Guilty Pleasure Confession

Readers, forgive me, for I have chosen to give in to that which we poke fun at.

I was up late the other night and I was watching License to Kill. You know, the second Bond flick with Timothy Dalton? Well, maybe you don't.

Anyway, I was watching and I remembered how TBS used to be the best as every year, they would showcase Bond films in a Bond Marathon. Fifteen days Bond films, with usually three every evening. There would be some overlap, but that was nevermind. Bond, Bond babes, the gadgets, usually a competent villain, and the infrequent decent storyline. Arguably the worst Bond flick (disagree? leave a comment!), A View to a Kill was considered my favorite when I was in fourth grade. Why? Only because it was the newest and had Duran Duran sang the title song. I know now that my taste sucked, but I still watch it to see the rock salt-loaded shotgun. TBS doesn't do the marathons anymore, but it appears that many channels play the Bond films time to time, so I can get my fix.

Who was the best Bond? I think a lot of that depends on when you started watching him. Sean Connery was really good. I grew up with Roger Moore. George Lazenby? A philanderer's dream, but not quite. Timothy Dalton wasn't bad, but came across as a bit too angry at times. Pierce Brosnan was an exceptional actor. Daniel Craig, the new one, played the role extremely well. I see him as a cross between Connery's intensity, but with Brosnan's sophistication. The best sense of humor probably came from Connery. Of course, his was a different time. In the end, I think each represented his movie(s) to the best and as such should be respected as such. I can't imagine anyone else but Dalton spouting off, "I must have scared the living daylights out of her", a cheap plug for the movie. Even when Connery came back for the "unofficial" Bond film, Never Say Never Again. Not my favorite, but eh...

The best Bond girl? All of them. You can't pick anyone over another. Each again, brought something special to her film and...um, forgive me a sec.

Honey Rider. Pussy Galore. Plenty O'Toole. Bambi & Thumper. Holly Goodhead. Bib Dahl. Octopussy. Xenia Onatopp. Wai Lin. Christmas Jones (remember "Christmas only comes once a year"?). Not to be confused with "professional" entertainers or working girls, these handily capable vixens provided a helping hand in more ways than one to the needy Bond.

Okay, I lied. My favorite? Pam Bouvier, played by actress Carey Lowell. You may recognize her from some of the Law and Order episodes. Walking hottness, but again, you probably have your favorites. But for Pam, give me a girl who can pilot any vehicle, handle a gun, con a con-artist televangelist Joe Butcher, and still satisfy Bond.

Yowza.

First Week of School

Ah, the sweet dew on the grass. Chirping birds in the trees. Big yellow dogs hauling kids to school.

It's that time again: back to school. You've probably been bombarded in the last few weeks with all the shills for sales and "gotta have" supplies. Most kids will probably groan that first morning, gripe about having to get up "sooo early" and trudge themselves out the door and into whichever vehicle they take to school. I remember the first day of school. Much like the comparison, I pretty much dreaded it. It marked another the end to another chapter of my childhood, irreplaceable and gone forever. Of course, there is the other side...

As a teacher, I get to ask kids various questions about their summer, shopping, what they did, etc. For the majority of the students, they, at least one part, were ready for school to be back in session. Sitting at home watching reruns, stuck on the couch (South Texas people!), and playing the same [insert digital activity here] over and over again for the 104 days of summer (thanks Phineas and Ferb). Most are willing to admit that school offers a break from the monotony that summer became. Growing up and the adventures that my buddies and I had usually took there toll and school did become that inevitable break that we secretly welcomed. School shopping will never go out of style and I'm always amazed by how shiny shoes are that first week back.

So how was it? Well, the first week back is usually the easiest for the kids. It primarily consists of forms and rules and expectations. I didn't give any homework until Wednesday, and that was pretty easy (I thought so at least). For the most part, the best part was listening to the kids discuss their summers and such. It's a long ways until the end of the school year, but each year I'm surprised by how many of my kids turn out. My expectations aren't any less this year. Maybe I'll put a little something-something here for you readers to enjoy.

How was your summer? Even if you're a working stiff, drop a line. Maybe something about your first day back to school.

Cheers!

Meaningless List #1: Best Under-Rated Movie

I've been working a story for some time, but as my friend would remind me, I still need to get some writing out there.





So, in an effort to conform to the current trend of lists, here's one for you.





