You gotta laugh, and what better person to laugh at than George W Bush?
Mr Bush picked up a couple of awards at the Razzies (more fun that its better well known cousin, Oscar) this year.
The big W managed to ‘win’ the Worst Actor category for his role in Fahrenheit 911, as well as Worst Screen Couple for the same movie.
Way to go Mr Bush!
X-Box Power Cords
When X-Box announced the world wide X-Box power cord replacement programme I was expecting a nightmare of delays.
But I was wrong. I went to the X-Box NZ website and registered my details on Sunday night, 20th February. I was amazed to get an email on the 23rd saying that my cable had been shipped, but to allow 2-3 weeks delivery.
By shipped I assumed ‘processed and will be sent out eventually’.
But what arrived in the mail today, a mere 8 days after ordering it?
You guessed it, my new power cable.
Good on ya X-Box.
Now, does anyone want to by my old power cable……
But I was wrong. I went to the X-Box NZ website and registered my details on Sunday night, 20th February. I was amazed to get an email on the 23rd saying that my cable had been shipped, but to allow 2-3 weeks delivery.
By shipped I assumed ‘processed and will be sent out eventually’.
But what arrived in the mail today, a mere 8 days after ordering it?
You guessed it, my new power cable.
Good on ya X-Box.
Now, does anyone want to by my old power cable……
A Cinderella Story
Teen Queen Hilary Duff stars in this modern day re-make of the Cinderella Fairytale.
With a cell phone instead of a glass slipper (with Telecom’s $10 TXT, of course!!), a rundown convertible in lieu of pumpkins and based in a drought ridden LA suburb, this movie was predictable (as it should be, hell, everyone knows the Cinderella story, right?) and so sugary sweet as to make you want to throw up.
But then when you look at it in context – I watched it with my 3 daughters and one of their friends – aged from 5 to 9 years old – you discover that it’s one of the best movies ever made.
Not a peek out of them for a whole 90 minutes. No one even needed to go to the toilet, no one complained when the popcorn ran out. It was truly amazing.
I don’t know if it was the story or Hilary Duffy that wove the magic, but this is a good wholesome movie, with some great themes, that I’d recommend to anyone with daughters.
With a cell phone instead of a glass slipper (with Telecom’s $10 TXT, of course!!), a rundown convertible in lieu of pumpkins and based in a drought ridden LA suburb, this movie was predictable (as it should be, hell, everyone knows the Cinderella story, right?) and so sugary sweet as to make you want to throw up.
But then when you look at it in context – I watched it with my 3 daughters and one of their friends – aged from 5 to 9 years old – you discover that it’s one of the best movies ever made.
Not a peek out of them for a whole 90 minutes. No one even needed to go to the toilet, no one complained when the popcorn ran out. It was truly amazing.
I don’t know if it was the story or Hilary Duffy that wove the magic, but this is a good wholesome movie, with some great themes, that I’d recommend to anyone with daughters.
Tarantino to do CSI
According to JoBlo, Quentin Tarantino is confirmed to be directing an episode of CSI.
The episode will be the season final and will be based on an original concept by the man himself. Anthony Zuiker and the usual suspects will write the script.
It should be an interesting mix, and with the US screen date being May the 18th we should see it in New Zealand in about 10 years……
The episode will be the season final and will be based on an original concept by the man himself. Anthony Zuiker and the usual suspects will write the script.
It should be an interesting mix, and with the US screen date being May the 18th we should see it in New Zealand in about 10 years……
The Village
The Village is the latest outing for M. Night Shyamalan, Writer and Director of the Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs.
Whilst there’s no denying that Signs was a good movie – it didn’t seem to be quite up to scratch with his first two efforts, so there was a lot riding on The Village.
And once more, he got it right. Like a favourite author, who’s latest book you’ll pick up and read just because it’s your favourite author, Shyamalan gives us a story that he knows we will like, shows us the direction we think its going to go, and then take us on an unexpected ride.
