Benjamin Corman

2011-06-16T18:57:00.001-07:00

That's www.FilmSnobberyLive.com

2011-06-16T18:54:00.001-07:00

If you like movies, @filmsnobbery's film snobbery live starts in 5 at filmsnobbeylive.com -- snobby enough for ya?

2011-06-12T20:12:00.001-07:00

And with ep 9 of Game of Thrones a whole new audience is introduced to how much of a bastard George R. R. Martin can be :)

2011-05-22T19:02:00.001-07:00

Ep 6 of Game of Thrones excellent! Ep 7 up now on HBO Go!

2011-04-13T06:19:00.001-07:00

Check out my review of indie short Dark Scribbles on FilmSnobbery.com http://bit.ly/gfGXpW

2011-04-09T20:14:00.001-07:00

The Borgias ep1 quite promising. Much of what I hoped for from The Tudors and good primer for upcoming Game of Thrones.

2010-10-20T19:24:00.003-07:00

Or South Park's take on inception.

2010-10-20T19:24:00.001-07:00

And it will be like a taco inside a taco within a Tacobell that's inside a KFC within a mall that's inside your brain!

2010-10-07T19:23:00.001-07:00

Inception. Holy shit.

2010-09-25T19:37:00.001-07:00

Gervais/Merchant's CEMETERY JUNCTION was excellent. Thanks, Ian.

2010-09-15T19:44:00.001-07:00

"I don't know how many times I've told those boys, don't call chicks broads."

2010-09-12T12:45:00.001-07:00

"He's a JAZZ muppet."

2010-09-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

The blessed moment in the story after which something inevitably tragic happens.

2010-09-08T18:30:00.005-07:00

The sad part is the story is not entirely all that far-fetched.

2010-09-08T18:30:00.003-07:00

They were irate.

2010-09-08T18:30:00.001-07:00

I was trying to explain to them that they weren't free passes, they were a movie-licensed set of pencils.

2010-09-08T18:29:00.001-07:00

Seniors were trying to use "magical wooden sticks" someone told them would get them in for free.

2010-09-08T18:28:00.001-07:00

Had a dream that I was back working at the theatre in Bellingham (shudder).

2010-09-06T18:04:00.001-07:00

Hellboy II much better than 1. Another crappy HB intro, functionless sidekicks, and writing still falls apart at end of act II, but much improved.

2010-09-03T10:41:00.001-07:00

Telnet to ipmud.com 4545 and say hi to Destroyer.

2010-09-03T08:44:00.001-07:00

T: like half of these monitors aren't going to work.
Me: yes they are.

2010-08-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

"A Jose Canseco bat? Tell me you didn't pay money for that."

2010-08-29T12:17:00.001-07:00

Wise man say, "forgiveness if Devine, but never pay full price for late pizza."

2010-08-28T17:37:00.001-07:00

Netflix Watch Instantly now on the iPhone. booyah

2010-08-26T12:30:00.001-07:00

I hated Lenovos before I had to assemble 300 of them.

2010-08-22T01:30:00.001-07:00

Another dozen reasons why Netflix rocks. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118023144?categoryid=4076&cs=1&nid=2564

2010-08-22T01:29:00.001-07:00

Interesting article about Middle Men and indie film distrib in general. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118023143?categoryid=3768&cs=1&nid=2564

2010-08-22T01:16:00.001-07:00

Interesting article about Middle Men and indie film distribution in general. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118023143?categoryid=3768&cs=1&nid=2564

2010-08-21T18:10:00.001-07:00

The Men Who Stare At Goats a good movie. Not perfect and needed to drop the Jedi thing, but my kinda flick.

2010-08-19T18:34:00.001-07:00

A no. 7 pencil is apparently a He-Man axe. Who knew. http://shirt.woot.com

2010-08-19T18:17:00.001-07:00

Took a minute. shirt.woot.com

2010-08-15T12:31:00.001-07:00

Daredevil director's cut. Cause @kolpitz said so.

2010-08-07T16:10:00.001-07:00

80s Music TV channel plays "99 Luftballoons" and gives trivia all about the band. How about what they're saying since it's in German. Duh...

2010-08-03T18:03:00.001-07:00

Nancy Grace makes me angry. Not anything she says or does... Just her.

