Killer Movie - Trailer

"There is no greater truth than reality. Even if it's scripted."

Great line, lifted straight from the trailer of the sort-of-star-studded Killer Movie, where reality meets murder. This looks like it could be slightly entertaining. However, if you want to check out a better look into a horror/reality crossover, check out the movie Series 7.

Grudge 3 - Trailer

Talk about going downhill fast. When J-horror kicked into high gear, the top titles to come over were Ringu and Juon, translated to The Ring and The Grudge. I am a fan of the first Grudge film, but the second one was really, really bad. Watching this trailer I cannot help but think it is a bad idea. It does not look all that scary and the creepy girl looks like she is getting crunk more than trying to be scary.

Zerosystem - "New Brand of Justice"

This tune is rather frustrating. I like some of the stuff they are doing musically, particularly the electronic sounds strewn throughout. It is pretty grooving cut, but it is also rather bland and never seems to reach what it is aiming for. However, the worst part is the vocals, too much screamo and not enough metal. Finally, take the camera off the see-saw!


Zero System "New Brand Of Justice" Music Video from All Aces Media on Vimeo.

Movie Review: The Spirit (2008)

Here is a movie that I so very badly wanted to love. I love what Robert Rodriguez did with Sin City, not to mention Zack Snyder with 300, I felt fairly certain that Miller could get something into similar territory when he stepped behind the camera for the first time by himself. No, I was not expecting The Spirit to be as good as either of those films, both of which I love, but I was fully expecting this to challenge for a top ten spot on my annual list. Unfortunately, it is not that good; however, it is not that bad either. It is a very strange film that has a lot to like as well as a lot to seriously dislike.

The Spirit is a comic that I have zero experience with. However, with a little research it appears that the character is an important one to comic history. Created by Will Eisner, the character first appeared in 1940 and has been seen in a variety of interpretations ever since. Eisner's character was placed into all manner of stories from crime to noir, from horror to comedy, it does not appear that the Spirit ever met a tale he did not like. He even had a well populated cast of supporting characters, both friend and villain, many of which have survived the translation to the big screen.

What strikes me about what little I read is that what I saw on the screen does not completely jive with the impression I got of the character. That said, I further get the impression that the film was made by someone with deep passion for the character and its history. However, it also appears that the person behind the film is not all that comfortable with writing for the screen. Frank Miller transition from the drawn page to the shot frame has been nothing if a bit bumpy.

Miller's story has our hero, played by Gabriel Macht, facing off with one his mortal enemy The Octopus, memorably portrayed by the inimitable Samuel L. Jackson. Their fight seems to be one that has been ongoing for some time, their lives intrinsically linked, neither ever able to get the upper hand on the other. When they are not fighting each other to a perpetual draw, Spirit is out fighting whatever crime he can under an agreement with Police Chief Dolan (Dan Lauria). Meanwhile, Octopus is working at finding an ancient artifact that will help him cement his power. Helping him are Silken Floss (Scarlet Johansson), a brilliant woman who keeps his operation going, and a seemingly endless supply of genetically engineered copycat goons (Louis Lombardi).

Through it all, Spirit's life is complicated by his hot/cold relationship with the Chief's daughter, Ellen (Sarah Paulson), the return of a girl from his past, Sand Saref (Eva Mendes), not to mention the inexplicable way any woman in his vicinity falls for him (not to mention his need to be "polite" to all of them).

Anyway, that is about all the story there is. The way it plays out is more of just a plot than it is a story, as none of the characters have all that strong of a character arc to speak of. Looking for development of characters? Do you want to discover character motivations? Do you want an intriguing, noirish look into a world of comic crime? Well, you'd be better served revisiting Sin City. Not to say that what you need is not to be found here, it just is not all that interesting.

The dialogue is stilted, acting is over the top, look is often downright cartoonish, not to mention the odd comic relief strewn throughout. Sounds like I didn't like it, doesn't it? It is actually the opposite. All of these odd choices all add up to a cinematic experience that held my attention, partially by how strangely awful it is, and partially how incredibly stylish it is. The combination is pretty interesting.

The Spirit has a look that is a cross between Sin City and 300, it has that distinct "digital backlot" look signifying a ton of green screen work. The images are composed in such a way that they could have only been laid out by someone well versed in a visual medium. The problem is that they all seem to have been set to be stills. Yes, the images are moving, but the intent is for them to be the panels of a comic, unlike what was done in Sin City which used the panels as story boards from which to plan the action. The difference is a fine line, but one that is noticable when watching the action move on the screen.

Beyond that, that acting and dialogue are highly stylized, again they are designed to emulate the page. The problem is that it does not feel genuine on the screen, not that it is meant to be realistic, but the sense of reality within the filmed universe is not there.

