Poisonville

End of 2005 Wrap-Up

2006-01-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

Top Movies of the Year

1. Head-On - I saw this movie Feb. 5 and it was number one when i walked out of the theatre. Nothing displaced it all year. It's brilliant and exciting and chaotic and surprising. It's basically what people should be going to the movies for. To be surprised and to see something that is dangerous. Something that'll scare you just a bit. Not in a horror sense, but in a life sense.

2. Munich - I am harsh on The Beard, but I will always be the first to admit when I see greatness. And this is a truly Great movie. All the tools that he uses to manipulate emotion are put to intelligent use. This is s movie made by the man who directed The Sugarland Express.

3. Cache - It always warms my heard to put a French art film on the list and especially so high up. Any other year this would have been number one. The most intellectual and thought-provoking film of the year.

4. Oldboy - Wow. What a movie.

5. A History of Violence - I don't really feel like rebutting anyone at this time, but you fall for the movie or you don't. If you don't, well, I'm sorry. If you do, welcome to the cool kids' table haha.

6. Syriana/The Constant Gardner - I specifically said this wasn't a top 10 list cause i knew i was gonna double up. How happy am I that twisty, smart, international spy films are back being great again? I am very happy, that's how happy! A big long New Yorker piece?!?!? Yes! I'm in -- that's why I have a subscription and it doesn't even have George Clooney in it every week. Ralph Fiennes wandering around Africa and Bill Nighy being an evil bastard? I'm sold.

7. The 40 Year Old Virgin/The Wedding Crashers - R-rated comedies that you can keep going back to and laughing over and over at. There is no greater gift in cinema than repeated laughter.

8. The Squid and the Whale - beautiful, touching movie with great performances.

9. Match Point - Woody's return to form!! Just kidding. Some people make bad movies, but then they make good movies and then they make bad movies and then they make good movies. It happens in a long career. This happens to be a really enjoyable film. Even if it sucked, i would still be in the theater opening day for his next one.

10. The Beat That My Heart Skipped - Finally someone (of course a Frenchman) came up with the idea of turning James Toback's great film ideas into films that are worth watching.

Last but not least

11. Layer Cake - has there been a more consistently fantastic genre than the British Gangster film over the last 25 years? And usually first or second films by their directors. Matthew Vaughn's first is no exception.

Best Performances

Actor - Jeff Daniels "The Squid and the Whale"
Actress - Sibel Kekilli "Head-On"
Supporting Actor - Oliver Platt "The Ice Harvest"
Supporting Actress - Amy Adams

Director - The Beard
Script - Steven Gaghan
Cinematography - Cesar Charlone "The Constant Gardener"

Thanks to David Edelstein of Slate.com

2005-10-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

There is no contesting that it's a self-congratulatory hagiography of Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) and that Clooney and his co-screenwriter, Grant Heslov, are highly selective in how they portray Murrow's fight to broadcast a damning assessment of Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his overweening anti-Communist crusade on the timorous CBS network. But it's also a passionate and rousing piece of filmmaking—a civics lesson with the punch of a good melodrama.

Although most of Good Night, and Good Luck is set in the CBS studios, it's anything but static. Clooney and his cinematographer, Robert Elswit, use high-contrast black-and-white to evoke both the era in TV and the starkness of the forces in play. The movie never settles into one of those loitering period pictorials. It feels electrified; it has the chain-smoking jitteriness of its protagonist. Cigarettes, by the way, are everywhere, and the way the white smoke curls against the deep blacks is both beautiful and ominous: You don't need to be told that Murrow perished from lung cancer.

Jack is obviously correct that Murrow did not lead the charge against McCarthy. But since when does TV news ever lead charges? With the exception of such programs as Frontline (and, at the opposite extreme, administration mouthpieces like Fox News), the medium generally lags behind print in afflicting the powerful, constricted as it is by the interests of its sponsors (Murrow's principal underwriter, Alcoa, looms large in this movie) and the celebrity status of its anchor people. (They are fat targets, indeed: See "Rather, Dan." A weighty subplot here revolves around the disintegrating psyche of Ray Wise's local anchor Don Hollenbeck, who finds himself regularly pilloried as a pinko by a powerful tabloid columnist.)

More important, the larger battle for Murrow and Friendly in Good Night, and Good Luck is with the network itself. CBS employees have been ordered—on pain of termination—to sign loyalty oaths to the United States; and a gutless midlevel executive (Jeff Daniels, here fatted by complacency) all but begs Murrow to choose another target—preferably, heh-heh, Joe Kennedy. He threatens Murrow with the worst fate imaginable for a journalist with pretensions: more puffy celebrity interviews. (The one shown here, from Murrow's Person to Person, is with a coyly closeted Liberace.) In a big oaken office reeking of power, chairman William Paley (a wittily grave Frank Langella) argues that McCarthy's going to self-destruct anyway and hints that such a broadcast could imperil the network's standing and the careers of its employees. (See "Rather, Dan.")

Not all of Good Night, and Good Luck clicks. I found the moody interludes between acts—smoky jazz numbers, often ironic in context, sung by Diana Reeves—a mite self-conscious. The subplot featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Patricia Clarkson as secretly married CBS employees (such alliances were against the network's rules) seems shoehorned in. As much as I like Strathairn's crisply understated performance, saints don't do much for me. And I could have done with at least the suggestion that some rational people at the time believed Soviet Communism was a threat and that there might have been spies in the State Department.

But Clooney's (and Murrow's) straightforward message—the movie's raison d'etre—that "we should not confuse dissent with disloyalty" feels especially vital. It wasn't too long ago that Andrew Sullivan was labeling writers who raised questions about the evidence for an invasion of Iraq "fifth columnists" for the enemy. (Although Sullivan has furiously backpedaled on the war, he has not, to my knowledge, recanted that characterization.) Bill O'Reilly declared such critics "Enemies of the State." (The words appeared in bold letters on the screen.) And Ann Coulter topped the best-seller lists with her assertion that most Democrats are guilty of "treason"—which, the last I heard, is punishable by death. (The unhinged Coulter wished actual fiery destruction on staffers at the New York Times—odd timing, given that the faux First Amendment martyr Judith Miller was well into her neocon campaign of disinformation.)

None of those writers or TV personalities has the power to imprison, thank heaven. But, like McCarthy, they are happy to resort to the ultimate smear, the political "smart-bomb." That's why the stand of such a middle-of-the-road figure as Murrow mattered then and, in Good Night, and Good Luck, matters now. ...

Top 20 Movies for Ben

2005-08-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

I listed them in no particular order.

Top 20 Here

For Joshua

2005-08-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

From the Paris Review Archived Interviews:

Interviewer
"Well, Faulkner once said that nothing can injure a man's writing if he's a first rate writer."

Norman Mailer
"Faulkner said more asinine things than any other major American writer. I can't remember a single interesting remark Faulkner ever made."

Happy Monday

2005-08-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here's what i think is the cover to the new Grant Morrison/Frank Quitely "All-Star Superman comic coming out in the fall.

For Tim

2005-08-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

via The Sports Guy:

"The question remains: Why waive a solid player with a ridiculous contract to save a few bucks when you could simply trade that ridiculous contract to the Knicks? "

So true.

