A Serious Man: A Coen brothers script: An impression

This movie will not be for everyone. I'll venture that it'll harder to find consensus on A Serious Man than it was for No Country For Old Men. But for those of us who love everything Coen, it'll be great.

I'll sum it up as a man's life falling out of order and then, through no work of his own hands, falling back into place. No murder, no fraud, no mystery. Just one man's broken life changing before his eyes.

If anyone else was making this movie I wouldn't be excited. But their language and shot composition makes it uniquely Coen. And that has yet to be a bad thing.

Look for it later this year. There's also a small part played by Adam Arkin of whom I am a fan.

Doubt

Real quick. The reasons why I don't love this movie.

1. Underdeveloped conflict/resolution: I knew coming in that the big questions about the Philip Seymour Hoffman character would remain unanswered. What I didn't see coming was a complete lack of resolution. There are no answers, just musings. The "climax" was completely weightless and didn't lead to any kind of satisfying conclusion.

2. Use of title in film: It's a rule people. You don't set aside scene after scene that has the actors saying the movie title. Do you have doubt? Why do we doubt? Doubt draws people together. Over and over again. Made me cringe. The only possible exception to this universal rule is the film "All About the Benjamins".

3. Meryl Streep: Not a fan. Never have been. Wouldn't have been a big deal except she ends up being the main character. And the biggest piece of character growth is supposedly hers at the end of the film. That scene was terrible. Character change is supposed to be organic, not unbelievable.

4. Short: Don't usually chide a film for being too short. Especially one that I was not particularly taken with. But the story was left too quickly. The change in Streep's character too abrupt. Certain characters are completely forgotten. Needed another 30 minutes to complete what it set out to do.

5. Too much praise: Trying to be as honest here. Too many people like it. I get nit-picky when a movie I don't love finds love at the hands of critics everywhere. I call it "Green Mile Syndrome". While I didn't initially hate the Green Mile, the adoration for it from every direction led me to become far more critical of it's construction and content. As a result, I really do hate it now. Seriously. Much like my disdain for horses. But that's a story for another day.

So there you have it. My oft flimsy reasoning for the dislike of Doubt. When I started writing this I actually liked the movie more than I do at this moment. What does that say about me?

The Red Menace cometh

Bored. So very bored. More TV, then reading, then bed. Not all that sure what comes next.

Always wanted to wade out in a cranberry bog. Sure it's not as exciting as I want it to be. Probably could take some awesome pictures. Very surreal stuff. Stuff of my nightmares.

Maybe I should shave my head. Always wanted to know what I look like. Wait till it gets warmer. I'll die if I do it now.

Apologies to anyone that reads this.

Resident Evil 5: An exercise in same...ness

Demo came out today. Was fun. Was scary. Was exactly the same as 4. If Capcom would cop to it, I wouldn't have a problem. But I've seen the advertising, the PR. It's being sold like it's the next step in the advancment of interactive entertainment. They added the ability to strafe. That's it.

I like the game. But I don't live in a vacuum. Those aren't brownies I'm smelling. Plus, I'm not hungry anyway.

One last rage inducing tidbit. Booted up the split screen mode to play with my brother. We have an hd tv, should be awesome in co-op right? Wrong. It cuts the screen so that we play in two little off set boxes on the screen. Uses about half of the actual tv. With that attrocity alone, Resident Evil 5 gets downgraded to a rental.

Less than half the screen. Seriously.

$4 of Asimov Gold

Walked into a Borders and there she was; "Gold", Isaac Asimov's final short story collection. Enjoying it so far. Though all I have read is the forward by Orson Scott Card. His admiration for science fiction's late statesman brings a tear to the eye and an elation of spirit. Makes you want to write.

Two pages into the first story. It's a first person account of a robot's life experience. Simple and inspired. Hope it ends well.

Got a copy of "The Fountainhead" for Christmas, need to pick it up and keep reading. Love the language Rand uses. Unique but not cryptic. I look forward to understanding better the idea of objectivism. Seems like the world could use it right now. Too bad people don't read anything from before 2003. Purpose driven bastards.

Lets all go to the lobby.

more riddick

Not hours after my first Riddick love in, comes THIS.

Totally sick.

Riddick: the reason I can't quit videogames

Just when I thought it was time to take a break, THIS HAPPENS.