Frank Miller has made some strange decisions, but the finished product is still eminently watchable. It takes the phrase "comic book movie" to a whole new level, skipping the adaptation part going straight to the shooting the panels, bypassing the part where the heart and character on the page is imbued with moving life required when bringing real life people into the equation. At the very least it is a movie that took a chance made by someone who is working outside of the Hollywood machine. Like it or loathe it, it is not business as usual.

Bottomline. Yes, I like this movie. No, it is not a "good" movie by the usual definition, but it is very interesting. It is funny, it is strange, and it is enjoyable. If you want something that is off the beaten path, leave you with more questions than you started with and oddly satisfied at the same time, this may be the movie for you.

Recommended.

Seven Films for the Special Effects Oscar

The Academy has released the short list for the special effects Academy Award for the 2009 ceremonies. Voting members will get to view a 15 minute long clip show from each film before nominating the three that will be in the finals for the award. Here is that short list:

• Australia
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• The Dark Knight
• Hellboy II: The Golden Army
• Iron Man
• Journey to the Center of the Earth
• The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Interesting list. Off the top of my head I feel safe in saying the bottom two will not make the final cut. The effects in those movies just were not great. Sure, they were effective, but they are at the bottom of this particular pile.

Next, I would cut Australia. Again, there is some nice work done here, but it pales next to the other nominees. I am sure it will fall by the way side.

That leaves four films and a much tougher decision. Which one will not make the cut? All four of the remaining films have some great work. I think that The Dark Knight will be overlooked in the big categories and will be left to fight for tech awards like this for consolation, so there is one that will make it. The next one to make the cut will be The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, not what you would traditionally look at as a special effects film, but there are a lot and the work done to age Pitt is spectacular, it also has some momentum so it will go through to the final round.

One spot and two films left. I think both of these films have great work in them, with the edge going to Hellboy II, at least in my eyes. However, Iron Man is the bigger film here and I think it will get the go ahead to make it to the big show. This despite my desire of Hellboy II to win based on this bunch.

So, the finals will look like this:

• The Dark Knight
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• Iron Man

And the statue goes to: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, although I would rather it go to Iron Man from this trio.

It will be interesting to see how close I am...

Box Office Update 1/2-1/4: Marley & Me Stays on Top to Open 2009 Campaign

2009 got off to a pretty good start this past weekend with a chart that almost perfectly mirrors the lineup that closed out 2008. No new films entered wide release so there was little competition. What I find surprising is how strong all of the returning films did. Across the board the films did very well compared to last week. Even the one film that did fall out of the top ten dipped less than 50% (I was expecting more). Will this be a sign of things to come? I am sure that the studios are hoping it is.

The top two spots are dominated by family fare, which has to be expected. Having just passed what may be the biggest family holiday of the year, what is one of the things that a family can do as a familial unit that does not require them to actually talk to each other? Go to the movies, of course! I am joking a bit there, the holidays are all about family and if you are blessed with a good one, there is always something to talk about, especially if you have not all been together for awhile.

Topping the list is, for the second straight week, the family film about the world's worst dog, Marley & Me. This is a movie that is as much a crowd pleaser as it is a relentless tearjerker. The movie is definitely an interesting one, funny, sad, poignant, all at the same time. The film is based on the book by John Grogan who based the book on his real life experiences with his dog, Marley. I just have to wonder how he did it, if the real Marley was anywhere near as destructive as the filmed dog, I don't think I would have been able to deal. Now, with its box office success, will they try to figure a way to finagle a sequel?

Coming in not too far behind is the new Adam Sandler outing, Bedtime Stories, a film that is very reminiscent of his 1995 break out Billy Madison. It is not a strong narrative movie, but it has a good heart, will put a smile on your face and leave you satisfied. Don't expect to discover the reason why the things that happen, well, happen, just go along for the ride.

In addition to the family fare, the chart has a few scattered Oscar hopefuls. David Fincher's epic The Curious Case of Benjamin Button leads them with its third place finish. It is a poetic and moving film that looks to be well on its way to becoming the biggest hit of Fincher's career, besting 1995's Seven and it's $100 million take.

Also on the Oscar front are the two films at the far end of the chart. In ninth place is the play turned film Doubt, featuring some of the best acting your likely to see and an ending that will leave you with, well, doubt. Right behind it in the anchor position is a film making its return to the top ten: Slumdog Millionaire. Here is a film that brings back some of that magical joy that seems to be missing from so many so-called "important" films.

Next week will see the first releases of 2009 reach their fingers across the nation. Those new films are the comedy Bride Wars and the horror film The Unborn. Joining those two films will be a pair of 2008 films expanding into more theaters, Gran Torino and The Reader.

One movie dropped off the top ten this week: The Spirit (13).