Elevator to the Gallows

2005-08-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Pacing problems aside, it is one of the best films about the nature of film I've ever seen.

A Few Things

2005-08-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

-tonight's episode of "Rescue Me" is about as close to a perfect episode of television I can come up with. a self-sustaining episode (for the most part) that just colors each character to perfection and in a show that has over 10 lead roles does an outstanding job of getting it right. lovely television.

-my first cd reviews for the magazine Ghetto Blaster are due this week and it is causing a minor anxiety. First on the list is the new Dirty Three album "Cinder". a band that i like and have always had strong feelings for, except now I actually have to back them up with facts. horribly monumentous a task.

-The Wedding Present's "George Best" album is one of the greatest debut albums of all time.

-I have been trucking through the book "Flicker" and it surprises at every page. even though some of the prose is redundant and it contains moments of over-writing, if you are a fan, even a casual fan of film history, then this book is a must read. it crams in a lot: templars, cathars, silent film history, american cultural history, the works -- and i can't wait to see how it all turns out.

-alex robison's "Tricked" proves to be as beautiful a story as his first graphic novel "Box Office Poison".

-saw "The Aristocrats" this evening and found it to be pure fun on every level. A great documentary subject composed with the passion and intelligence and as even footed as the ability to tell the joke with as much off-the-cuff jazz that seems necessary to do it correctly. yeah, that last sentence made no sense was horribly constructed, but sue me, i'm not retyping it.

-got together w/ tom, jessica, and robert mitchum last night to see "Farewell, My Lovely". The cinematography sucked, the direction is borderline pbs television special, but goddamn if it wasn't a great time at the movies. it was such a straightforward presentation of the raymond chandler book, that it might have effectively worked as a book on tape. but robert mitchum as Marlowe needs to be seen, as well as the great supporting cast (who seemed to be cast as literary representations instead of actual actors) including Charlotte Rampling as the femme fatale. the beautiful line readings of Chandler's prose made the showing all the more fun. Half the film was out of focus, but it didn't matter in the end -- laughter and good times were had by all. especially tom, whose reverberating laughter inspires baby laughters of its own. Props to "El Coyote" for having a damn fine margarita as well.

Quote of the Day

2005-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

via Defamer:

"'I feel like the show is relatable to anyone and I definitely relate to it,” she tells the stunned TV press. Cue the “Sex and the City”-was-an-inspiration quote. “I related to it and I felt that it was the only thing I related to in that way,” says Graham of “Sex.'

Note to Graham’s and/or ABC’s publicists: Never teach her a new word right before she has to speak to the press."

It was defamer's snark that made me chuckle. heather graham actually talking makes me sad.

Quick Weekend Notes

2005-07-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

-Tom had a session of birthday drinking on friday night and it was fun.

-saw beck and the decemberists at the universal amphitheater (my first trip there) and after a slow start to beck's set, really hit a stride and was damn fun (mandy, i will call you tomorrow -- got your message)

-it's hot and my apartment is hot. lots of sweat.

-fantastic four is a terrible, terrible movie. although chris evans is great as johnny storm -- he's got a future. ioan gruffudd though might want to consider other lines of work. another stale and ultimately pointless marvel comics screen adaptation. i realize avi arad is making a ton of money for marvel, but jesus, get better people involved -- tim fucking story? fucking hell.

in case

2005-07-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

hey -- call back, for some reason my phone wasn't ringing at the office. hi.

I'm glad

2005-07-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

hi mandy. glad to see you opened up the comments again. hugs and kisses.

Birthdays

2005-07-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Tom!! We need to go back to that bar again for happy hour.

Comicon 2005

2005-07-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

My Spider sense tells me I'm at COMICON 2005!!!!

My second favorite of the convention. He seemed to not understand why people were laughing.

His banner means "Death to nerds" and I'm not making that up.

My favorite of the bunch -- obviously.

Dave told me not to put this picture on the blog.

My friend Jill's favorite stuffed animal -- only lifesize!

Brian at the Adult Swim Party acting kindly for the camera.

The Adult Swim Party DJ. Free hooch and balloon animals. Thanks to Dana "The Shake" Snyder for the invite.

Dave moving in for the kill of a metal Alien.

Black Spider-Man

Although no ghosts were apparently present, the ones who bust them were in the house.

Some of the numerous Star Wars characters walking around wreaking havoc on Asian women

The Hollywood Blvd. Superman makes the trip down to San Diego

My budday Dana Snyder aka The Master Shake

Comicon 2005

2005-07-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

It's drawn by the artist of the book Alberto Ponticelli.

"Perfect From Now On"

2005-07-09T01:09:00.000-07:00

Arrived home after a blistering performance by Built to Spill. I owe a thanks to Tom as he sent me their album "There's Something Wrong With Love" several months ago. It all came full cirle tonight as the newly moved Tom joined me for their show at the House of Blues.

I have added comments back to the blog because it would make me a hypocrite if i didn't considering i've said to the peanut gallery that you can say whatever you want to me, just leave my friends alone as they are so much better than any of you will ever be, that you are really just embarrassing yourselves. so comment away -- but if you peeps continue to be idiotic, then i'll just erase them as usual.

anytime you'd like to have a sensible dialogue i would be happy to oblidge, otherwise, piss off.

Paris Review

2005-07-06T15:47:00.000-07:00

Some good time wasters can be found at the Paris Review Interview Archieve. Some really great and interesting dialogues with the best writers of the last century. HERE is where you can find them all. The more recent decades haven't been posted, but nearly all the older ones have (minus the Graham Greene one which I was disappointed by, but what can ya do?) Highly recommended are ones with Aldous Huxley and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday aka "Hell to the No"

2005-07-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

-After a lovely birthday party for the Tim @ Cha Cha Cha we headed over to the Fox Fire Room where a few scenes from "Magnolia" were filmed and Tim was bought shots to his heart's content. As I was the DD, I was not able to partake in the delicious beverages, but it was quite a fun time, especially when the Dude bought Tim a rose, a bag of Fritos, and a shot. I think he could have scored with him.

-Sunday was lazily spent with Ms. Emilie hobnobbing around Beverly Hills and seeing all that Endeavor has to offer. It's nice to go in to a place knowing that you'll never be there again. You appreciate it a lot more. So we walked to the all food farmer's market on (S) Santa Monica and the came back to my place. Shared some beverages and watched "Being Bobby Brown" and "Blow Out" -- two lovely shows to get catty to and share an afternoon.

-"Entourage" proved to be wonderful again and then i picked up my first scoups of Mashti Malone's ice cream and as i type this satisfies my sugar tooth.

-Dave and Pat are throwing a BBQ tomorrow and I cannot be more thankful. Two delightful blokes one could not hope for.

-A special welcome to Tom and Jessica for moving back to Los Angeles and providing me with two more friends I don't deserve.

-Happy 4th of July tomorrow to everyone who reads this parcel of land called Poisonville and to all the people I've done wrong.