I would consider myself a movie fan, not quite a connoisseur, but I think you get the gist. While I like the typical action flick (understand I grew up in the 80's and early 90's), I also can appreciate a well-played story. So, in the near three decades of watching videos, cable, DVDs and regular programming, I've got my likes and dislikes. Of course, today will be "the good stuff" that you may not have heard much about.





And what would a list be without the Honorable Mention Quad. Quickies on these:





HM1 - Ronin - DeNiro & car chases. 'Nuff said.


HM2 - Malcom X - A slanted view, designed to incite, but worth a good watch.


HM3 - Chasing Amy - Kevin Smith did a great job here. Keep an open mind.


HM4 - Tin Cup - Just goes to prove that winning isn't everything.








Without further ado, here are the Explicit Eight:





8. Booty Call - I'm sure that I'll catch a bit of flack on this one, but anyone who's ever seen it, probably understands what I'll say here. There are times in everyone's life when you need a good laugh for whatever reason. Whatever reason. Knowing that, there have been times in my life that I needed a laugh without getting stoned (that's a whole 'nother story...). My buddy recommeded this, and Alton worked at a video store, so I know he's seen everything at least twice. Probably more on the "Adult Section". The point is, most guys could probably relate to the gist of the story: I'm calling because I would like to have intercourse tonight with someone and I'm wiling to do the whole dog-and-pony-show to do it. Perhaps it's just being able to relate at certain times, but it's just funny. Pure, adult, sexual, perverted like a junior high schooler, tongue in cheek and other places funny. You cannot take this movie serious, so don't. Enjoy Jamie Foxx before his Ray notoriety.


7. Dogma - This is where all the Kevin Smith fans come out and say something like, "Why didn't you pick Clerks?" Cuz I didn't. Not good enough? Well, I didn't watch Dogma until it came out on Starz, and having been a converted Catholic for only a few years at the time, I found the movie to be a real tongue-in-cheek hilarious. I've always felt that God has a sense of humor bequethed to us, and as such, we should be able to find the humor in all of His work (sometimes just to simply bear through the drudgery or worse yet, the pain that comes with life). The movie's ensemble really make it an easy watch, but you'll come back for the jokes that truly reflect a not so suble thumbing at religion and Christianity. I wouldn't show this to a Sunday school class, but it does offer a lesson on self-deprication.


6. Gattica - I saw this movie shortly after I began a new chapter in my life. One of the girls I worked with at the time had a huge thing for Ethan Hawke. She raved about this movie, saying "Oh my god, he is sooo hot. And the other guy is hot too!". Weird thing is I'm now related to her, but I digress...I checked out the movie on a whim, and wow. It blew my mind. In a way that Blade Runner and Terminator 2 did. Not so much in the action, but in the overall message.


5. Less than Zero - I saw this late one night on cable. Oh my. I can only say that Robert Downey Jr's character was superbly played. I don't remember much of when this movie did come out, but seeing it as I did, in the period of my life, opened up my eyes that my life can and always could be worse than it is, even if I have everything I could want.


4. Brokeback Mountain - Arguably not under-rated, but living in a small town filled with homophobes doesn't this one's reception. You probably heard about this story from a friend who told you about the gay cowboys. I can honestly say that I waited with anticipation to watch this one. Ang Lee did a great job on this film, and I usually like his work. As such, I truly kept an open mind about the story. What a story. Taboo love amongst the toughest of men. If you truly enjoy a love story, you can't miss this one.


3. October Sky - I reemmber seeing the previews for this one in the theaters. A feel good movie, bit of a tragedy in the end, but overall an overused piece for any science teachers. Toby Maguire does a good job and we are privy to his unique way of talking (think whispering whiney innocence, but not so annoyuing). My favorite part? When Chris Cooper's character goes over there to whip that step-dad's arse. A bit predictable, but I'm a sap for feel good movies.


2. Usual Suspects - Often times, the lady behind the movie counter will make stupid recommendations; so much that I believe that they make bets on geting people to rent shitty movies. Well, as my lady and I cruised the aisles looking for good flick, I just casually asked her for a suggestion. "Here, try this one." "Never heard of it." "Oh goodness, Kevin Spacey is so good in it. You'll like it (after referring to my recent returns)." I was not let down. Kevin Spacey's acting here could make anyone want to be an actor. The movie's plot is quite simple, yet deviously complicated; an almost unintentional paradox. When you watch it, give it your full attention. Take the phone off the hook, set your celly on silent, and have a couple of cold ones and a big bowl of popcorn ready to roll. An great ensemble, it includes Stephen, Baldwin, Benicio del Toro, Kevin Pollack, and Chazz Palminteri. How can one get better than this, you ask? Well...