The single greatest experience on the original xbox is back. Bigger and better. Those who never played Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay don't really understand how sick the character or the universe is. And I pity you. Luckily you've got another chance to make up for your short comings. The re-release is not only the entirety of the first game with enhanced graphics and gameplay but a whole second story that picks up immediately after the first game. It's time to crack a few more necks.

Watch the trailer, absorb the incredible looking images and then set your expectations higher. Starbreeze will deliver.

It also seems that Vin wants to make at least two more Riddick movies and another Riddick game in the near future. Sweet lord.

Get ready for awesomocity off the charts. Word. Sucka what.

a realization

My job is going to kill me. If not me, then at least my soul. I thought I might be able to do it. I thought I could work there and pursue my passions outside of my profession. Odd how a 4 hour meeting can be so eye opening. Let's review what I learned in that 9th floor conference room this afternoon.

1. smiling is good
2. selling crap to suckers is VERY good
3. it will take a long, long time for you to get anywhere in the company
4. our prices suck so you better be extra awesome
5. it can take up to 30 minutes for someone to connect a laptop to a projector; provided that that individual is a sales manager and/or a complete simpleton
6. though the powerpoint says there will be lunch, there will be no lunch

I was really looking forward to that lunch. I guess I should thank them for being stingy, my loathing seems more legitimate.

typing through my hero

When pondering the possession of power and the responsibility inherent (que the uncle ben clip) one often finds himself in a purely idealistic realm. Where else could it naturally arrive? But there never seems to be a discussion of the individual and his right to withhold said power. It must be excersised. But what if a legitimate excuse is presented, say the protection of ones own family? Then the power, however great, is no longer an imperitive. We will always come to superman for the exception that proves the rule becasue there is nothing that can thwart what is all powerful; with possible exception being something MORE all powerfull (doomsday).

What moral imperative overrides an individuals responsibility to do the most good? Self preservation never seems to be a legitimate choice. But what if said person feels they must survive for tomorrow and subsequently removes himself from play until a time of their choosing? Then you've got not only a power player but one that can be both conflicted and in the end, selfish.

Of course good must always triumph. Why have it any other way? Does the hero return and perform as expected or does he fade away in to shame and obscurity leaving the world to fight it's own battles? I am inclined to the later as a change of pace but the former will always leave a sweeter taste. Do I have a responsibility to the audience to fulfill my end of the assumed contract? I still haven't made it past the stage where I write for myself so it shouldn't be a problem to ignore the audience. Still...

In a good Noir the detective knows when to take action and when to let things lie. Sometimes you pull the trigger, sometimes you gotta let self preservation make the call. It always ends the way Bogie plans for it. And it's not always pretty. Heroes can make it out alive too; though they may not look the part.

open letter to the coffee shop girl to whom I was too shy to talk

Dear coffee shop girl,

You made me coffee, but it was my heart that was warmed. You poured my coffee into a paper cup (biodegradable I think) but it was my soul that you filled. You fumbled my change across the counter, onto the floor and eventually into my hand but it was me that was muddled. Oh to have a second chance to talk with you. A third if I'm honest.

Never has a creature looked so becoming in plaid apron. Nor will anyone ever again. For me it was a glimpse into heaven, a stolen glance at one of God's attendants. But it will never be...

No coffee shop girl, it will never be. For you see I am stricken, afflicted by the mere thought of your presence into a state so dumbfounded I cannot find words for simple pleasantries. You shall not even get a "hello" out of my bewilder sewn lips. Your affect is far too substantial.

It is for the best that we may never see each other again. For me a fleeting moment of abject clarity and for you the serving of another bastard customer who is incapable of ordering without slurred speech. I was merely drunk on your loveliness.

Though miles and knowledge may separate our paths, I will remember the moment you smiled and believe that it was for me and not my soon to be tipped currency.

Until we cross paths again,

weird dude in your coffee shop

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT PLOT DETAILS!

In an interview for his upcoming animated show "Sit Down and Shut Up", Mitch Hurwitz let slip some plot details for the Arrested Development movie. When asked, "What's it going to be about?" Mitch described it as...

"basically Valkyrie meets Hotel for Dogs."

Consider your minds blown.



http://buzzsugar.com/node/2693131

I heart Bill Cosby

Sometimes I forget what real comedy is. In the age of comedy central it's easy to hear "comedian" and think Carlos Mencia, Dane Cook, Larry the Cable Guy. Dark times indeed. People may, in the deepest part of their lost memories, recall what comedy might have been. But we don't actually remember. Not until we dust off those old albums of the great and the forgotten.