Recent Movies

2005-06-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

On excursions to the theater with the boys Ben and Tim these past two nights, I caught "Blue Velvet" and "War of the Worlds". You can't really pick two polar opposites in style and creator than those two films, but I enjoyed them all the same. I hadn't seen "BV" in several years and revisiting it on the big screen was a treat. Seeing the depravity and beauty captured in the frame along with the score surrounding the images was one of the finer film experiences I've had. It's a shame that Kyle MacLachlan hasn't had the career he deserves. His and Lynch's collaboration in the early years easily rivaled Scorsese/DeNiro, Fellini/Mastroianni, and dare I say Herzog/Kinski (without the threat of murder). I'm sure I left off other famous pairs, but it's late so forgive me. Lynch's films come from the dream-state and he seems to relive the moments he experiences by patchmaking them in to a narrative. An errant quote that I cannot remember who birthed said that all true artists are redoing the same themes throughout their work. No better example can be found in David Lynch. On that note, Steven Spielberg (or Steven as I used to call him) has been revisiting what makes a family with almost every one of his films (whether it be a platoon, slaves, or androids). This is ever present in his new film as Tom Cruise wants to reunite his broken family -- alien invasion bedamned! The story is one big suspense scene carried out over two hours but it is a very effective two hours. My main complaint is that Steven continues to shy away from the hard drama -- the difficult choices. He undermines one of the more emotional moments of the film with his unifying ending and it hurts the overall effect of the movie. Has there ever been a more talented artist at his craft with absolutely no regard for the intellectual sides of a story? I don't think there has. He continues to pretend that movies are just things to entertain people without seeing that they can show so much more. To make a film of the destruction of the earth and have no modern metaphor for it except two brief lines about "is it the terrorists?" is inexcusable. But with that said, the napkins in my hand were balled up and torn apart due to the tension he created on screen. He is a master of his craft, but at this point in his career he's like a painter who paints knowing that his work will be in a gallery. All he has to do is complete it and it'll be successful. I guess I keep saying disaparaging things about the man because he has so much talent and doesn't use it to the levels that he is capable of. Will the intelletual in him come out before the end of his career or was he always just a kid who loved movies so much he knew exactly how to make them? I guess we'll have to see.

Always See Your Face

2005-06-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

I really can't stop listening to Love lately and this song is just fantastic. It's featured on the "High Fidelity" Soundtrack but should be purchased along with the rest of Love's "Four Sail" album. There are just some loves that are inescapable. You'll take all the regrets, and the feelings, and the images to your grave. As much as you'd like to forget them, you never will and Arthur Lee captures it perfectly.

Won't somebody please, Help me with my miseries
Won't somebody see, yeah what this world has done to me.

And I know, I know
and I say oh, I say
that no matter where I go no
I will always see your face

Won't somebody please, Help me with my memory
Can somebody see, yeah what this world has done to me. (Yeah Yeah)

And I know, I know
and I say oh, I say
that no matter where you go no
you will always see my face

and no matter where you go no
you will always see my face
and no matter where you go no
you will always see my face
and no matter where I go no
I will always see your face
Girl, I'm looking I can see your face
Yeah, look and you can see my face
Yeah, I'm looking at you looking at me

AEIOU

2005-06-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

I picked up the above titled book at the comic store yesterday and i was completely taken aback by how great it was. Written and drawn by Jeffrey Brown, it is the story of his own relationship with a girl he meets during grad school and shows the entire course of their relationship. It's funny, heartbreaking, and anyone who picks it up will see a similarity to relationships they've had in their own lives. The sample page was taken from I believe his second GN "Clumsy". i just ordered it from the top shelf comics website located @ www.topshelfcomix.com. it's the same publisher who put out Craig Thompson's beautiful "Blankets" so they are a quality company to say the least. You can find Jeffrey and his Chicago Artists collective @ www.theholyconsumption.com.

Thank the Lord

2005-06-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

I finally got a new computer at work and will be able to actually put posts up once and a while. your appetite for more dashiell will be satiated.

Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Die.

2005-06-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

Lots of stuff to write horribly about.

-"The Beat That My Heart Skipped" is an extraordinary french film based on a James Toback movie from I think '78 called "Fingers". Romain Duris (who could be a dead ringer for Anton Newcombe) gives an energized performance. I hope this causes a chain reaction in the french film world and all early James Toback films get bought up and remade with as much beauty and pathos. Toback's original film starred Harvey Keitel and it was fine. An interesting idea that Toback does his best to fuck up. Thank god for the French as they took the film and made it emotional and human.

-Shane Black is a funny, demented, crazy, neurotic, self-centered talent. He writes maybe the best example of a pure hollywood script and hearing him talk about his writing was a good evening of entertainment.

-Love's "Four Sail" might be one of the best records of all time.

-Miranda July's "Me and You and Everyone We Know" is a lovely little movie about people living in the modern age where technology brings people together while keeping others worlds apart. John Hawkes gives a great performance and July couldn't be any cuter. Everybody is just passing time, but it's always better share that time with someone you love.

-"Land of the Dead" was a fun time at the movies. Half Romero's usual zombie as satire movie and the other half a John Carpenter action movie (i realize that the john carpenter comparison is being brought up in every review of the film, but rightly so, it is almost like Carpy was brought on to guest direct those scenes).

-William Dean Howells "The World of Chance" is a great summer read. I read about the plot in an issue or two ago in The New Yorker and immediately ran to the Iliad bookshop in North Hollywood to pick it up (it's out of print, but easily found with some effort).

-I picked up "The Believer" music issue just for the amazing CD that accompanies it (I read through a few of the articles and found it to just be bland and uninteresting). Here's a tracklisting for the CD (well worth the $8 or so price of the mag):
Ohio [by Damien Jurado] 4:57 CocoRosie
Why I Didn't Like August '93 [by Elevator to Hell] 2:05 The ConstantinesSurprise, AZ [by Richard Buckner] 3:39 Cynthia G. Mason
Bridges And Balloons [by Joanna Newsom] 3:21 The Decemberists
Fistful Of Love [Antony & The Johnsons] 6:46 Devendra Banhart
Firefly Refrain [by Fursaxa] 6:45 Espers
My Fair, My Dark [by David Schickele] 3:14 Ida
Nighttime/Anytime (it's alright) [by the Constantines] 3:58 Jim Guthrie
The Golden Window [by the Cherry Blossoms] 2:40 Josephine Foster
Waterfalls [by Thanksgiving] 1:58 Mount Eerie
Pet Politics [by Silver Jews] 3:21 The Mountain Goats
Late Blues [by Ida] 3:49 San Serac
We Will Become Silhouettes [by the Postal Service] 3:00 The Shins
Decora [by Yo La Tengo] 3:14 Spoon
Anna's Sweater [by Blear] 4:44 Two Gallants
Be Kind To Me [Michael Hurley] 3:56 Vetiver
Claxxon's Lament [by Frog Eyes] 2:57 Wolf Parade

-Michel Houellebecq is the cover story of this week's LA Weekly and his article can be found
HERE. Great profile I have to say. Urby, the name of the book is "The Elementary Particles" just to put it in writing for you so you don't forget.

Have a good monday all.

"I don't want to see that"

2005-06-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Comeback is a terrible, terrible show. Worse than Arliss. Entourage was good though. Not great, but a good start up again.

Found this amusing...

2005-06-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

From the New Yorker:
"One of the valedictorians who did speak, she recalld, "read that Dr. Seuss book 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' to the audience. I mean, she read practically the entire book."