2010-08-03T10:17:00.001-07:00

Wow, is Dangerous Memories podcast good. Best comic movies this week. iTunes. hectorandtodd.com. @dmpodcast.

2010-07-31T17:30:00.001-07:00

3 minute walk to 24 flavors of soft-serve -- this can't end well.

2010-07-29T06:21:00.001-07:00

Good Mark Wahlberg article.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118022302?categoryid=4087&cs=1&nid=2564

2010-07-28T18:31:00.001-07:00

Christina Applegate told @jimmykimmel she was named after her dog, and he did NOT proceed to quote Indiana Jones. Boo, James.

2010-07-26T18:51:00.001-07:00

The movie should have been XAVIER St. Cloud.

2010-07-25T19:17:00.001-07:00

Funny People was good. Solid first half gives way to uneven second, but still good stuff.

2010-07-17T11:55:00.001-07:00

Nice. RT @toddtizzle: Pumped to see @azizansari tonight. He better be prepared to have a new best friend.

2010-07-17T11:53:00.001-07:00

No-sah. RT @azizansari: The original title of Christipher Nolan's Inception was Cats and Dogs 3-D: The Revenge of Kitty Galore.

2010-07-15T10:17:00.001-07:00

Yes!! RT @Kolpitz: Your mind is the scene of the crime.

2010-07-11T18:49:00.001-07:00

Captain Crunch. He sucks. RT @slim: Is there a worse captain than "Captain" Watson of Whale Wars?

2010-07-11T14:36:00.001-07:00

Funny. RT @mshowalter: A few thoughts about paying taxes http://tiny.cc/pml0i

2010-07-09T17:46:00.001-07:00

Country's? RT @rainnwilson: I truly believe that the policies of the ______ Party can solve our countries problems.

2010-07-08T16:47:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday! RT @levarburton: Hey y'all! Do me a favor and wish my kid @mikiburton a Happy Birthday She's Sweet 16!!!

2010-07-08T16:42:00.001-07:00

Excellent. RT @ThatKevinSmith: That KID is BACK on the ESCALATOR AGAIN: http://tinyurl.com/29l54ns Come to CRAZY4CULT

2010-07-08T05:53:00.001-07:00

How wonderful that moment of clarity, fleeting though it may be... when you can finally breathe through both nostrils again.

2010-07-05T11:32:00.001-07:00

Nice. I'm sure you'll let us know how they come out. RT @slim: Project: Delicious is a go. http://flic.kr/p/8g1akc

2010-06-30T04:42:00.001-07:00

I like it. But if they're PIs why are they wearing uniforms? RT @nerdcastONLINE: Avert thine eyes. http://tumblr.com/xricglhm5

2010-06-29T13:25:00.001-07:00

Really? I should be set then. RT @HCA_Mass: See how easily you can help yourself prevent Diabetes with maple syrup! http://bit.ly/acUhey

2010-06-26T19:09:00.001-07:00

Toy Story 3 proves solid script will propel a film to greatness. The perfect Hollywood movie.

2010-06-26T15:10:00.001-07:00

Outback special and snow crab. Mmm.

2010-06-25T21:39:00.001-07:00

It's spit, isn't it? RT @slim: I just witnessed firsthand the magic behind the Wendys Spicy Chipotle wings. Hint: it's not magic.

2010-06-22T18:56:00.001-07:00

Never doubt Ridley Scott. Robin Hood rocked.

2010-06-21T05:56:00.001-07:00

11 tickets left for seminar with Rodney Charters, Fri 2-4pm. Cinematographer for 24, Dollhouse, Roswell, Pretender.
http://bosworkshops.eventbrite.com/

2010-06-21T05:53:00.003-07:00

http://supermeetbos10.eventbrite.com/

2010-06-21T05:53:00.001-07:00

This Friday, 1st Boston SuperMeet for Final Cut users, and digital content creators. FREE with code "supervip". Day seminars and night events.

2010-06-17T20:33:00.001-07:00

Hahahahaha. RT @God_Damn_Batman: The Batman's Most Wanted: Joker. Ra's al Ghul. Joel Schumacher. Not necessarily in that order.