Now I’ve been told that I’m a very positive person when it comes to my reviews, so I’ll be honest (not that I’m saying I’m not normally honest!). The first part of the movie got me very worried, there wasn’t a lot happening, and I hadn’t clicked with any of the characters. I was getting a little restless.
But then it happened. Things started to happen, my wife started to close her eyes, grab my hand and ask me what was going on.
This is more like it; the movie was making you inch towards to edge of your seat (or close you eyes and ask for a commentary). And on the edge of my seat is where I stayed.
And with out wanting topsoil the plot, BAM!, BAM!, BAM! I didn’t see that coming, or that, or THAT! Shyamalan has definitely got his groove back.
And if a great movie, with edge of your seat spookiness and huge twists isn’t enough for you, Adrien Broody’s portrayal of the village idiot is worth the price of the DVD on it’s own.
Whilst there’s no denying that Signs was a good movie – it didn’t seem to be quite up to scratch with his first two efforts, so there was a lot riding on The Village.
And once more, he got it right. Like a favourite author, who’s latest book you’ll pick up and read just because it’s your favourite author, Shyamalan gives us a story that he knows we will like, shows us the direction we think its going to go, and then take us on an unexpected ride.
Now I’ve been told that I’m a very positive person when it comes to my reviews, so I’ll be honest (not that I’m saying I’m not normally honest!). The first part of the movie got me very worried, there wasn’t a lot happening, and I hadn’t clicked with any of the characters. I was getting a little restless.
But then it happened. Things started to happen, my wife started to close her eyes, grab my hand and ask me what was going on.
This is more like it; the movie was making you inch towards to edge of your seat (or close you eyes and ask for a commentary). And on the edge of my seat is where I stayed.
And with out wanting topsoil the plot, BAM!, BAM!, BAM! I didn’t see that coming, or that, or THAT! Shyamalan has definitely got his groove back.
And if a great movie, with edge of your seat spookiness and huge twists isn’t enough for you, Adrien Broody’s portrayal of the village idiot is worth the price of the DVD on it’s own.
What Movie Am I #5
I am a Drama
I am the tale of two unlikely friends.
James Whitmore plays Brooks, a man who can’t function on the outside.
In 1995, I earned Morgan Freeman an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
I was filmed in a disused state prison in Ohio.
Tim Robbins plays a wrongly accused banker.
I am the tale of two unlikely friends.
James Whitmore plays Brooks, a man who can’t function on the outside.
In 1995, I earned Morgan Freeman an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
I was filmed in a disused state prison in Ohio.
Tim Robbins plays a wrongly accused banker.
The Eye
Mun ( Angelica Lee ) is a girl who has been blind since the age of two. But after undergoing a cornea transplant, she is able to see again.
The question is, what is she seeing?
Ghost like figures appear while she’s in hospital, but things really get weird when she goes home and her room keeps changing during the night.
Not knowing if it’s just her brain getting used to having eyes again, she seeks solace in Dr Wah, her therapist.
But things get worse and she starts to see more and more, and consequently withdraws and stays in her darkened room. Dr. Wah must draw her out again. As he does, he starts to believe her, and puts his job on the line to help her.
With shades of The Sixth Sense and The Mothman Prophecies, this is a visually stunning supernatural thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat – though if you’ve seen the trailer and are expecting a freaky-scare-the-living-daylights-out-of-me type movie, you might be a little disappointed.
The Eye is solid, thoughtful and entertaining.
The question is, what is she seeing?
Ghost like figures appear while she’s in hospital, but things really get weird when she goes home and her room keeps changing during the night.
Not knowing if it’s just her brain getting used to having eyes again, she seeks solace in Dr Wah, her therapist.
But things get worse and she starts to see more and more, and consequently withdraws and stays in her darkened room. Dr. Wah must draw her out again. As he does, he starts to believe her, and puts his job on the line to help her.
With shades of The Sixth Sense and The Mothman Prophecies, this is a visually stunning supernatural thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat – though if you’ve seen the trailer and are expecting a freaky-scare-the-living-daylights-out-of-me type movie, you might be a little disappointed.