Mandy, didn't P. Franks read at least a large passage from that book too? I can't remember which Seuss book it was, but i'm pretty sure it was this one. god was her speech lame and boring for someone (rumored!) who dropped some acid and smoked a lot of pot.

Wednesdays w/ Screwdrivers

2005-06-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Daily recap:

-Woke up and called the car garage so's I could get my oil changed.

-took the car to the guy, asked him to check the price of fixing my back right window motor.

-went to the griddle for a delicious breakfast.

-for some stupid reason i bought an english breakfast tea latte @ the coffee bean (which was disgusting and i only had three sips) and read "paddy clarke ha ha ha" (thanks to tom for the book).

-walked home and was promptly called by the mechanic to say that the cost to fix the window is $440 (and that is just for the parts, no labor). I say no and while i'm walking back to the garage i change my mind and bite the bullet.

-i get in my car and drive to the Grove.

-i buy a car adaptor for my iPod at the Mac store.

-i go to barnes and noble and find the one book i was looking for "the untouchable" by john banville and then for some reason buy two more books "the grifters" (one of the few j. thompson books i haven't read, obviously inspired by watching of the film) and then a short story collection of E.W. Hornung titled "Raffles: The Amateur Cracksman". Then I mosey downstairs to see that they have a buy 2 get 1 free on tv box sets. well i just swoop in and buy all the "curb your enthusiam" sets.

-i head home and read a bit more.

-i decide to make myself a screwdriver (or as it seems now i have made myself two) and i am watching the first season of "Curb".

-lovely day off so far. back to work in the morning.

I Aim to Misbehave

2005-05-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

-is anyone else disappointed that 'deep throat' got outted? i enjoyed the idea that the crooked president was brought down by an anonymous tip that only 3 men knew the truth to and that the two men that weren't Mr. Felt would have taken it to their graves.

-Saw two LONG films about messed up families this weekend. One made for TV (Empire Falls) and the other made for French people (Kings and Queen). "Kings and Queen" is half-comedy/half-melodrama (giving the female the melodrama half surprisingly) It is filled with great moments between characters and some truly heartbreaking and hilarious scenes. We see how each half of a divorced couple deals with being adults when each one of them only wants to be a child. At 2.5 hours, it is a bit long, but worth it for Mathieu Amalric's performance. "Empire Falls" based on the Richard Russo novel of the same name clocks in at 3.5 hours and was spread over 2 nights on HBO. It had a nice little story about a small town (which i'm a sucker for) but falls in to cliche in places. The highlight is Paul Newman who exudes more youthfulness than the actor playing his granddaughter.

-Sox take 2 games out of 3 at Yankee Stadium and Renteria has broken out of his hitting hole (i think he's 3 for 4 tonight against the Orioles as well). sheets and mota are back from the DL finally and maybe i can claw my way out of being stuck in the middle with my fantasy teams.

-i put together a lot of furniture this weekend and i think i've finally filled up all the wall space in my apartment with shelves. now i just have to find some place to put my comics and i'll be all done remodeling then i'll really never leave my apartment.

-popped in "The Grifters" last night for some much needed con-related inspiration and it was received in spades. that movie is FANTASTIC. I forgot how great the acting is and just how the movie moves at this pace to bring everyone to hell. I'm surprised that more Jim Thompson novels haven't been turned in to films yet. His stories are perfect for it. Coup de Torchon by Tavernier is a beautiful adaptation of pop. 1280 and shows how universal his stories of amorality are.

-anything else...anything else... oh, season finales! "lost" was disappointing. "alias" was perplexing. "deadwood" was perfect. "The OC" finally brought all their forced storylines together for a damn fun ending. Anyone out there watch "Numb3rs"? I only take enjoyment in the show because I watch it with my friend Mike (well, by "with" i mean at the same time, but different states) and we discuss how ludicrous the math is on the show which really makes it one of my favorite hours of television. glad they brought it back for next year!

-saw my friend host a burlesque/comedy show on friday night -- the show climaxed when one of the dancers broke a large liquor bottle, spread the shards on the floor, and performed her dance on the shards. Fantastic time.

Update concluded!

"Like a battered wife returning to her husband"

2005-05-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

That is how my coworker described Star Wars fans going to see the 3rd and final installment today right before i left work. it made me laugh, especially after i actually got a smackdown from the picture.

Was not Darth Vader's Frankenstein scene one of the highest unintentional comedy moments in all of cinema? How much more putrid could that be?

palpatine/sidious had more charisma than ANY of the jedis and i agree with Joshua that the Sith are far more correct in their views of the world than the Jedi. Lucas couldn't even film the fight scenes effectively. the whole thing was as disappointing as the last two. the most positive thing i could say is that during the close-ups, Yoda and Grievous looked like 3-dimensional characters. so i guess the CGI has been improved. the writing and storytelling sadly have not.

Back

2005-05-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Saw family i haven't seen in years and years which was the one good part. So yeah, back in town. see everyone soon enough.

Stanzas for the We[e]k

2005-05-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

"Don't let it break
Don't let it start
Don't let em in
Don't go too far
And cover your tracks
Cover the path to the heart
Don't let those footholds start
And don't let no one in
Cause they never got you and you never got them

You
When you were breaking up
They was just waking up
And back in that place where you come from
Did it pay to play along
That's where I'm coming from
I'll roll it myself or just let it be
Cause I never got them and they never got me
No I never got them and they never got me"

-- Spoon "They Never Got You"

"Good Night"

Sleep softly my old love
my beauty in the dark
night is a dream we have
as you know as you know

night is a dream you know
an old love in the dark
around you as you go
without end as you know

in the night where you go
sleep softly my old love
without end in the dark
in the love that you know

-- W. S. Merwin

I, Robot or:

2005-05-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

The Longest Converse All-Stars Shoe Commercial Ever. Wow they show those shoes a lot -- vintage 2004s luckily! This movie isn't that bad -- it's just not anywhere near as good as it could be. Although, anyone know of a critique of this film that has the new robots as a communist allegory? i think there could be a case made.

Back to work for me tomorrow -- then a trip to E3 later this week for some nerd action -- then to my grandfather's funeral in Watertown. Been a great fuckin' hiatus let me tell you.

I Wanna Know

2005-05-15T01:10:00.000-07:00

So I get to Spaceland after maybe one of the best movies i've ever seen "A Man Escaped" by Robert Bresson and who do i see outside? None other than Mr. Nathaniel Mayer. So i get to the bouncer and show my ID and then Mr. Mayer asks me, "Is there such a thing as too much pussy?". I reply with what seems to me to be the obvious answer, "No". He says, "You're fuckin' wrong. There's always somethin' as too much pussy." I say, "how?". He says, "You're always gonna be workin' too hard for them ladies when you're in control and you always gotta be in control. The ladies won't get tired before you do and then you're all worn out." It was very hard for me to argue with his wisdom -- I mean, he's got about 50 years on me. So I say, "You don't always have to be on top." He followed that up with something that i'm not sure i understood correctly so i won't even attempt it -- but it was very wise and sage like. after the two atrocious opening bands Nathaniel Mayer gave a show worthy of James Brown except there were only 50 people there to witness it. He's a living legend and should be treated as such. Seeing him bow to an Asian girl dressed as an 80s hooker was sad, but he had to. He's a professional and that's what you have to do if you wanna be the Man. And he was the Man. If Miles Davis sung instead of playing an instrument, that gets you in the ballpark of what Mr. Mayer sounds like. Great show. Great night.

Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog

2005-05-14T00:46:00.000-07:00

Pat, Dave, and myself went over to the gorgeous Egyptian Theatre this evening to check out the hardly screened Sam Fuller picture White Dog. The print was in fair condition and some scenes weren't color corrected, but you can't really argue with the fact that the movie was actually screened. Damned upon its initial release here in the States, the film and Fuller were banished to Europe where it received heaps of praise. It is very dated in the acting and dialogue, but some scenes are absolutely amazing. Paul Winfield wearing a white shirt lifting it up to reveal his black skin, therefore causing White Dog to growl and wish he could take a bite out of him was what the film was all about in my opinion. It shows that there are no "colors", black is white and white is black in the end and each is a human being underneath. Really a fantastic movie if a bit campy in places.

Dear Joshua,

2005-05-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Cocksucker!

Sincerely and with love,

PL

p.s. per usual, expect package in 6-8 months.

Theatre in the Round

2005-05-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

-Just saw Crash not to be confused with Cronnie's Crash. I went from hating to loving it to hating it and then fell snuggly in to the kinda pretty good blanket. As far as sprawling, everyone is connected type flicks, this one falls in the middle. It does not have the punch, beauty, humor, and heartbreak that "Magnolia" has, but it's not terrible. Haggis has a very good eye and the DP James Muro did a fantastic job. The acting is all very well done and the plot is impeccably structured. There are just scenes scattered throughout that leave me shaking my head as to why they had to be so overdone. At one point, one of the people behind me said "this sucks" and it was right after a scene which "sucks" could easily be used to describe it. But it's worth a look.

-Spoon's new record "Gimme Fiction" is available for streaming audio here. Saw them yesterday at Amoeba and it was a delightful warm-up for their show with The Clientele and if those two names on the same bill don't excite you well...

-My feuding Dallas Mavericks pull out a game in Phoenix to tie their series at 1-1. I think they might take one more at home before Phoenix decides to turn on the juice, but I'd be happy if I was wrong.

-Nathaniel Mayer is playing at Spaceland this Saturday night. Go visit his page at Fat Possum and listen to the genius. Click here for Mp3s of "Stick It or Lick It" and "I Found Out".

-Look for George Lucas on tonight's "The O.C.". In case you haven't heard, he might be promoting some movie he's got comin' out next week.

-Last "Project Greenlight" tonight as well.

I'm off to poker and to let Tivo do it's beautiful job.

Dear Rob Thomas,

2005-05-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

You sir, made a great season of tv. the ups and the even more ups. never a dull moment. the smart, witty characters and immaculately structured plot were a joy to watch all season. who is at the door? what of logan and weevil? i am satisfied ye left only wanting more. well done. well. done.

sincerely,
pl

The Return

2005-05-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

I have returned to Los Angeles (apparently in my absence it is no longer cool to call it "L.A." cause of some movie that everyone saw). It's been a hard last few days and I spent the day back watching the last 5 episodes of the 6th season of "Homicide". The individual episodes might have dropped off, but the overall psychology that went in to breaking the entire season is brilliant. With both Mike and Frank handing in their badges for the complete opposite actions and having it resonate so emotionally was beautiful. What seemed like the big event of the season ends in a hush and we're left with Tim on life-support. Hightlight episdoes of the season:
"Finnegan's Wake"
"Fallen Heroes: Part 1 & 2"
"The Subway" (obviously -- if you haven't seen this episode, you've missed out on one of the greatest episodes in television history).
"Closet Cases"

I am now bunkered down for some "Veronica Mars" season finale action.

Time Out for "Heaven"

2005-05-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

I took a bit of a breather from the hospital this evening and went to see "kingdom of heaven". I just read a couple of the reviews and I understand their stances on it, but I found it to be quite enjoyable (minus two big problems I thought). I definitely enjoyed it much more than Ridley's "Gladiator". I think he learned from his mistakes on that film and, if anything, it is a much bigger scope of a movie. He learned to give the grandour of the time the rightful framing. The acting is very solid overall, except they gave Orlando nothing to do for the first 2/3 of the film. Which is one of the problems i had with it. He wasn't given enough to earn the speeches (which were actually quite well written for this type of film) that he delivers at the end. He had maybe 10 pages of dialogue and then boom, he's the king of Jerusalem leading a whole bunch of people. I'm ignoring a lot of other things that could be very easily picked at because, well, i just thought it was pretty well done. THe biggest problem i had with the film is his decision midway through that lead to the last bloody half of the film. yes, it is the moral decision, but at the same time, it's not the right decision. i know i know, it needs to me made by his character's beliefs, but fuck, it's stupid and it shouldn't have come down to that moment. that decision never should have been in the film.

aside from all of this, Eva Green is my new favorite girl in the world. She usurped Jennifer Connelly.

"It's over"

2005-05-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Quoth the master of his artform. "Cinema began with Griffith and ends with Kiarostami". I believe is another quote of his. I do love him so. Read Colin McCabe's book even though JLG denounces it in the linked article. It's an absolutely fascinating read.

Posted from Tampa, Florida.

Mars

2005-05-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Tim, dude, um, holy shit. I am sort of speechless at the moment. Thoughts on the episode?

Whole Wheat Pasta

2005-05-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

Not bad -- not bad at all. Gave it a shot and it holds the flavor of the sauce well and doesn't have a wheat taste by itself. It's got my recommendation.

New Coke 5

2005-05-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

1. Delta Song Airlines -- only a $25 change fee instead of the usual $75 or $100? Plus i get a tv in my seat? Number 2 airline behind Virgin Atlantic, no question.

2. Andre Braugher -- why no other TV shows were made around him other than the very average, except for him, "Gideon's Crossing" I'll never know. His work on "Homicide" is consistently one of the best performances in the history of television.

3. "The Shield" Season 4 -- it's finally getting interesting after dragging its damn feet for 4 weeks. Although why is Glen Close on the show? Can anyone tell me? Cause it's sure not because of the great part they wrote for her. Her agent done fucked up.

4. The Dallas Mavericks -- after dropping the first 2 (at home!) they went to Houston and tied the series, then last night they one their 3rd straight to get the chance to finish out the series against a really tough first round opponent. And why was everyone thinking that NJ was going to give Miami a tough time in the first round? Except for that 2OT game none of the others were even remotely close. My picks for the Finals are Miami vs. Phoenix (it's still not my Mavs year). 1's playing each other, no one else can touch them, especially with San Antonio in the West having such a hard time w/ a one-dimensional Denver team.

5. Blank Leather Notebooks from Paperblank -- nice paper, strap to keep them closed, place holder. I have a mini, backpocket one myself. Delightful for notes on the go!

Homicide Season 6

2005-05-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Jon Seda...not so good. I miss Kay.

P.S. Number of episodes of a television show on dvd I can watch before my eyes numb: 8.

No Europe

2005-05-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Grandfather is not well -- I will not be going to the Europe. I'll be in town until i hear any more news.

Recovering but...