2010-06-17T19:06:00.001-07:00

Well, it's certainly a teaser. But its something on the Game of Throne's HBO front.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MophfvUlfI

2010-06-17T16:59:00.001-07:00

How many times could he declare "we are bros" w/o one of them replying "no we're not you're a filthy street urchin our father brought home one day."

2010-06-17T16:57:00.001-07:00

Wow Prince of Persia
was bad. Nevermind the lackluster story, unimaginative plot, and stock characters, the action scenes were sparse & sub standard.

2010-06-16T18:37:00.001-07:00

So 9 years later That's My Bush still a so-so show for the time they had. But ep 5 (First Cat) was hilariously written.

2010-06-13T17:34:00.001-07:00

Wow. $56 mil opening for Karate Kid. They did something right. $26 mil for A-Team. No big suprise there...

2010-06-13T08:57:00.001-07:00

Could have used
more interviews/documentary elements thrown in. Pre-dress rehearsals too blah, with bad audio.

2010-06-13T08:56:00.001-07:00

Back to meh, Way You Make Me Feel, Thriller decent, about it.

2010-06-13T07:45:00.001-07:00

A meh start, gives way to "Why" and "Smooth Criminal" segments which were nicely done.

2010-06-13T07:44:00.001-07:00

This Is It. MJ. Netflix Watch Instantly. Wii.

2010-06-13T07:43:00.001-07:00

Nice. RT @JeffreyBartell: recording today. Full length Album almost done! http://bit.ly/a9MUlV

2010-06-12T18:05:00.001-07:00

"Like I want to spend the rest of my life selling stolen wheelchairs."

Island of Shutters

2010-04-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

The cringing kind.

To be honest, the more I think about Martin Scorsese's SHUTTER ISLAND the more I like it. Was it his finest work? Probably not. From the perspective of fine film, he's done better. The complete package wasn't there. But, it was an interesting mystery, even if the "surprise" was inevitable from the first 15-20 mins. It was not even as well kept a secret, from the point of the narrative, as A BEAUTIFUL MIND's similar concepts.

So the premise, the themes, the concept, have all been done before. I was reminded a lot of MEMENTO, both in the character, the story, the ideas, and in the eventual dilemma, the exposed struggle. Sure, the subterfuge may have gone on for a lot longer, but in the end, it was just as obvious.

But where they succeeded was in both making an enjoyable, entertaining film, and in the overarching ruse that is portrayed, and eventually revealed, which brings new life to the concept. Part of me wants to say it was a cop-out, while the other accepts it.

There are elements that confused, that don't seem quite right, which in a perfect film might stick out a lot less, but then there were all the clues and retrospective moments that make you smile and enjoy the whole experience at the end. There were tense times, that weren't artificially induced, and a scene in a wire-caged stairwell that was downright frightening in composition.

For the first time, Scorsese employs some pretty blatant CGI, though used fairly well, in some jarring "dream" sequences, which you can later reconcile. The opening cinematography felt very artificial, though this did quickly lapse, and I was likewise wondering what happened to his longtime editor in the beginning.

DiCaprio was great as he always is in most of his work, and Mark Ruffalo was acceptable, although, once again, we can stomach some of what may strike us as odd, in the end explanation. Ben Kingsley was as one would expect in a role that really didn't have a lot of meat to it.

Although it may not have been exactly what it was promised to be in the trailers, it was what I hoped it to be, in style and content. In the end, I don't think the finished work was as polished as it could have been. If some of the elements has been honed down a little more, things tightened up, and the story reworked a bit, it could have been a phenomenal picture.

Whereas people accused Christopher Nolan of simply working a gimmick in MEMENTO, I always disagreed. I do feel here that, because the film didn't reach the heights it could have, it did lean back on somewhat of gimmicky qualities.

Still, I enjoyed it, and wouldn't mind an additional viewing.

If you tweet...

2010-04-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Check me out at:

@BenjaminCorman

Also, for more movie goodness, follow:

@dmpodcast
@toddtizzle
@kolpitz
@theeditingroom

Not Digging the New Robin Hood Trailer

2010-04-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Just not feeling it. Russel Crowe's been largely down hill for me since Gladiator. Hopefully I'll be surprised.

The Editing Room

2010-04-23T19:47:00.001-07:00

If you still haven't checked out The Editing Room you're missing out big time. Best movie parody site ever. Cuts right to the core of it. Great new The Blind Side and Sherlock Holmes "abridged" scripts are up, not to mention Avatar.

