footage in it and some interesting interviews, but its not as rewarding as the book.

Live Bloggin' : 79th Annual OSCARS

It's Oscar nite!

I didn't get around to watching a lot of the nominated films this year, but I have some rooting interest in regards to the nominees.

The awards are being broadcast in High Definition.... I'll be live bloggin' the entire event.

7:30 PM: The show has just kicked off... I don't know if Errol Morris had any thing to do with the "Nominees". It looks a lot like his work. Also looks a lot like a "Apple Switch" campaign...

7:40ish PM: Ellen is just about done with her opening monologue... it was surprisingly short. Her choice of formal wear is an interesting one. I wonder if she'll be wearing it for the remainder of the evening.

7:48 PM: A big to-do has been made about the strong Mexican presence in this years Oscar ceremony. First award (Best Art Direction) has gone to Eugeno Caballero and Pilar Revuelta for "Pan’s Labyrinth". Big ups and brown power.

7:58 PM: I like Jack Black as much as the next guy... but he seriously needs to be put down.

8:03 PM: Exactly what statement are you trying to make when you bring your Mom as your date to the Oscars? Are you simply not bring sand to the "beach"?


Eddie Murphy: I don't know how well of a chance Eddie Murphy has this evening for an Oscar, but I wanted to quickly share some thoughts on him as an Actor & Comedian.

When I was very young, I grew up in a spanish speaking home. I learned a lot of my early English from watching movies with my father. Some of the movies we saw frequently were - "Uncommon Valor" and "Beverly Hills Cop".

That latter was one of my favorites. I spent hours at home memorizing dialogue and perfecting my Eddie Murphy laugh.

When I first got word that he was nominated for his performance in "Dream Girls", I thought to myself - "wow... how fucking crazy is that?"

... Alan Arkin has just won Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Little Miss Sunshine". A film that I thought was a little over rated... Alan did however make a wonderful (albeit brief) performance. Big ups to him and chasing the dragon.

I heard that there could be some Academy backlash for Eddie's Murphy's "NORBIT".

I don't know if there's any truth to that, but it makes one wonder...

For what its worth, I still love Eddie Murphy. I went out of my way to watch films like - Vampire in Brooklyn, Pluto Nash, Distinguished Gentlemen and METRO. All of which (with the exception of METRO) were pretty good. OK. "Pretty good" may be pushing it... but I think we're going to see a return of "Eddie".

Just the other day I read that he and Terrentino are possibly going to work on some upcoming projects.

Big ups on the nomination Eddie. I *heart* you.

8:43 PM: Cameron Diaz is by far the biggest Train Wreck to view in High Definition. If you don't have HD, I recommend getting it so you can see how bad she looks in it.

9:37 PM: What were the chances of seeing Jennifer Hudson win this evening? I wish I could come up with a shortlist of ladies that have never won an Oscar. Tonight, an American Idol reject - took home a gold statuate and that just has to make a number of the attendees upset.

Punk Rawk!

Apple iPhone: Much to my surprise, Apple introduced a new commercial for their upcoming iPhone. It wasn't a particularly good... but I found it interesting to see them plug a product that won't hit shelves until June of 2007.

9:48 PM: An Inconvenient Truth has just won an Oscar for best documentary. I recently saw this doc (blogged about it) and was incredibly moved. Can't plug it enough. www.climatecrisis.org

Closing: I watched the rest of the Oscars from my bedroom... The last 4 awards (best, Actor, Actress, Director and Picture) were what I anticipated... It was nice to see and hear Scorsese give his overdue acceptance speech. I recall there being a lot of buzz around the release of Gangs of New York. At the time people said he could win because he had never won before... people also said it was a shame that if he did win, he wouldn't be winning the honor for his best work.

I haven't seen the Departed yet. I plan to watch it this week with my father. I hear that it's really well done tho'. All in all, a pretty bad ass nite.

Movies worthy of playing hooky for...

Seriously considered playing hooky this morning when I saw that "How to steal a Million" was on TV this morning...

I opted to not skip work and programed my DVR to record a rebroadcast later in the day.

The movie however got me thinking about movies I would have totally blown all responsibility away for...

1.) Bandwagon - IFC gets around to showcasing this movie once a year. I don't believe that it's currently available on DVD. It's possibly my favorite - rock n' roll flick.

2.) Sexy Beast - Of all the movies I own on DVD, this one is easily my most watched one. I don't ever seeing it programed on tv... I'd gladly hang back and watch it tho'.

3.) The Last Starfighter - This movie used to be on TBS every other month... its not on TV as much anymore. I've never seen it without commercial breaks and there's something incredibly charming about movie. If I ever start a band I'm going to urge my friends to let me title an E.P. "Alex Rogan".

4.) Bad News Bears 2 (Breaking Training) - Nothing reminds me of childhood like seeing the bad news bears play at the Alamo Dome AStROdOmE - Thank you Shawn. "let them play!"



... I'll add more movies later.

Nineteen Ninety 4

Two very quick things to post about this evening.

1.) Idolator just posted a possible song leak from the upcoming Guns N' Roses album - Chinese Democracy.

Guns N' Roses?

I know what you're thinking...