2005-05-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ben just called me for comic book advice. It makes me so happy. So I'm going to give a list for Ben and all else who care of "must buys" while I watch the Heat/Nets games:

If you have $280 to blow, buy all 28 volumes of "Lone Wolf and Cub". It's epic storytelling at it's best. The only downside is that they are presented in Manga format so the lush black and white panels are condensed.

Frank Miller's "300" -- the story of the battle of Thermoplyae as interpreted by Mr. Miller. Just gorgeous. And I know you love the Frank Miller Ben. (also pick up his "Ronin" - it's what the Matrix trilogy should have been).

Brian K. Vaughn's "Runaways" -- the first two trades are presented in manga format as well (something Marvel's been doing with low sellin series). It's a book that is way too good for what it is trying to be which is a really fun kids book.

I bought and sold back the first couple of Bendis's "Powers" books a couple of times, but this time it'll stick. The last trade (book 7, i think) 'Forever' might be one of the best arcs of all time. You don't have to read any of the previous ones to pick it up. It's brilliant.

Warren Ellis's "Transmetropolitan" and "Planetary" -- I bought the middle books of Transmet for Joshua a while ago that dealt with the presidential election and I think he enjoyed them even though they are highly influenced by hunter s. thompson. "Planetary" is Warren deconstructing the history of comic books with the first Stan Lee super-heroes "The Fantastic Four" being the villains of the world (oh and it's published by DC's Vertigo). Amazing artwork by one of the best in comics John Cassaday

you can find more of his art at
at his website

and last but not at all least Grant Morrison's "Animal Man" -- i say it's as good as anything Kurt Vonnegut has written. It's Morrison's personal relationship to comics done through a C-level super-hero. Absolutely brilliant. Make sure to get all three trades (unlike dave who seems to have only the first two and really needs to finish the series). but mad props to dave for telling me to get those first two.

okay that's all. i'm going to pass out now.

Wrap Party

2005-05-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Dear lord. with everyone telling you how fun they will be and never experiencing one before, i have to say that they live up to all expectations. TV is way better than film, at least at partying. on a rooftop somewhere in the heart of LA, free booze, food, and fun was had by all. it's amazing to see who really takes advantage of the evening. people you thought had it all together just get blindly drunk (and i actually had someone say "i'm blind, I can't drink anymore"). just a fantastic thing for everyone. you get to see everyone's girlfriend/boyfriend who turn out to be way more attractive than you could imagine that they would be. getting to meet a bunch of people who work 10 feet from you but have never run in to is always amusing. i recommend working in the TV for everyone -- it's exactly like having a school teacher's hour and schedule. summer vacation, 9-5, paid breaks, etc -- it's the best. except for the how in the hell did i get home feeling, everything was great.

i need to go to the movies today -- anyone see "hitchhiker's" yet? "kontroll"?

Cryptic

2005-04-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Tom,
it was from a movie i was watching last night, but now that i think about it, it could be misconstrued for some other meaning.

I'll try to keep the posts semi-coherent, but i promise nothing.

Wonder Showzen

2005-04-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

oh man, where to begin with this show. it's hysterical. please watch it -- mtv2 9:30pm on fridays. puppets, animation, kids, and stock footage. so freakin' dirty that i can't believe it's on the air. check out some clips here. Recommended viewing: "Beat Kids at the Race Track", "The Finger Force", "What riles you up, harlem?", "What is Private Space?", "chauncey's history lesson", and "D.O.G.O.B.G.Y.N. (skydiving)". Hilarity will ensue.

New Best Show Ever?

2005-04-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

This brings back the fond memories of pop getting kicked out of a soccer game where he then retreated to the car to blast the horn on the car. He was then asked not so politely to leave by others as the referee was going to cancel the game.

Fucking Logan!??!?!?!

2005-04-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Date rape?!?! Say it isn't so, Joe. Say it isn't so...

Top 5

2005-04-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

1. With a bullet: Veronica Mars. Timwrites about it all the time. I second all opinions he has about the show. It really is a great show and the next 5 minutes until it starts are going to be a very long 5 minutes.

2. Grant Morrison's "New X-Men" run. I bought the first two books a long time ago and after reading them sold them. That was a huge mistake. I have since rebought them and the rest of his run (i can't seem to find the 7th and final trade but i will tomorrow) and it's a phenomenal run. It's a weird punk rock/anarchist take on marvel's mutant culture and fantomex is a fucking great character. Well worth your time and hard earned money.

3. I might be harping on the subject, but The Wedding Present should be your favorite band. I realize I'm definitely hitching my horse to their wagon, oh, maybe 15 years too late, but fuck, it's worth shouting about. I'm glad to have seen David Gedge live and even more glad to have a lot of making up to do. Go buy "Take Fountain" right now.

4. Hate email is tops.

5. Forgiveness and understanding.

I of Little Faith

2005-04-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

I've jumped up in to 6th place in the roto league and i'm 5 points out of second place. I had a HUGE saturday with a +13 jump. In the other league, I rallied for an 8-5 win and am now in 6th place there as well. I'm going up against the league leader, so a big week from my boys is needed.

I'm sorry I didn't believe in you guys at first, but I've now got a fightin' chance.

Quick Movie Threads

2005-04-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

"The Interpreter"

Today at the lunch table I got in to a discussion with someone about this movie. This person named "Athena" thought that Penn and Kidman were "over-acting" and it was very unthriller-like. Now, when I go to see a big budget political conspiracy flick with two of the best actors working, i sort of expect the scene-chewing (like Tom Cruise in "Born on the 4th of July") cause that's what I paid for. If the flick comes off like "3 Days of the Condor" well then, so much the better, if it comes off as this one did, I've already braced myself for it. The bus sequence is great and is by far the most thrilling moment. It's beautifully photographed by Darius Khondji (Se7en) and had some nice little moments. It was entertaining and by the numbers. The UN seems like a beautiful building, but I think i would have rather see Pollack/Khondji freed up to move the camera without constriction (usually i am all for the shooting of real places, but it seemed like they were too reverential/hindered by this institution). I talked to my dad about the flick as well and he thinks Kidman has a lisp. I can't confirm this, but he says it's definitely true. Maybe you can find out for yourself.

"Palindromes"

Equally as uncomfortable as the rest of his movies. This one lacks any sort of humor (at least to me) and is purely a thesis film. It's central conceit is that people are always the same. you can change them physically, but their basic natures are immutable. One of the girl's who plays "Aviva" is a standout, but the rest are mostly forgettable. I can't even be bothered to look up which one it was, but it wasn't the 300+lbs black woman, nor was it Jennifer jason Leigh. It was one of the curly haired ones. Either way, rent the movie for the Backstreet/Nsync god songs sung by The Sunshine Singers. Return it for a refund after said sequence has been completed. It's weird that offensive material such as this has become blase. I actually enjoy sections of "Storytelling", (the CP stands for Cerebral Person bit still makes me laugh as well as Paul Giamatti framed underneath the Dogme 95 poster). I found "Happiness" to be a movie that did not come anywhere close to living up to the opening Dylan Baker machine gun fantasy. But i still have a soft spot for his debut "Welcome to the Dollhouse". Plot summary is as follows: Girl wants to have a baby so she can always have someone around to love her. mother forces her to have an abortion. she runs away and wackiness ensues. and by wackiness i mean boredom.