Also check out my own The Blind Side and Sherlock Holmes parodies if you missed them!

Ian Hanslope's Phenomenal Photography

2010-04-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Haven't yet checked out world-renowned photographer Ian Hanslope's indomitable website?

The vivid and vivacious vision of visceral visual vittles!

The hodge-podge portrayal of peculiar portraits and pictorials presented with purpose and aplomb!

The literal latticework of, dare I say licentious, Liverpudlian largess. Obtained, perhaps, with a little ladle of larceny!

The unusual union of the unseen, unsung, oft unappreciated, America!

The cunning collection of creativity, the likes of which the world has never seen!

Well, say no more! Step inside...

IanHanslope.com

LOST is Losing Me

2010-03-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so, the last and final season has been acceptable so far. Like many seasons before, its already had its ups and downs. There have been great episodes and great moments.

Here's my problem, though. This is the final season of such an incredible, extraordinary show. There are only a handful of episodes left. Every minute should be epic. EPIC. They've shown they can throw a good roller coaster ride at you in the past. They've got to step up, and quick.

As much as I like the nice, character study episodes, heck its a staple of the franchise, we've got to get moving. They've got to bring it to the table already. My patience is waning, and I'm starting to doubt they're going to pull it off.

Here's to hoping they prove me wrong.

These Memories Dangerous, Yo

2010-03-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

If you still haven't checked out Todd and Hector's Dangerous:Memories movie (and more) podcast, you're missing out. Every episode just gets better and better, with cunning insight and utter hilarity at every turn.

If you like movies, TV, Comics, or just have fond memories of TJ Collectibles, Worcester County video stories, or those doughy WWF ice cream bars, then this is the podcast for you!

Check them out at HectorandTodd.com or search Dangerous:Memories on iTunes.

Rome, Sweet Rome

2010-03-20T18:09:00.001-07:00

Seems official that HBO's stellar, and too short-lived, ROME, will receive the big screen treatment. A phenomenal program, with top-notch talent and writing, that has been promised to be back. Still not sure where they'll pick up, as many of the main characters died off, inevitably, with the show ending around the time of Antony and Cleopatra's suicides.

If much of the cast is to be brought back, they'll either have to employ flashbacks, or tell a story set somewhere in the middle.

With A Game of Thrones greenlit, what more can we wish for? DEADWOOD season or previously promised mini-series? Let's hope.

Super Freakin' Awesome

2010-03-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

That's how good this book was. I never had the opportunity to read the first, but then was given this, and was absolutely blown away. Two incredibly bright people use statistics and "economics" to show you the other side of the stories you thought you knew so well.

Always appreciating a different look at things, I was amazed by a lot of what they had to say. Think global warming is a unique, undeniably massive, problem that only decreased human activity can solve? Think people are naturally apathetic? Altruistic?

Think again.

A quick, easy read, yet equally entertaining and intriguing. They put everything together with the experts, sometimes geniuses, and numbers to back it up.

Not Blow Away by Up in the Air

2010-03-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Perhaps its because I was so much anticipating them, but movies in 2009 that began with "Up" largely disappointed me. It started with Up itself, which was very good, and probably achieved the most artistically from a film perspective, of many recent animated movies, but it wasn't as complete, as enjoyable or entertaining, an experience as past features.

Up in the Air was similarly disappointing. The direction and acting were apt, the writing left a bit to be desired. I liked it, yes it was better than a lot of the other crap that hits the silver screen lately, but I was neither significantly entertained nor inspired. It was certainly not the typical George Clooney film, instead feeling at times like an imitation of a Sam Mendes film, then a Coen Brothers work, only to be replaced by a Zach Braff flick.

The general story, characters, emotion, and theme were only superficially examined. Things just kind of went along and then ended. The thesis was more successfully examined in Office Space, the story arc in American Beauty. Not so disimilar from Jason Reitman's Juno, which I even think was a more solid film as much as I could criticize it, though I did enjoy Thank You For Smoking.

I'm once again amazed that this was a Best Picture contender, while it certainly surpassed some of its contenders, becoming more and more convinced that 2009 was no stellar year at the box office.