The Eye is solid, thoughtful and entertaining.
Gmail
Ok, I know what you’re thinking: This is supposed to be DVD reviews. Well check the small print ‘pop culture’.
I am allowed to rant about anything so long as it have some relevance to popular culture, right?
Anyway, I got an invite from Google this morning to sign up for Gmail. I’m guessing so did about a billion other people, as I’m sure I’m not geek-enough to be anything but on the general release-you-signed-up-for-news-list.
But any way, Google is the IT company of the moment – The best search engine, most interesting news page, Blogger, and now Webmail.
So I’m guessing a lot of people are interested about Gmail, right?
But did anyone have teething problems with their browser not supporting Gmail.
I’m a Mac fan through and through – don’t like using PC’s. In fact I hate using PC’s. So imagine my annoyance when Gmail won’t work on my version of Safari. Sure it works on the LATEST version of Safari, but that will only work on the LATEST Mac OS. And for that Apple want US$129.95 of my money. No way.
Why is it corporations think they have the right to bully your money out of you?
Any way, so I decide to try in Explorer. No joy there either. Gmail does not support Explorer on the Mac, but wait it does support Firefox.
Cool.
So, seeing as I’m currently running Explorer, I download Firefox. eightppointsomething megabytes. No problem, I have Jet Stream at work, so it down loads in a matter of minuets.
But wait, that’s not right, that’s a text file. Thanks Microsoft, you downloaded the file WRONGLY! I guess Bill Gates doesn’t want to help Explorer users to change.
So back to Safari, my preferred browser. A couple of minuets later, Firefox is not only downloaded but ready to go (thanks Apple).
So now I’m moving all my links to Firefox and leaving Safari behind.
Go the little guy!
I am allowed to rant about anything so long as it have some relevance to popular culture, right?
Anyway, I got an invite from Google this morning to sign up for Gmail. I’m guessing so did about a billion other people, as I’m sure I’m not geek-enough to be anything but on the general release-you-signed-up-for-news-list.
But any way, Google is the IT company of the moment – The best search engine, most interesting news page, Blogger, and now Webmail.
So I’m guessing a lot of people are interested about Gmail, right?
But did anyone have teething problems with their browser not supporting Gmail.
I’m a Mac fan through and through – don’t like using PC’s. In fact I hate using PC’s. So imagine my annoyance when Gmail won’t work on my version of Safari. Sure it works on the LATEST version of Safari, but that will only work on the LATEST Mac OS. And for that Apple want US$129.95 of my money. No way.
Why is it corporations think they have the right to bully your money out of you?
Any way, so I decide to try in Explorer. No joy there either. Gmail does not support Explorer on the Mac, but wait it does support Firefox.
Cool.
So, seeing as I’m currently running Explorer, I download Firefox. eightppointsomething megabytes. No problem, I have Jet Stream at work, so it down loads in a matter of minuets.
But wait, that’s not right, that’s a text file. Thanks Microsoft, you downloaded the file WRONGLY! I guess Bill Gates doesn’t want to help Explorer users to change.
So back to Safari, my preferred browser. A couple of minuets later, Firefox is not only downloaded but ready to go (thanks Apple).
So now I’m moving all my links to Firefox and leaving Safari behind.
Go the little guy!
Catwoman
Catwoman the movie, was according to most critics, one of the worst movies of last year, and the worst comic to big screen superhero transformation to date.
With this is mind (and the fact that both Hellboy and The Punisher had gotten some really bad reviews despite being half decent movies) I ordered Catwoman so I could see for my self.
Well, what can I say about Catwoman? It was cheesy from the start and cheesy at the ending. The CGI was as bad as the acting, and the costume – what the hell were they thinking?
But having said that, somewhere in the middle of the movie, I forgot how cheesy it was, how bad the CGI and acting was, and enjoyed it. That was right up till the cheesey ending.
Will I watch it again? Not likely. Would I recommend it to anyone? Maybe.