The Wedding Present is so Fuckin' Good

2005-04-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

"Dalliance"
You've told him lies now for so long
Yet still he's ready to forgive
He's got you back and that's all he wants
A lot more than I'm left with
You don't care now that you're gone
But do you know how much I miss you?
It's not fair after all you've done
That I'm so...
I still want to kiss you
And throwing presents straight away
Because you could never take them home
Always scared what he might say
But always leaving me alone
You don't care, now that you're gone
But do you know how much I miss you?
It's not fair after all you've done
That I'm so...
I still want to kiss you
You told him what he wants to hear
And so you got another chance
But I was yours for seven years
Is that what you call a dalliance?
You don't care, now that you're gone
But do you know how much I miss you?
It's not fair after all you've done
That I'm so...
I still want to kiss you

Tar Heels lose May, Felton and Marvin Williams

2005-04-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Let's hope for an impressive freshman class:

ARSONS, AP Sports Writer
April 22, 2005

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina players Sean May, Raymond Felton and Marvin Williams are entering the NBA draft, leaving the NCAA champion Tar Heels without their top seven scorers for next season.

``I've coached a lot of great players and these three here are at the top of the list,'' coach Roy Williams said during a news conference Friday on the floor at Dean Smith Center.

Junior guard Rashad McCants already decided to leave early and Jawad Williams, Jackie Manuel and Melvin Scott completed their eligibility.

North Carolina now has only one player on its roster who started a game last season -- point guard Quentin Thomas, who replaced the suspended Felton in the opener.

Felton, May and McCants were part of a heralded class recruited by former coach Matt Doherty. But the team sputtered during their freshman year and Doherty resigned under pressure.

In their second season under Roy Williams, who left Kansas to coach his alma mater, the Tar Heels won the NCAA crown, beating Illinois 75-72.

``It's been a lot of tough times, and it's been a lot of great times, especially winning the national championship this year,'' Felton said.

May addressed the coach, who joined his players for their group announcement.

``I really didn't know the talent I had and when you came here, you brought that out,'' May said.

May had said immediately after the season that he would be back, but the burly, 6-foot-9 center backed off in recent days. He was magnificent during the NCAA tournament, averaging 22.3 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 67 percent.

Williams said May's decision made sense considering he was voted the outstanding player at the Final Four.

``I don't think he's a cow or a piece of beef or anything, but his stock is pretty high,'' Williams said.

Felton, a 6-1 point guard, averaged 13 points and shot 44 percent on 3-pointers, up from 34 percent the previous two years. Marvin Williams averaged 11 points while never starting a game in his only season in Chapel Hill, but the 6-9 forward likely would have been a lottery pick had he entered the NBA right out of high school.

Roy Williams has one of the best recruiting classes coming to campus, and he'll need as many top players as he can ge

unofficial shoutout

2005-04-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

yo spoth!

von Trier

2005-04-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Ya'll know I love me some von Trier. Here's the new trailer for Manderlay:

Crack that whip!

Comic Pick of the Week

2005-04-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=2823

Jae Lee became one of my favorite artists overnight when i read his and grant morrison's "Fantastic Four: 1234" series. A series that one of the guy's at Meltdown said he hated and thought was "the darkest Fantastic Four story he's seen". Well, dark is a very good thing when it comes to the FF and Jae Lee's artwork beautifully matched morrison's story. With covers like this:

it's easy to see his talents.

So here, Paul Jenkins and Lee tackle the Dark Knight with a story centering around the villian Two-Face. it's a 6 issue arc and as a first issue, it really does a great job of setting up the arc. one of the better batman stories in a while.

Other Picks:
The Omac Project #1 -- The Countdown has begun and this series is 1 part of 4 different, 6 issue mini-series that will all lead up to the Infinite Crisis. Some may care, some may not care. I care.

Klarion the Witch Boy #1 - Another part of Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers series which is, at the very least, a fun attempt to tie together some "forgotten" characters from DC's past.

For fun here's a page from Geof Darrow's "Shaolin Cowboy" book and new geof darrow is always a good thing:

Cannes 2005

2005-04-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

COMPETITION
"Lemming," directed by Dominik Moll (Opening night, France)
"Bashing," directed by Kobayashi Masahiro (Japan)
"Batalla En El Cielo," directed by Carlos Reygadas (Mexico)
"The Best Of Our Times," directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien (Taiwan)
"Broken Flowers," directed by Jim Jarmusch (U.S.)
"The Child" (L'Enfant) directed by The Dardenne Brothers (Belgium)
"Don't Come Knockin'," directed by Wim Wenders (Germany)
"Election," directed by Johnny To (China)
"Free Zone," directed by Amos Gitai (Israel)
"Hidden" (Caché), directed by Michael Haneke (France)
"A History Of Violence," directed by David Cronenberg (Canada)
"Kilometre Zero," directed by Hiner Saleem (Iraq)
"Last Days," directed by Gus Van Sant (U.S.)
"Manderlay," directed by Lars von Trier (Denmark)
"Once You're Born You Can No Longer Hide" (Quando Sei Nato Non Puoi Piu Nasconderti), directed by Marco Tullio Giordana (Italy)
"Peindre Or Faire L'Amour," directed by Arnaud and Jean-Marie Larrieu (France)
"Shanghai Dreams," directed by Wang Xiaoshuai (China)
"Sin City," directed by Roberto Rodriguez and Frank Miller (U.S.)
"The Three Burials Of Melquiades Estrada," directed by Tommy Lee Jones (U.S.)
"Where The Truth Lies," directed by Atom Egoyan (Canada)
OUT OF COMPETITION
"Chromophobia," directed by Martha Fiennes (closing night, U.K.)
"Matchpoint," directed by Woody Allen (U.S.)
"Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith," directed by George Lucas (U.S.)
Midnight Screenings
"Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang," directed by Shane Black
"Dal Kom han In-Saeng" (A Bittersweet Life), Kim Jee-woon
"Midnight Movies: From the Margin to the Mainstream," directed by Stuart Samuels

Special Screenings
"Crossing the Bridge," directed by Fatih Akin
"The Power of Nightmares," directed by Adam Curtis
"Nekam Achat Mishtey Eynan" (Avenge But One of My Two Eyes), directed by Avi Mograbi
"Les Artistes du Theatre Brule," directed by Rithy Panh
"C'est Pas Tout A Fait La Vie Don't J'Avais Reve," directed by Michel Piccoli
"Operetta Tanukigoten" (Princess Raccoon), directed by Seijun Suzuki