Best Picture Math

2010-03-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

Established system of ranked, run-off voting now in use to determing Academy Awards Best Picture winner, if no film has a majority. To me the saddest part is that The Hurt Locker and Avatar are supposedly in a dead heat.

Give me a break. Star Wars deserved to win Best Picture more than Avatar ever did, and I don't think it was a contentious for the Oscar. Avatar may be the least deserving in the category. The nod is fine, but come on. I'm not even saying I flat out think The Hurt Locker deserves it, although considering the competition, who knows.

A nice surprise would be to see something different happen this year. Does anyone even look forward to this anymore?

Read the original article here.

Wondering about Alice

2010-02-27T06:18:00.000-08:00

Still thinking this looks pretty good. Burton can be hit or miss with me, though everything he does is still a cut above. Wasn't a huge fan of the Wonka remake.

I do typically enjoy a continuation of a famous story, over another remake, so that is another strong selling point.

Here's to hoping.

A Dangerous Podcast

2010-02-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Not since Batman & Robin has there been a more dynamic duo, than Hector and Todd of the Dangerous:Memories podcast. If you love movies, or if you hate them, there will be plenty here for you.

Equal parts compelling and hilarious, with a generally open format, structured with segments on the latest Films and Film News, Television commentary, and an AFI Top 100 analytical countdown.

Ebert and Roeper eat your heart out!

Check out their website at HectorandTodd.com or download the podcast from iTunes!

Fly Fat @$$, Fly!

2010-02-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've all heard Kevin Smith is fighting back after Southwest Airlines kicked him off a flight for being too fat. That after buying two tickets, as per policies, but then moving to an earlier flight in which only one seat was available.

Generally speaking, I'm all for celebrities ripping into big corporations. They're picking on them, just like they do on us, but they know we can do little about it when they walk all over us. Along comes a celebrity, or a news channel willing to pick up the story, and all the sudden they're apologizing, and are interested in doing the right thing.

I've had it up to my eyeballs with companies whose general policy is pushing back and pushing back, until you get to a high enough level that someone gives in and reluctanty fulfills your absolutely reasonable, or often beyond obvious, request.

That's why I say, if Southwest Airlines is trying to ground you, show 'em who's boss and "Fly Fat @$$, Fly!"

Visit http://www.viewaskew.com/ for more.

Bigger Love for Big Love

2010-02-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

This HBO show continues to get better and better. Building off the strong writing of last season, things have only improved. In season 4 the drama, interesting character development, and storylines, are all back in full force. They're finally exploring many of those things you thought would make good television when envisioning the modern polygamous family. The mediocre performance of the first two seasons is long since gone. This is drama that will keep you coming back for more.

Southland Going South

2010-02-20T09:19:00.001-08:00

The first episode started so well, but subsequent offerings haven't been so hot. Sherman and Cooper left out of an entire ep already, as much as I'm digging Shawn Hatosy's Det. Bryant, his wife, and their general relationship, starting to drive me up a wall -- and then there's the writing.

Things have quickly become very episodic, which is fine for some shows, but I much prefer at least some semblance of over-arcing plot and development. Things spring out of nowhere, and you can almost hear, "This week on Southland, Officer Cooper's taking drugs, and Det. Clarke gets kicked out of his house."

It is early on, so hopefully they're still in the development phase, and these things will prove to be the beginnings of some good characters and story arcs. Still a good show, I just hope they can propel themselves to greatness.

Little Mac vs. Soda Popinski

2010-02-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

This guy does some pretty funny (and good) stuff.

Guy behind the official I'M WITH COCO fan page and art.

http://www.sirmikeofmitchell.com/

We can't stop here, this is bat country!

2010-02-13T16:52:00.001-08:00

So the structure may not be flawlessly in line with traditional standards, but, god, I love this movie. Leonard Maltin's guide rates it a BOMB saying its just one long trip. Whoever did the write-up for Maltin is the one tripping.

This viewing was the first time I noticed the Chris Meloni role. He doesn't get enough diverse roles. Way more talented than Law and Order SVU would lead one to believe (also check out HBO's OZ, Wet Hot American Summer).

Depp disappears into the Duke (Thompson) role, and Del Toro is menacingly great as Dr. Gonzo. Bizzarre, yes, but brilliant.

