2012 Impressions

The trailers did not do this film any justice, which is probably why I was so surprised by the fact that it was reasonably enjoyable. Sure, some parts of "2012" were as utterly ridiculous as the trailers made them out to be (like escaping an active volcano in an RV), but when you cut those parts away you are left with a very decent film.

What I liked most about "2012" would most definitely be the characters. Now, I don't think any of the actors did a particularly amazing job, but you have to give them some credit for portraying these often loved, often hated people. You will be happy when some characters get what is coming to them and scared when it looks like a character you are fond of is about to die. This aspect really saved the film because the conflict was kind of lackluster because there wasn't really much anyone could about their plight besides try to survive and make long, philosophical speeches. This is kind of why I have never been a fan of disaster movies, besides "The Poseidon Adventure" and maybe "Twister," but I will digress.

I am awarding "2012" three and a half stars out of five for having interesting characters, but still suffering from many of the failings akin to the disaster film and having some absolutely unbelievable moments. Honestly, I can't wait for Universal Studios or Disney to unveil their "2012" themed ride. I mean seriously, outdriving a world ending earthquake with a limousine? That screams 3-D adventure.

Clash of the Titans Trailer

Sigh, yet another "reboot" of a classic film. While I will admit that it "looks" good, I can only wonder if the seemingly heavy reliance on special effects will move the story away from the legend, and turn it into some sort of blood and gore mongering 300/Lord of the Rings hybrid. Hell, I could have sworn some of the scenes I saw in this trailer were ripped right out of those films. Ah well, I will post more info as it comes. As of now, the film is set to release worldwide on March 26, 2010.

Dragon Ball Online Trailer

I heard about this years ago, but I never thought it would ever make it out production hell. I guess things finally came together.

So... umm... watch your back World of Warcraft? Yeah...

Fantastic Mr. Fox Trailer

I like Wes Anderson movies, and Jason Schwartzman, far too much to ignore this film. Also, it's based off of a book of the same name that written by Roald Dahl so that's a big plus as well. "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" features the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman (as I said before), and Willem Dafoe, among others, and I have heard good things about it and I hope to see it after its nationwide release on the 25th of this month.

On a side note, can you believe that "2012" made $65 million in its opening weekend here in the U.S., and $160 million overseas? I sure can't. Sure, it didn't have much to complete with, but it looked ridiculous. Is that what people want now? Sigh.

Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) Impressions

"Pirate Radio," as it is called in the US (I saw the UK version), is an excellent film that really captures the passion of the time period. The acting was great, the characters were unique and "colorful," and the soundtrack was perfectly chosen. And when I say perfectly, I mean that if you don't end up looking for one of these songs and the history of the band behind it, then you obviously watched the film on mute.

The only problem I had with the film was that the "villain" never makes a direct appearance to the other main characters. He is always shown at a separate location, delegating responsibility to his spineless underlings. I really would have loved to see the main characters mince words with him.

I am awarding "Pirate Radio" four stars out of five for being funny and well "scored," but lacking in a few areas. Critics have criticized the film for its two hour+ running time and the American version is going to be shortened accordingly (even though the original cut was longer). Honestly, I hate that this is being done because I wish it were longer. You really start to feel like you're on the ship yourself and leaving it so soon kind of hurts a little bit. Don't listen to the critics, see this film!

This Day in Calvin and Hobbes: November 9, 1988

Oh yeah, Calvin? Try living there.

Oh, and Hobbes really doesn't have anything to complain about. It's not like he can do much until Calvin gets back home anyway.

Toy Story 3 Trailer

I am sure most of you have already seen this, but I thought I'd put it up here just in case you needed the reference. I know that I will love this movie and I am pretty excited about it, but when I first saw this trailer I couldn't help but think "The Brave Little Toaster?" I figured it would have to come to this eventually, though. Anyway, enjoy.

Prince of Persia Trailer

Well, here it is. I can't say that I was expecting better. I guess we will just have to wait and see if the film can surpass this trailer. I sure hope it can.

P.S. Sorry about the poor quality, I will be on the lookout for a higher quality version.

P.S.S. HD version found and embeded. Enjoy... ish?

Happy Hour and a Half After Halloween!

So I'm late... here is this year's Halloween poem! I think it's a worthy successor to last year's. Also, my roommates and I watched "Ringu" earlier (the Japanese horror film that inspired the American version, and it turned out to be a huge let down. It was much more annoying than scary. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the day in whatever your usual way happens to be.


Shallow Graves

I dug a grave for you that day,
And I dug a grave for me.
Two graves I dug alone that day,
Near that cottage by the sea.

The wind was bitter, full of spite,
And filled with iced debris.
But still I dug those graves for us
Near that cottage by the sea.

The waters thundered against the rock
And swallowed up my plea
For a shred of silence while I worked
Near that cottage by the sea!

When I pushed you in, your eyes stared up
Begging to be set free.
But I broke your gaze, like you broke my heart,
Near that cottage by the sea.

Your eyes begged for mercy, tenderness,
But to that I could not agree.
Were your eyes so grim, when you met with him
Near that cottage by the sea?

You may take your mercy, and tenderness,
To cold eternity!
For I could never let you find peace
Near that cottage by the sea!

When you were covered, firm and pressed,
I smiled out of glee
And stepped into my own resting place
Near that cottage by the sea.

I then took a swig (oh, how sweet it was!)
From that bottle half empty
And blanketed myself in cool, damp earth
Near that cottage by sea.

As I lolled there, I thought of you
My poor, sweet, ruinous Marie.
Was that the fate we were meant to take
Near that cottage by sea?

A sudden gasp, an empty breath,
As the numbness took hold of me.
My eyes grew dim, my light gone out,
Near that cottage by the sea.

So there we lay, the three of us,
A star-crossed family.
You, and I, and his unborn child
Near that cottage by the sea.


Copyright © 2009 Jarred Lee