UN CERTAIN REGARD
"Cidade Baixa" (Lower City), directed by Sergio Machado (Brazil)
"Cinema, Aspirinas E Urubus," directed by Marcelo Gomes (Brazil)
"Delwende," directed by S. Pierre Yameogo (Germany)
"Down In The Valley," directed by David Jacobson (U.S.)
"Falscher Bekenner" (Low Profile), directed by Christoph Hochhausler (Germany)
"Le Filmeur," directed by Alain Cavalier (France)
"Hwal" (The Bow), directed by Kim Ki-duk (South Korea)
"Jewboy," directed by Tony Kravitz (Australia)
"Johanna," directed by Kornel Mundruzco (Hungary)
"The King," directed by James Marsh (U.S.)
"Moartea Domnului Lazarescu" (The Death of Mr. Lazarescu), directed by Cristi Puiu (Romania)
"Nordeste," directed by Juan Solanas (Argentina)
"Sangre," directed by Amat Escalante (Mexico)
"Schlafer" (Sleeper), directed by Benjamin Heisenberg (Austria)
"Sulanga Enu Pinisa," directed by Vimukthi Jayasundara (Sri Lanka)
"Le Temps Qui Reste," directed by François Ozon (France)
"Voksne Mennesker" (Dark Horse), directed by Dagur Kari (Denmark)
"Yek Shab" (One Night), directed by Niki Karimi (Iran)
"Yellow Fella," directed by Ivan Sen (Australia)
"Zim And Co.," directed by Pierre Jolivet (France)
"Habana Blues," directed by Benito Zambrano (Closing Night, Un Certain Regard)

I have to say, this could be a good year. Am I the only one excited for a new Shane Black movie? Possibly, but ya'll should be, too. I'm also looking forward to the new Fatih Akin flick, the director of my favorite movie of the year thus far "Head-On".
In the movies i really could care less about catagory, "Last Days', Gus van Sant's Kurt Cobain inspired story with maybe the worst actor people keep casting: Michael Pitt. Another Wenders/Sam Shepard flick is always cause for hope. new von Trier. good stuff all around.

This is such an exciting festival, that maybe i'll just go there myself while i'm on my little european vacation which is mere weeks away now. Since I have no plans, no fellow travelers, i can do what i want and go where i like. and maybe it will be the festival of cannes this year. as long as i have time for belgium and the greatest beers in the world, i'll be very happy.

Fantasy Baseball

2005-04-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

A new season of fantasy baseball is upon me and i have to say -- MY TEAMS SUCK. I have a feeling they'll make it respectable as the season goes on, but so far i am dead last in both leagues (one gambling, the other for fun).

The Losers aka the fun team are:
C
J. Mauer (Min - C)

1B
D. Ortiz (Bos - 1B)

2B
M. Loretta (SD - 2B)

3B
C. Jones (Atl - 3B,OF)

SS
E. Renteria (Bos - SS)

OF
B. Giles (SD - OF)

OF
M. Bradley (LAD - OF)

OF
L. Ford (Min - OF)

Util
R. Durham (SF - 2B)

BN
K. Griffey Jr. (Cin - OF)

BN
C. Wilson (Pit - 1B,OF)

DL
M. AlouDL (SF - OF)

SP
R. Harden (Oak - SP)

SP
Ru. Ortiz (Ari - SP)

RP
G. Mota (Fla - RP)

RP
L. Ayala (Was - RP)

P
J. Vazquez (Ari - SP)

P
D. Lowe (LAD - SP)

P
C. Lee (Cle - SP)

BN
M. Herges (SF - RP)

BN
J. Contreras (CWS - SP)

BN
T. Gordon (NYY - RP)

I went with a lot of iffy guys just to put some gamble in to it. Hence the D.Lowe, Contreras, Mauer, and Harden. I picked Harden like 4th round, i think he'll get 15 wins this year at least, but it's still not a guarantee.
This is a roto league and i currently am in last place.

My other team who is supposed to bring in the big bucks for me is:
Josewhistlerblower
C
J. Posada (NYY - C)

1B
D. Ortiz (Bos - 1B)

2B
C. Figgins (LAA - 2B,3B,SS,OF)

3B
A. Rodriguez (NYY - 3B)

SS
R. Furcal (Atl - SS)

OF
A. Huff (TB - 1B,3B,OF)

OF
J. Drew (LAD - OF)

OF
M. Bradley (LAD - OF)

Util
A. Ramirez (ChC - 3B)

BN
K. Griffey Jr. (Cin - OF)

BN
L. Castillo (Fla - 2B)

DL
L. BerkmanDL (Hou - OF)

RP
B. Lidge (Hou - RP)

RP
D. Baez (TB - RP)

P
B. Sheets (Mil - P)

P
M. Mussina (NYY - P)

P
D. Graves (Cin - RP)

P
L. Hernandez (Was - P)

P
J. Weaver (LAD - P)

BN
G. Mota (Fla - RP)

BN
A. Otsuka (SD - RP)

This is a head-to-head league and currently i am in last place. although i have a good feeling this week will catapult me possibly in to 6th place.

I took some gambles, but hopefully they'll pay off. if griffey would just hit the ball out of the park every so often i will be happy.

Obvious Loyal Reader

2005-04-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Renteria noticed yesterday's post which apparently lit a fire under his ass:

E. Renteria ss
4ab
2h
2r
3rbi
.250 season avg.

helping put the Sox over the Yanks 8-5

Thanks edgar for being a reader and turning things in the right direction.

Spring is in the Air

2005-04-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

With baseball back in swing and the summer movie season slowly creeping in, i felt that i should make a strong comeback here and give it my all. like a budding flower that emerges after a long, cold winter. except there are no winters here in SoCal and i don't really like the simile of me as a flower. so, i'll just fire off a few quick thoughts, much in the same vein as the sports guy:

- is it too late to push Mickey Rourke for an Oscar? i know he's got a lot of making up to do (see "wild orchid" not to say that zalman king's movie isn't sort of sexy in a cinemax way, but the mickster is better than that), but going back to mickey's early stuff (barfly, johnny handsome), it shows the man can really bite in to a character and he took one big chunk out of frank miller's Marv.

- best sort of new comic book writer is Dan Slott. He makes me care about She-Hulk. Read that over again -- She-Hulk. The dude is a genius and one of the few people who write a fun story every time out without pulling a bad Alan Moore/Grant Morrison/Neil Gaiman post-meta-hyper-uber-whatever look at comic books. he writes purely for the love of the form and for the love of Marvel history. If someone has a copy of his Arkham Asylum: Living Hell, give me a shout out!

- The new andrew bird record is spectacular -- 'the mysterious production of eggs". he also puts on one hell of a show. caught him at largo a week or two ago and promptly went out and bought his entire catalogue. although the rest of it is nowhere near as good as this new record, it's still worth a listen.

- if renteria has another goddamn error this month...i don't know what i'll do, but it is very frustrating. we trade to get cabrera for his defensive abilities -- he helps win the world series -- we don't sign him -- we pick up the world series LOSING shortstop because he has the defensive capabilities of cabrera along with the bat that orlando apparently didn't have -- renteria is batting .219 w/ 4rbis, 1 run. he's got like 3 or 4 errors already. compare that to cabrera's stats so far -- .290
1hr
6rbi
4runs
1sb
and i believe his HR was a walk off game winner. this is fine though, everything will be fine. deep breaths...

- at least we're not 3-5 like the Mets oh shit, wait, we are 3-5. pedro is pitching fucking lights out though at that gives them hope. wells looks like he could be clutching his chest at any moment during a game and just keel over.

- if you own a playstation 2 and don't own the game God of War, then you have not even come close to using this machine. it is so far beyond fun that it's almost sad to play because with each dead carcass you leave behind you know that you are getting closer to the end.

okay that's all for now.

Another Try

2005-04-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

After a bit of hiatus, we'll see if this one sticks.