1. Last of the Mohicans - I've only read part of James Fennimore Cooper's classic novel, and have yet to view the 1936 original film, but for whatever reason, this film is just majesty on film. The first thing one notices is the scope of film. The grand landscapes that once made up this country. Beautiful woods and grasses, bodies moving as one that is nature. The substance that keeps you there is the wonderful soundtrack that stirs you within. Honestly the acting was okay. As a whole, a bit fantastic; but for mant parts that aren't quite continuous, breathtaking. You want to believe in the fantasy. When Madeleine Stowe's character Alice first tell's Day Lewis's character Hawkeye "I will find you.", he spurns her for fear of her safety. Later, in a pivotal scene, Hawkeye tells Alice "No, you submit, do you hear? You be strong, you survive... You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you." Reminiscent of Real World:Seattle, when David and Kira got into a fight, and with microphones running, screaming that "it hurts" to love her as much as he does. Perhaps this movie is under-rated because it's a bit fantastic. Who am I kidding? It's very fantastic. That's perhaps the best part. Historical-fiction is a wonderful art, mixing reality with a ficticious story.

That's it. Your thoughts? Comments? Don't be shy. I'm sure that you've got something that you thought I missed. Let's hear it.

Cheers...

I'd Done a Lot of Things Different...

So many have said it best, but I currently like Benet's:

Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways. ~Stephen Vincent Benét

Small and uncaring ways. Perhaps careless. Thoughtless. Unintentional. Whatever adjective you'd like to use, it's all the same. You didn't make it a point, a priortity, to commit to the completion of such said task. Wow, just getting started and already too serious.

Let's just step a pace back and all get synchronized.

I know it's been two and a half months since my last post. I know that I've done things, procured things, viewed things, that I wanted to mention here. So easily I could detail how Life has kept me busy, but when is that ever an accepted excuse? The fact is, I put it off until I was digusted with how neglected I left this posting haven.

So, to make up for it, you guys get 2.5 months of blogging in just one kablammo!

Shall we?

Movies
I got to see quite a few with my son and wife, but this will be a highlight and be pretty quick.

Speed Racer - Got to see this with a bunch of kids at a birthday party. Nice graphics, but the plot was a bit weak, with some vintage campiness typical of Speed Racer. Overall, eye candy for racing enthusiasts and fans. Not realistic, but I did like the whole family solving problems.

Indiana Jones and Kingdon of Crystal Skulls - One of the best movies I've seen this year. I can't say that the plot was all that engrossing, but as a huge Indy fan, I simply wanted to see where this story went. I like the reappearance of a major character from a prior film (no spoiler here!). Worth it to see in the theater, as this is the end of the Jones Legacy.

WALL*E - After Iron Man, this is the next best movie my son and I saw. I can't exactly put my finger on what it was about it, but feel good movies really hit a spot in the ol' corazon. Wall-E really is a lovable character that you can't help but empathize with. The loyalty that he shows is impressive in a day of switching teams as often as switching your undies. The ensemble is well cast/made. Perhaps this is the best Pixar flick since Toy Story or Monsters, Inc.

Reviews
This is simply just a few things that I got recently and wanted to share my opinions about. Nothing too serious, just some fun stuff.

Samsung LCD 40" HDTV - Oh mama. As the world is transisitioning (well, at least USA is) to a digital TV broadcasting system, I wanted to go ahead and make the switch to high definition television. Oh my goodness. What you see in the stores is...well...what you get at home. Now, in all honesty, you won't get all your channels looking like that (for a number of different reasons),but knowing what you will get and how to get it is a good thing. I'm lucky enough to be rocking 1080p. Shows that are recorded in HD are supremeo awesome. Watching the NBA playoffs was immensely pleasing, but perhaps the most interesting tidbit that we garnered during the honeymoon period was watchign the Men's NCAA World Series playoffs. During one game, there happened to be a quite large fellow sitting in the front row behind catcher, off to the catcher's left. Between him and the little old lady five seats over from him (the large fellow was sitting just so his belly would jiggle at times and seemed to try to give every TV viewer and the pitcher a crotch shot), the detail with which we could see the attending fans was mind boggling. I'm imporessed and now watching regular TV (or non-HD programming) is just so dissappointing.