Just hear me out on something. It's taken 10+ years and gobs of money for the new GNR album to come out. While my interests in GNR dried up in 1994, I'd be lying if I said I'm not interested in seeing what took 10 years and gobs of money for Axl Rose to make.


2.) Showtime just had Pulp Fiction on in HD this evening. I forget how long its been since I've seen Pulp Fiction... I recall wanting to see it after I saw Kill Bill 2 in the theater. I can't believe that this film is almost 15 years old now....

Honeymooners

I have a soft spot for really bad movies... a really soft spot. Sometimes I wonder if there are any depths to my insanity. It's sometimes very hard to have friends take my recommendations seriously when I tell them that Meatballs III is one of my all time favorite movies.

* Pornstar dies, needs to get into heaven and her only way in is to get a poor kid laid at summer camp

how cool is that?

Anyhoo, nothing was on TV tonight, so I channel surfed for a little bit and I saw that a remake of the Honeymooners was on Showtime HD.

While I can safely say that I've seen far worse movies... I'd be hard pressed to recommend anyone sit through this one.

If you have showtime... and you have HD and you have very little else going on and you're willing to balance your checkbook online with it on in the background, then its totally worth sitting down for.

An Inconvenient Truth

Weighing in on this documentary this long after its been available on DVD is embarrassing to say the least... but I can't stress how eye opening it was.

Like many other habitants of earth... I can do a number of extra things to do my part to help the planet. I just did some research on how I can recycle my household waste. The City of San Antonio, collects these items on specific days, all I have to do is get the appropriate containers.

In the documentary I learned about US Cities that participate in the Kyoto Protocol. I've been looking for an updated listing to confirm San Antonio's involvement... as of right now - I have not found confirmation of our city taking part.

I'll post updates on this tho'.

.alamo city rollie.

In Apprecation of : Hard Candy

Just watched Hard Candy for the first time this evening and I had to hop onto the blog and rave about it.

The film is about a 14 year old girl that tricks & traps a pedophile in his home...

A role reversal that's not explored nearly enough...

Anyhoo... the head games are intense. I won't spoil the movie in any way... just trust me when I say its brilliant.

Seriously. It's right up there with Shallow Grave.

Headcold - 2007

Been under the weather for the last 4 days... what started out as a nagging cough, turned into a cloudy head then a full blown headcold.

It's late Monday nite and it still feels like I don't have a complete handle of my top half. I've slept countless hours in the past 3 days and I still feel drained.

Sickness aside... I have very little to report on. I missed the Police performance last night at the grammy's. I caught it on YouTube this morning... I felt incredibly unmoved by the performance. It was good to see Stewart Copeland behind the skins tho'. He's possibly the greatest pop-rock drummer of all time.

Got around to watching some movies while saddled on the couch...

I finally saw - Thank You for Smoking.

In short, the film is an unapologetic comedy. Dark and rewarding on many levels... I'm not a smoker, but I've been around smokers my entire life. My mom for some reason is going to some great lengths to hide her smoking habit. I don't know how pronounced it is... I know that she goes outside at various points of the day and is usually outside for the duration of a good smoke.

I wonder if it would be a good idea to approach her about it?

I have my fair share of bad habits, so its best to not throw stones in glass houses.


Another movie / documentary I saw was - This Film Is not Yet rated.

A documentary about the Motion Picture Association rating system... it's an interesting documentary, I recommend it to anyone who loves cinema. Some of the movies discussed were "the Cooler", "So I'm a Cheerleader" and "Boys Don't Cry"... all movies I saw in theaters with a R rating.

What I didn't know was... that all these movies were given NC-17 ratings... The directors had to edit their films to secure an R rating.

Directors go to some great lengths to get films score an R or PG-13 rating.

There's general guidelines... to many F-bombs in a film will get you an R - for example. The line however blurs greatly when sexuality (women in pleasure, homosexuality, male nudity, etc.) is introduced in pictures.

The documentary explores violence in American Cinema. There's an inexplicable leniency when it comes to violence.... there's also some explicable leniency for pictures made by large studios in Hollywood.

I can't recall the last time a movie rating mattered in any way. It worries me greatly that censorship of any kind is taking place... at the same time however, I think the way people enjoy movies is about to change greatly.

Don't get me wrong. There's always going to be a need to see films in Theater. The communal experience is amazing. I have a 65" 1080p set in my living room tho'... so I can do without the hassle of people's cell phones going off also.

Kicking and Screaming into 2007

Did you manage to get through 2006 without watching a rewarding movie? If you'd like to get 2007 off to a good start, let me recommend Noah Baumbach's Kicking and Screaming....

The film came out in 1995 and its about a group of friends who graduate from college but they can't seem or want to get on with life.

There's a Whit Stillman's feel to it.

Anyhoo... its a wonderful movie and there's some incredible dialogue in it. One of my favorite lines in it.

Otis: Cool! A dictionary! I'm gonna look up blowjob.

A Review of : Little Miss Sunshine

Finally got around to watching Little Miss Sunshine this evening... I don't quite see what all the fuss was about. The movie had a number of funny moments, but it certainly isn't worthy of all the praise its been receiving.

I watched the film by myself... and its never ideal to watch movies like LMS by yourself, so maybe I'm being a little harsh?