"Let's get down to brass tacks. How much for the ape?"

When in Rome, do as the Romans do... chuck tomatoes at horrible performers.

2010-02-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Of course the theatre employees may not appreciate tomato guts on the screen. Though some might, and they've seen worse anyway...

Girl: I am the standard female love interest, therefore, I need a man!

Guy: I am the standard male love interest, therefore, I am a man!

Girl: But I don't know, this will probably shock you, but I've been hurt before.

Guy: I am totally shocked. But I love you!

Random "Italian" Artist: So do I-a!

Delusional Male Model: I love you almost as much as I love myself!

Napoleon Dynamite (dressed as a magician): I also love you! Magic!

Danny freakin' Devito: Oh, oh, and me too!

Guy: What the heck?

Girl: It must have been that fountain in Italy that I took those coins out of for no reason, it made you all fall in love with me.

Audience: Huh? Wha-- fountain?

Guy: That makes total sense.

Audience: That makes no sense.

Napoleon Dynamite: It's magic!

Girl: Lets run around and particpate in crazy, random, occasionally funny, antics.

They do.

Bobby Moynihan: Wait, why haven't I gotten more screen time? I'm the only funny thing in this movie. This is just like SNL!

Pedro: don't forget ME. my cameo is kinda FUN-ny. vote for pedro.

Guy: Shut it, both of you. You're ugly, and I'm a hunk. Let me tell you about my tragic backstory, in which I was struck by lightning on the football field.

Audience: Huh? Lighting-- wha--

Guy: It inspired some famous photographer to take some picture of me, that the Girl really needs all of the sudden.

Girl: I do? I do!

Audience: Picture? She-- what?

Girl: Oh my god, there's a lightning storm, and the power's out, and I'm late for the art show I'm the curator of.

Audience: What??

Random "Italian" Artist, Delusional Male Model, Danny freakin' Devito, Napoleon Dynamite: We'll take you in a ridiculously small "European car" because this is New York City, and there are clearly no other forms of transportation!

Girl: That makes total sense. If the four of you stalking me has made me want nothing else, it is certainly to get in a tiny little clown car with ALL of you!

Random "Italian" Artist: We're-a here-a!

Angelica Houston: Girl, you suck! See I'm mean, just like Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, but with less depth.

Girl: I'm indifferent.

Angelica Houston: Well, how about this, I love you now! This show is great! Not that you spent much of any time working on it, or anything.

Girl: Yea! I really care about this! But, now I need to give all my stalkers back their coins.

Random "Italian" Arist: I don't love you anymore. And I'm not Italian. But you made me feel comfortable doing my art.

Audience: What? Are they really resolving character arcs that were never actually initiated?

Delusional Male Model: I don't love you anymore. But I still love myself, so that's something, I guess.

Napoleon Dynamite: I too, no longer love you. But you made me comfortable doing my magic! Kinda like the first guy, buy you know, with magic!

Danny freakin' Devito: I also don't love you anymore. But you reminded me of how I felt when my wife was still around. I'd still jump ya bones, though, if you're interested.

Girl: Wow, great. And here's your coin, Guy.

Repeat this scene twenty more times, up to and including in the middle of their wedding.

Guy: That's not my coin. That's the "Italian" priest's. See, I really do love you!

Girl: I love you too!

Priest: Free at last!

Audience: WHAT???

End.

And the credits roll...

Directed by Mark Steven Johnson (who should be shot)

Written by David Diamond & David Weissman (who should be shot)

Produced by Rikki Lea Bestall, Gary Foster, Joseph Iberti, Andrew Panay, Enzo Sisti, Ezra Swerdlow, and Kim Winther (who should be shot)

Rinse, repeat.

It's Kimmel cause Coco's snuffed

2010-02-05T10:51:00.000-08:00

Since the red flame of Conan's hair has been recently snuffed out, I've taken to watching more Jimmy Kimmel. Conan has long been my favorite, and his recent change to The Tonight Show, along with the ease of DVR, had gotten me back into watching him.

I used to watch Jay a lot, but it was always as appetizer to the main course of Coco. Again, the revolution of DVR lets me watch what I want when I want, and I can skip the commercials. So I hadn't bothered with Jay, after checking out his new show, and finding it very blah.