Playstation 3-Since the wifey approved the new TV, we had to get a new DVD player. Timing was great as the Blu-Ray format was announced as the only next-gen format (HD-DVD got the axe). It just also happens to play video games. I am not dissappointed by any means. I am somewhat still appalled by the overall cost of things, but I do understand that certain things takes money and companies try to recoup that cost somewhere. Blu-Ray is awesomeness. I don't even have a surround sound, but picture and interactiveness are caveats that, for me, really make the Blu-Ray format better than the DVD format. I can, even if just barely at times, tell the difference between the DVD players of yore and the upconverted picture quality that the PS3 does. Gaming-wise, the next 12 months will prove the PS3 be someting to reckon with. I haven't ditched the Wii. In fact it provides a necessary break at times.

Rock Band- Anyone who has been watching this blog knows that I've been anticipating getting this game. While I originally thought that I would get this game for the Wii, the PS3 prospects were greater. Simply put, the game allows for Dylan and me to jam out. He takes the drums and I'll play the axe. Occaisionally he'll sing, and he's working on guitar licks. I can sing okay, but drumming I really need to practice more. As Rock Band 2 approaches, we are both excited about the song list and further jamming out.

Boom Blox - Dylan earned this game with his exceptional behavior at school. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this game really became an excellent choice by Dylan. Simply put, imagine Jenga, but with aspects of throwing and bombs included for variety. Really a a lot of fun for the entire family. The physics of this game truly show off the genius of the developers and the power of Wii.

Okay, enough of the materialistic mumbo jumbo. Next post, we'll get serious.

Maybe...

Cheers,

Mert

I am....Iron Man!

I grew up reading comics, so a great many of the current action flicks coming out initially appeal to me.

When the first Batman came out in 1989, I was excited, but a bit disappointed at the storyline. I liked it nonetheless, but in retrospect, was disappointed. The movies that followed were not much better, and it seemed that they would try even harder to get that "star" power to overcome the lack of substantial acting and writing.

Spider-man, at least the latest reincarnation, is better. Tobey Maguire's acting and the writing is such as to keep me interested. Most of the time. That, and Kirsten Dunst's presence. It wasn't bad, but the third one (as cool as the black suit was), left something to be desired. It seemed as if as any of these stories progress, we have to get more stars/heroes/villains and have them all battling and such. C'mon. What's next? Carnage kidnaps MJ and takes over the Daily Bugle? The Lizard goes on a rampage? And Venom threatens to put out Spidey's secret identity to the world? All in the same movie? Too much.

One movie (again, following the Marvel universe) that really did it right (almost at least) was The Punisher. No, not the nasty Dolph Lundren version, but the 2004 Thomas Jane version. Really nice, really dark. Left some bits out from the comics, but included some others. I don't know if they plan on making a sequel, but the movie itself was fairly complete. The characters really stayed true to who they are, and it wasn't overly complicated (for a movie). A great many parts of the movie I can tie back to my humble collection of Punisher: War Journal. Props to Jim Lee's master artistry on all that work.

Many others have come out, again from the Marvel-verse. Daredevil, Fantastic Four, Blade, X-Men, Ghost Rider, and even Hellboy have all come to receive interest varying from excitement to week-old oatmeal splendor. I've seen these, in addition to DC Comic's Batman and Superman installments. I really liked the newest Batman and anticipate the return of Joker in the upcoming movie. Superman Returns is a bit of a departure from the typical story lines, but I think the writer's stayed true to the overall character. I really liked that story, and it left it open without the obvious "expect a sequel now..." type ending.

What's all this about? My son and I took in Iron Man this past weekend. Eye candy galore. The storyline, albeit updated to 2008, followed Tony Stark's transformation into Iron Man. I can't say that there was one part I didn't like. Now, there were some parts being quite predictable. Formulas for action movies don't digress much, and in this case, it's still there. Doesn't take away from the movie. Most important for me was the on-screen savy of Robert Downey, Jr. For all his troubled past, he fits this role practically perfectly. Best moments? The on-screen chemistry between Downey's Stark and Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts. The not-so-sublteness of it really amped me up and kept me into those slower parts. The soundtrack really fits, driving the action and highlighting smaller funny moments.

Now, the ending. I'm an ending kind of guy. If you saw the movie Sliver, you know that endings can really f#%! up a movie. I've heard some rumblings about Iron Man's ending. When you see it, consider this: what would Tony Stark say in that situation? That should help you arrive at your answer.