For an action movie it failed big time, but if you’re looking for some cheesy fun, it might just fit the bill.
With this is mind (and the fact that both Hellboy and The Punisher had gotten some really bad reviews despite being half decent movies) I ordered Catwoman so I could see for my self.
Well, what can I say about Catwoman? It was cheesy from the start and cheesy at the ending. The CGI was as bad as the acting, and the costume – what the hell were they thinking?
But having said that, somewhere in the middle of the movie, I forgot how cheesy it was, how bad the CGI and acting was, and enjoyed it. That was right up till the cheesey ending.
Will I watch it again? Not likely. Would I recommend it to anyone? Maybe.
For an action movie it failed big time, but if you’re looking for some cheesy fun, it might just fit the bill.
Oooops, I did it again!
Continuity can be a problem in movies, especially in epics like King Arthur:
During the battle at the end of the movie, the first wave of Saxon infantry is sent through the open door in Hadrian's Wall, and then it closes behind them. Mayhem ensues. All but one of the soldiers escapes after the Wodes fire arrows at them while the Knights ride them down. The single survivor staggers through the opening doors (which open just a crack, enough for the guy to slip through), and then stands there, and in that shot we see the doors behind him are now closed. An instant later, it cuts to the hillside where the Knights are standing on their horses looking down at the wall, and we see the doors both standing wide open. Scene cuts back, and we see they're closed again.
During the battle at the end of the movie, the first wave of Saxon infantry is sent through the open door in Hadrian's Wall, and then it closes behind them. Mayhem ensues. All but one of the soldiers escapes after the Wodes fire arrows at them while the Knights ride them down. The single survivor staggers through the opening doors (which open just a crack, enough for the guy to slip through), and then stands there, and in that shot we see the doors behind him are now closed. An instant later, it cuts to the hillside where the Knights are standing on their horses looking down at the wall, and we see the doors both standing wide open. Scene cuts back, and we see they're closed again.
Control Room
Control Room is an interesting documentary that looks at the Arab Cable Network Al-Jazeera form the time Bush gave the 48 hour warning to the time the war was apparently won.
It’s a fascinating look at the other side of the news, and a more balanced and informative documentary than anything by Michael Moore.
It pretty much contradicts everything we were shown on our TV screens, and shows a compelling story of one channels plight to try and get some balanced coverage to a war no one wanted.
At times its hilarious, and at times its gruesome. It shows the stupidity of both the American Military as well as the American Media. But it also shows attitudes being changed, truth coming through.
Compelling to watch, Control Room will open your eyes and make you wonder just what was true about the war in Iraq.
It’s a fascinating look at the other side of the news, and a more balanced and informative documentary than anything by Michael Moore.
It pretty much contradicts everything we were shown on our TV screens, and shows a compelling story of one channels plight to try and get some balanced coverage to a war no one wanted.
At times its hilarious, and at times its gruesome. It shows the stupidity of both the American Military as well as the American Media. But it also shows attitudes being changed, truth coming through.
Compelling to watch, Control Room will open your eyes and make you wonder just what was true about the war in Iraq.
The Station Agent
The Station Agent is a movie about milk. That’s right, I said milk.
No, not the stuff your pour over your weetbix, but M.I.L.K.
Ok, I’ll spell it out for ya: Moments of Intimacy, Laughter and Kinship. Basically it’s a story about Fin, a vertically challenged loner who has a passion for trains, and inherits an abandoned depot in the middle of nowhere.
When he goes and lives at the depot, his life as a hermit is shattered by the annoying inclusion of two other loners, who seem attracted to him.
Wanting to get away from other people, and used to being the target of jokes and ridicule, Fin struggles with the attention, and at first gets annoyed and tries to get rid of his new found friends.
But due to their persistence, MILK happens. Three total opposites start to see something worthwhile in each other, and through each other they start to accept themselves.
Through comedy and tragedy, with a little romance thrown in for good measure, Station Agent keeps you hooked with a compelling story and some tense moments to a hilarious ending.