I've always liked Kimmel though, ever since his days on Win Ben Stein's Money. Not to mention I have respect for him. He started from nothing, working his way onto radio, helping those who helped him along the way, and giving his all to get where he is.

That being said, as funny as I tend to find Kimmel, he's no Conan. His show is decidedly not as funny, not as light-hearted or endearing. There is a more "below the belt" feel, a little angry, a little meaner. Still decent, and incorporates all of the things that have made Kimmel successful to date.

He did just feature Demetri Martin, who I quite enjoy. I'm a big Steven Wright fan, and just recently noticed the similarities between the styles of the two.

So I'll give Kimmel another week or so. Letterman has been dead to me since he changed shows and got all old and grumpy. It'll be Kimmel instead of Jay for me, until (hopefully) Conan returns to the airwaves in a few months.

Lost: The Final Season

2010-02-05T10:30:00.001-08:00

So far, I think things are off to a good start. Love the relationship they've developed between Jacob and the Nemesis, and they're actually answering questions, while creating a few new ones, in such a ratio that I'm starting to feel that they may fulfill most of what they've started.

Much improved over last season, a lot of which, especially in the middle, started to get to me. Glad to see some familiar faces back, and I hope they find ways to keep that up. Love to know exactly what's going on and how they're going to reconcile that. It can't just be that there's an alternate universe, and I'd be sorely disappointed if there was some play on time between the two narratives, which was already worked to death last season.

It's got to be something else, that hopefully fits into the whole puzzle homogenously. All I know is after the premiere, I'm very much looking forward to next week, and damn it, they better tells us what those freakin' numbers mean! Some purely bizarre coincidence isn't going to cut it.

Avatarded Gross

2010-02-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

So Avatar has long since blown Titanic out of the water, and is number 1 all time grossing film both Domestic and Worldwide. But take a look at those charts on BoxOfficeMojo. Interestingly, a lot of the movies in the top 10 or even 20, aren't that great, and granted they have received major help, in these purely cash drive categories, from inflation.

Now go over to the Adjusted for Inflation chart. Interestingly, now the top 10 and 20 are a lot more respectable, with Gone With the Wind in the top spot. That's right, the 1939 picture brought in more, pure, revenue and physical people, at a time when reporting wasn't even that accurate, with discrepancies most likely wrongly decreasing numbers. Titanic is at 6th and Avatar at 21st (and wouldn't it be great if it didn't crack the top 20 -- not likely).

James Cameron's talent is in creating experiences that people want to see in the theatre. Even I, who didn't by any means love Avatar, am glad I saw it in 3-D, in the theatre. It was an experience, and that draws people in, much like Titanic. Its a slightly better tactic then pure marketing, which rules most of the film industry these days.

What I just don't get is the awards attention. Somehow, even though I wasn't a huge fan of Titanic, I didn't look as much askance at it getting critical attention. Avatar, to me, is much more in line with The Phantom Menance, which certainly didn't draw much critical praise, yet its topping the nomination categories.

It is an achievement, but since when did that matter to the Academy? What happened to artistic integrity? I guess they have occasioned to pay respects with a nod or two to films with achievements of this caliber, but I'm going to have entirely lost faith if it wins any of the major categories. Here's to hoping they keep their heads.

The Blindingly Mediocre Side

2010-02-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

I’m a rich, southern, MILF! I strut around doing what ah' want, and ah' don’t listen to nobody, and it never has any ill effect on me. Ah' also do incredibly generous things, and am probably very remarkable in real life, but all I’ll prove in this movie is that Sandra Bullock CAN act if she really concentrates, and therefore will WOW everyone in existence! This movie is principally about me, because ah' find Big Mike and take him in out of the goodness of my heart, and a life-long dream to develop football players. Say hello, Big Mike!

…

I’m a rich, southern, Taco King! I like football and the occasional quickie, and that’s about all you’ll learn about me. I’m the only one that can rein my crazy wife in! Wait, no I can’t. I can’t even stop her from bringing a mammoth teenage kid into my house, which with no other information about him, could certainly, reasonably threaten my family, even though anyone who says or thinks that is judgmental! Come on in Big Mike! Here’s some money!

…

I’m the zany, crazy, comic relief kid! I easily get as much screen time as Big Mike, who I love and adore, though there will also be no real depth to my character. This movie will clearly launch my career and I will enjoy all the fame and reward of child actors like Jonathan Lipnicki!