Bill Cosby's "Himself" is a work of genius. Without the cheap tactics of yelling, shocking, offending and being ridiculously profane, Bill manages to make me laugh harder than I thought still possible. And what does he talk about? Family, dentists and stupid people. The holy trinity of classic comedy.

I can't understand why the man has never run for high public office. He would no doubt be a democrat and I would still be first in line to give him my vote. Reasonable people are so few and far between.

Armadillo Story

Bright-eyed, tail bushy; Griff stood before the sheer edge of the trembling tree branch. Or was the trembling just mirroring his own nervous shakes? Either way, he was way the hell up there and any armadillo worth his stink would be just as apprehensive.

“Do it you puss!” someone shouted from far below. Way, way down below. No need to be pushy. Bastard.

“I’m doing it,” Griff shouted back. “Great armadillo god help me,” he added under his foul breath.

A quick check of the barometric pressure through his internal gas sack and Griff decided it was time to go. He backed against the trunk, hesitated for just a moment and then…

ARMADILLO FAST NOISE! Griff raced toward the ledge with all his armadillo strength. A step or two left and then… flying through the air! Nothing has ever looked odder, more peculiar. And for good reason, armadillos don’t fly. Hell, they don’t even climb trees.

“He’s doing it. He’s really doing i…”

The excited spectator cut himself off when it became apparent that Griff was indeed NOT doing it. He hurled toward the Earth like a drugged out rockstar that was also fired from a cannon. Before the onlookers could even muster a gasp…

SMACK! Griff hit the ground harder than something of comparable size and weight should. Hard doesn’t even begin to describe how forceful it was. We’re talking super hard.

Needless to say Griff died an exceeding gruesome and stupid death. And that’s how armadillos relearned that they couldn’t fly. They had already known, but it had been a while since they checked.

Bionic Commando: Rearmed

When there is no setting left to explore, no more compelling game play mechanics to invent; you might as well go back to the beginning. After spending a dozen or so hours with Bionic Commando: Rearmed, I'm happy to report we could do a lot worse.

A complete remake/overhaul of the original NES classic, who would have guessed not jumping could still be this much fun. One button to shoot whatever weapon you've got equipped and one button for that bionic arm. Simple right? While you would not be wrong, the depth of game play presented is staggering. A healthy selection of enemy types, insane amount of weapons (all profoundly different) and new epic boss encounters make for one of my favorite experiences in recent memory.

And how much would you pay for this fine product? Three payments of $19.99? How about two low, low installments of $14.95? You are in luck because for the next thirty-eight minutes you can download and own Bionic Commando: Rearmed for a single payment of 800 Microsoft points ($9.99)! Did I mention the killer multiplayer support in the form of both two player co-op and four player death match? Yours free when you order now!

Cannot recommend this game enough. If you have an Xbox 360 or a PS3 this should really be at the top of your list.

FluffRaptor gives it five ubiquidous sheep out of a possible flock.

Flashback episode er... blog

Not two posts ago I talked a little bit about the comics I would like to see get a feature adaptation. After chatting a bit with a friend, I have an addition to the post.

Aaron Douglas should play Bigby.
=

Look, they both got the cleft. Also I just like the guy on Battlestar. Love to see him get a realling interesting role. My friend suggested Hugh Jackman as the immediate choice and while he's not wrong for it it would be sweet to try someone different. Someone like Chief Tyrol.

The Bigby casting would definitely be the tone setter for the rest of the cast. You put in a smaller actor like Aaron and then you would be free to take some chances. Maybe Christina Hendricks as Rose Red? She's good but underused on the show "Life". Come to think of it, now I want Adam Arkin (also from Life) in the movie. He's got a starring role in the next film from the Coen brothers.

Weird picks though these actors may be, I really wouldn't want anything about Fable to be generic.

Nyquil time +50 minutes

Stuff is getting a little blurry. My fingers seem to work... lots of back spacinging. Tom seems fine but he has left the room. He does have like twice as many hours slept than I do.

Looks like that main guy from CSI is maybe perhaps leaving the show. FINALLY. Nothing about him is interesting. Even his beard looks painted on; a crime against home grown beards. What's that dudes name?

This show Eleventh hour is ok. Need to check out the original with Patrick Stuart. Wish I owned a copy of Safe House. Those f-ing gophers...