No, not the stuff your pour over your weetbix, but M.I.L.K.
Ok, I’ll spell it out for ya: Moments of Intimacy, Laughter and Kinship. Basically it’s a story about Fin, a vertically challenged loner who has a passion for trains, and inherits an abandoned depot in the middle of nowhere.
When he goes and lives at the depot, his life as a hermit is shattered by the annoying inclusion of two other loners, who seem attracted to him.
Wanting to get away from other people, and used to being the target of jokes and ridicule, Fin struggles with the attention, and at first gets annoyed and tries to get rid of his new found friends.
But due to their persistence, MILK happens. Three total opposites start to see something worthwhile in each other, and through each other they start to accept themselves.
Through comedy and tragedy, with a little romance thrown in for good measure, Station Agent keeps you hooked with a compelling story and some tense moments to a hilarious ending.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Memories; good ones, bad ones, the ones we want to forget and the ones we never want to let go of. They all make up a part of who we are, and possibly what we will become.
But what would happen if we could erase some of the memories we’d rather not have?
How would it affect us?
This is the premise of the very original and entertaining Eternal Sunshine.
Staring Jim Carey and Kate Winslet as two misguided lovers, this romantic comedy is another gem from the penmanship of Charlie Kaufman. It’s a movie that grabs a hold of you and spins you around so fast that you don’t know what you’re looking at or where you’re going. And then, just as the effect wears off, everything comes back into focus.
It’s a story about love found, love lost. It’s about death and re-birth. It’s about repentance and redemption. It is, quite possibly one of the most wonderful movies this year.
But what would happen if we could erase some of the memories we’d rather not have?
How would it affect us?
This is the premise of the very original and entertaining Eternal Sunshine.
Staring Jim Carey and Kate Winslet as two misguided lovers, this romantic comedy is another gem from the penmanship of Charlie Kaufman. It’s a movie that grabs a hold of you and spins you around so fast that you don’t know what you’re looking at or where you’re going. And then, just as the effect wears off, everything comes back into focus.
It’s a story about love found, love lost. It’s about death and re-birth. It’s about repentance and redemption. It is, quite possibly one of the most wonderful movies this year.
The Corporation
One hundred and fifty years ago, the Corporation was a relatively insignificant entity. Today it is THE dominant institution. Inspired by the Joel Bakan book of the same name, this documentary looks at the history of the Corporation, where it is today, and what it’s traits are.
Featuring interviews from some of the top CEOs, Vice Presidents, Whistleblowers, Brokers and an Industrial Spy, along with critics such as Naom Chomsky, Michael Moore and Naomi Klein, The Corporation is both entertaining and informative.
It’s also quite scary.
Some of the things dug up are quite disturbing. For one, apparently Coke invented Fanta so they could still make money out of Nazi Germany, and IBM supplied the computers (you know, the type that used punched cardboard) to the Nazis to help run the Concentration Camps.
This is a documentary that will change your view of big business, or, if you’re like me, further re-enforce your cynicism of them.
The Corporation is due to be released on DVD on the 16th March.
Featuring interviews from some of the top CEOs, Vice Presidents, Whistleblowers, Brokers and an Industrial Spy, along with critics such as Naom Chomsky, Michael Moore and Naomi Klein, The Corporation is both entertaining and informative.
It’s also quite scary.
Some of the things dug up are quite disturbing. For one, apparently Coke invented Fanta so they could still make money out of Nazi Germany, and IBM supplied the computers (you know, the type that used punched cardboard) to the Nazis to help run the Concentration Camps.
This is a documentary that will change your view of big business, or, if you’re like me, further re-enforce your cynicism of them.
The Corporation is due to be released on DVD on the 16th March.
What Movie Am I #4
When she was a child, my main character moved to a sheep ranch in Montana.
1n 1992, I won best Picture, Actor, Actress, Screenplay and Director.
I can make a meal of fava beans and Chianti unappetizing.
An FBI agent and a psychiatrist team up to find a killer.
I put a facemask on Anthony Hopkins.