Audience: Jonathan Lip-who-cki?

You know, Jerry Maguire, and… hmm… ah, well, waka-waka! I love ya, Big Mike!

…

I’m the teenage daughter no one notices or cares about. My mother pressures me to exceed at volleyball, and that’s about it. No, really. There’s nothing else here. What, you heard that in real life I sacrificed days of my life, and my own studies, to help, Big Mike? Well, there’s none of that here, except a throwaway scene where I’m not at all bothered about being teased, and oh, I sit with him at study hall. That’s something. Right, Big Mike?

I don’t like being called Big Mike.

Oh, he spoke, he spoke! Break through! Oh, break through! It’s a miracle! Free at last, free at last!

I CAN talk. I’ve just clearly experienced a great deal of suffering, and feel as a foreigner in these lands.

But you’re big! And you can really move, even though ah' have no reason to know that, so you’ll make a great football player!

I will? But I don’t know how to play football… I’m from the ghetto after all, what’re the chances?

I’ll show you.

Wow! I CAN play football. Now I’m famous, and every college wants me. Let the money roll in!

Audience: Wait, where’s the amazing story we were promised? Nothing difficult or unbelievable has really happened in this movie. Technically it’s been alright, but I thought this was supposed to be about a poor kid who makes good? What about the scene where he hugs his new “mother” for the first time? Some real emotional development? What about triumphing in football? One obligatory game scene and that’s the extent of his struggles? Some trumped up NCAA bull, and then… what? It’s over… really??

Awards shows here ah’ come!

Spartacus is no Rome

2010-02-03T14:01:00.001-08:00

Starz's new original series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, is no Rome (HBO). But, let's face it, it's really trying to be more like a TV drama version of Zack Snyder's 300. At that, its not half-horribly succeeding. If you didn't largely detest 300 and its almost entirely CGI created scenes, effects, and overuse of slo-mo/"bullet time"/ramping (perhaps not the best tactic if your action is flawed), you might find some interest here.

For me, it was worth a chuckle or two. Such as when Spartacus himself, when leaving his wife to go off to battle, ties a ribbon around her leg and says, "Keep me close to your thighs." Or when parting from a rival he utters, "My boot will find your ass in the afterlife." Dialouge is not the least of its shortcomings.

Don't bother looking for any similarities to Stanley Kubrick's 1960 film either. You'll be sorely pressed to find any.

Kevin Smith Cops Out?

2010-02-03T13:34:00.001-08:00

I've long thought Kevin Smith needed to diversify. Taking on directing (as in this case) or writing responsibilites only, has seemed to be a good way to do it. Pilot episode of Reaper showed promise a few years ago, which he directed and was involved in, but didn't write.

Trailer for Cop Out looks alright, but... I don't know. I like Willis and Morgan, yet want to see Smith write and direct, and somehow do something different (or get back to the likes of Chasing Amy).

To me, Smith's worst is still better than the "best" Hollywood often churns out each week. Going to have to wait and see I guess, but even if its only so-so, I wish Smith the best of luck in getting some good box office numbers to keep things going.

Watch the trailer or vist his site.

Wall Street: Sequels Never Quit

2010-01-30T13:07:00.000-08:00

Everything's got to be a sequel or a remake. I'm not exactly enamored of the original, though I enjoyed it as much as many of Oliver Stone's other movies. But, hey, Shia LeBeouf's in it, everything he touches turns to gold, so its got to be good, right?

The Last Airbender -- the next Shyamalan film

2010-01-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

Personally, I at least enjoyed every M. Night Shyamalan film so far. This looks interesting... even if the title makes me think of some 80s surfer movie, for some reason.

Solomon Kane

2010-01-30T12:48:00.000-08:00

Rome's James Purefoy is in it. Sounds kind of interesting. I'll give it a shot.

The Duellists

2010-01-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

One of Ridley Scott's early works, that I'd never seen before.

Keith Carradine v. Harvey Keitel in a decades-long duel in post-Napoleon France.

I quite enjoyed it.

A rare character-focused period piece.

Transitions from set piece to set piece (duel to duel) may be a little obvious, and become repetitive, but still woth a view.