Been like an hour now. Heavy eyes. Computer almost dead. Ill have to plug it in if i remember.

Rufuss Sewell is pretty cool. What would a sequel to Dark City look like? Would Rufus take control of everything and ne their king? Give a mouse a cookie.

Nothing else is coming freom me now. Need to go to ben. If you experience an erection for longer than 12 hours seek immediate help.
nigh

The death of Captain Marvel

Of his movie anyway. According to the script's author/developer John August, Shazam! has gasped it's last breath. Read the blog about it; illuminating in it's assessment of the Hollywood process.

The saddest news to me (besides a writer loosing his baby) is that it seemed to be farther along in it's development than I was aware. In a world where Daredevil and Catwoman both got made, my heart aches for the interesting comics to see their day in the sun.

Not that anyone asked, but I would love to see a few comics get the treatment.


Fables would be so damn cool I don't understand why it hasn't happened. The Big Bad Wolf in human skin is a chain smoking private detective who teams up with Snow White (who is the town's major) to find her younger sister's murderer.


Batgirl had her own series a few years ago. A friend lent them to me and I burned through them as fast as my chubby fingers could turn the pages. Raised by her assassin father, never taught a verbal language, the most dangerous woman on the planet. Really, really good.


Fray was a continuation of Buffy in the distant future. New girl, new enemies, same mission. I really dug this book. Plus it was written by Joss Whedon. You could almost just lift the dialogue and write the action lines.

Not necessarily my all time favorite comics. They just lend themselves to the screen.

If waffles make you sterile, I'll just adopt

Worth it in the long run I'd wager. How many glorious memories somehow corospond with the eating of those tasty, sacchrine covered nooks. And those crannies... I've gone and soiled myself with saliva.

How about a haiku?

iron cooked tasty
murderous expectation
where doth heaven lie

Move over you sissy crepes; waffles are back.

Gravity Bone: 10 minutes of espionage

Not much to say other than if you have 10 minutes to kill, smack this download with double-click. Clever, beautiful, fun.

R.I.P. EGM

So they're gone... and I'm personally responsible.

That's right. A couple of weeks ago I got a call from a nice young lady imploring me to renew my subscription to Electronic Gaming Monthly. I swiftly refused. My reasons are my own (a pear needed eatin') but they seem petty in retrospect.

And so to you, Ziff-Davis, I extend my most heartfelt apologies. You needed my help and I kicked you in the metaphorical junk.

Next time you're in the neighborhood Ziffy, give me a ring. Drinks on me.

Team ICO = Why games is good

Trying out a new font. Mmmmm... courier... It's like I'm typing this on my Smith-Corona.

I love team ICO. They've only made two games (Shadow of the Colossus and their name-sake ICO) both of which make my inner child joyously play the fiddle.

I wish I could explain why both games fill me with such feelings. They literally express tangibly an intangible longing for adventure that lives just beneath the surface of my psyche. I guess that was a decent explanation. There's more but it can never be voiced for fear someone will attempt to destroy it.

This impenetrable admiration for the confections of a group of sleep deprived Japanese men may in fact cost me $500. There are TWO new games coming from them. One is in the ICO universe (shivers of joy) and the other a brand spanking new IP. I really don't need a PS3, but now I kinda do. Damn it.

Maybe I can get a game blog job and write it off as a business expense.

Doubt it.

because hats make me look awesome

In the rain, on a plane
With a rabbit, out of habit

Nothing would make me happier than a revival of the hat wearing generational trend. Class and sophistication becoming part of the common experience.

A wide brim is next to godliness. Also you can hide your eyes and make yourself crazy mysterious.

What's that you say? You've run out of bowls for your crab bisque? Just let me pop of my ostentatious fedora... instant soup holder.

Is it wrong to want to wear something nacho orange? It really makes my cheeks pop.

Lets go get some fajitas, there are some cool mexican dudes that I want to show this thing off to.

Tiger pants

Stretchy and striped, I can find no better way to start the day. Tiger Pants (TM).

Given the choice between eating a whole muffin or swimming the English channel, I'd have to go with Tiger Pants (TM).

When stopped by your local apothecary on the street be sure to order the Tiger Pants (TM).

Following that woman I met at the super market can't get any easier than when I'm wearing a few pairs of Tiger Pants (TM).

Tiger Pants (TM) for men, now with adjustable belt loops.