1n 1992, I won best Picture, Actor, Actress, Screenplay and Director.
I can make a meal of fava beans and Chianti unappetizing.
An FBI agent and a psychiatrist team up to find a killer.
I put a facemask on Anthony Hopkins.
Michael Palin | Himalaya
Michael Palin knows a good thing when he sees it. Travelling the world, to far flung exotic places, and getting the BBC to pay him to do it. It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it!
But the BBC knows a good thing when they see it as well, and Michael’s many trips (this is his sixth) always make for great viewing.
Not only is the viewer taken one a journey of discovery, through many different landscapes, cultures and events, but the viewer is also given a warm, sometimes funny, running commentary by the man himself.
Himalaya is no different. Starting out Pakistan and travelling through India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and finishing in Bangladesh you’re taken on a journey from the top of the world all the way down to sea level. Through physical, spiritual and economic deserts, you get to see real people who express genuine love, not only for the people around them, but for their culture and their land.
You also get to see the struggles. The struggle of walking in high altitude, the struggle of dealing with increasing tourism, and the struggle of poverty.
But one place stood out above all the others, and that is a place that you won’t find on many maps: Naga Land. Made up of groups of ex-head hunter tribes, now this group of people know as Naga are 99% Christian, thanks to the success of the American Baptist Church. Education has bought peace to these once waring tribes.
Through stunning visuals and numerous cultures, Himalaya is an inspiring, enjoyable 6 hour series.
But the BBC knows a good thing when they see it as well, and Michael’s many trips (this is his sixth) always make for great viewing.
Not only is the viewer taken one a journey of discovery, through many different landscapes, cultures and events, but the viewer is also given a warm, sometimes funny, running commentary by the man himself.
Himalaya is no different. Starting out Pakistan and travelling through India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and finishing in Bangladesh you’re taken on a journey from the top of the world all the way down to sea level. Through physical, spiritual and economic deserts, you get to see real people who express genuine love, not only for the people around them, but for their culture and their land.
You also get to see the struggles. The struggle of walking in high altitude, the struggle of dealing with increasing tourism, and the struggle of poverty.
But one place stood out above all the others, and that is a place that you won’t find on many maps: Naga Land. Made up of groups of ex-head hunter tribes, now this group of people know as Naga are 99% Christian, thanks to the success of the American Baptist Church. Education has bought peace to these once waring tribes.
Through stunning visuals and numerous cultures, Himalaya is an inspiring, enjoyable 6 hour series.
Jersey Girl
Jersey Girl has come under a lot of flack, especially from Kevin Smith fans appalled at the lack of swear words, but for me, any movie that kills of J-Lo in the first half hour has got to be good.
Seriously though, Jersey Girl is a nice movie. Sure it’s not gonna win any awards, or apparently any good reviews, but then, as normal, film critics seem to have missed the point.
Jersey Girl is SUPPOSED to be a predictable, sugary sweet feel good movie. So if you’re looking for something else, don’t look here.
There’s nothing new here either, but what there is, is done well, and there’s also a lot of very funny moments and one liners, especially a small scene Matt Damon .
So if you’re looking for something a little romantic, a little tear jerky, and a little funny then look no further than Jersey Girl.
And if you want a laugh, make sure you check out some of the special features, this is wear Ben and Kevin really let rip – but be warned, special features are ‘un-censored’.
Seriously though, Jersey Girl is a nice movie. Sure it’s not gonna win any awards, or apparently any good reviews, but then, as normal, film critics seem to have missed the point.
Jersey Girl is SUPPOSED to be a predictable, sugary sweet feel good movie. So if you’re looking for something else, don’t look here.
There’s nothing new here either, but what there is, is done well, and there’s also a lot of very funny moments and one liners, especially a small scene Matt Damon .
So if you’re looking for something a little romantic, a little tear jerky, and a little funny then look no further than Jersey Girl.
And if you want a laugh, make sure you check out some of the special features, this is wear Ben and Kevin really let rip – but be warned, special features are ‘un-censored’.
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