This Week	Last Week	Title	Wknd Gross	Overall	Week in release
1	1	Marley & Me	$24,263,763	$106,664,046	2
2	2	Bedtime Stories	$20,501,339	$85,539,168	2
3	3	The Curious Case of Benjamin Button	$18,691,248	$79,297,086	2
4	4	Valkyrie	$14,094,617	$60,743,921	2
5	5	Yes Man	$13,910,477	$79,507,388	3
6	6	Seven Pounds	$10,068,518	$60,147,298	3
7	7	The Tale of Despereaux	$6,939,295	$43,661,775	3
8	8	The Day the Earth Stood Still	$5,049,698	$74,424,256	4
9	10	Doubt	$5,000,893	$18,705,481	4
10	13	Slumdog Millionaire	$4,690,769	$28,676,598	8

Anytime with Bob Kushell - Neil Patrick Harris

Never seen this web series before, but I have to say that the guy does not strike me as being all that funny. The reason I watched it is because of Neil Patrick Harris who is a hilarious guy. Who knew Doogie had it in him? I remember Doogie ending and then I remember him in Starship Troopers and then nothing. Now he is in one of the better sitcoms on television and regularly steals scenes. Funny stuff. Unfortunately, this is all too short to amount to much. Still, give it a look:

From Crackle: Anytime with Bob Kushell feat. Neil Patrick Harris

Surfer, Dude - Trailer, Clips

You know, this looks kind of goofy and maybe even a little bit fun. No, it does not look good, but could be worth taking a look at. Matthew McConaughey stars as a pro surfer looking to get back on top with Woody Harrelson as his manager. I think the moment that got me was "There's something wrong with these fish, man."



Be Cool:


Fish:

Sirenia - "Path to Decay"

This was recently posted over at Blabbermouth where it seems to have had a rather strong reaction. Apparently one of the band members is masterful at doom-death metal with a great voice and now is doing this, which is more along the lines of Evanesence. I am not familiar with the doom stuff, espcecially since this is the first song I have heard from this act. In any case, this tune is mediocre at best. I like the music, but the vocals are not all that hot.

Sirenia - The Path to Decay

DVD Pick of the Week: Battlestar Galactica

Welcome back! Well, to some of you, anyway. To the rest of you, glad you decided to stop by and I hope that this humble column helps you navigate the stacks of new releases each week. My goal is to point you toward titles of interest and warn you away from those films that seek to do nothing but leech away your time and give you nothing in return.

Full disclosure: I have not seen many of these titles and what follows are not necessarily reviews. It is my opinion based upon what I know of the titles I pluck from the new release lists that I peruse. The opinions I give based on the new releases are my own, and my recommendations upon them are based on my personal interest. In any case, I hope you enjoy and perhaps find something you like or a title to point me towards.

Battlestar Galactica: Season 4.0. One of the best shows on television is getting ready to head down the home stretch, where all (well, at least enough) will be revealed to wrap up the series and hopefully leave enough for future films or mini-series (I hope anyway). This set comprises the first half of the fourth and final season and should prove to be a good primer as the second half gets ready to start. I missed the last 3-4 episodes from this set thanks to my wonderful cable system, so I hope to catch up before beginning the new ones. In any case, if you have not seen this series, you need to correct this immediately, it makes no difference if you like science fiction or not, it is that good.

Pineapple Express. Here is a movie that was decidedly different than I was expecting, but still packed a lot of laughs into its run time. Seriously, I was not expecting to see a full blown stoner action-comedy. Seth Rogen stars as a process server who witnesses a murder and then goes on the run with his dealer played by James Franco. What follows is an adventure where they try to stay one step ahead of the hit men on their tail and turn the tables to get their sedentary lives back. James Franco is Golden Globe nominated for his performance, I completely agree with that choice.

Righteous Kill. This is a gimmick movie. It is built on the premise of having two screen legends whose careers have been so intrinsically linked perform together in the same movie. Unfortunately, that is all they have. The screenplay by Russell Gewirtz (Inside Man) barely holds together, and if not for De Niro and Pacino would likely be unwatchable with any other pair of actors. The first two acts are dull and uneventful, and the most interesting character, Carla Gugino's Karen Corelli, is not explored enough. Also, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, is present as nothing more than a plot point. Watch at your own risk.

Bangkok Dangerous. This is not so much about the plot as it is about Joe reaching a moment in his life where his choices are limited and neither one will work. It is a tragic story about a man who cannot go back nor can he go forward. It has a gritty, over-exposed look that just drags you in and doesn't let go. The Pang Brothers forgo the slick Hollywood sheen in favor of a style that more accurately reflects the central character and what he is doing. This movie delivered more than I was expecting. I was hoping for an action film in an exotic location; what I got was something more introspective, but still with a good dose of violence. It is more than a movie about a hit man, it is about a man finding his place in life, just a little too late.

Babylon A.D. This is just a bad movie from start to finish. There is no setup, little story, and no character. I have no reason to care about any of them. Babylon A.D. is a terribly hollow film that may have started great on paper, but ended up a generic violence riddled mess. Whatever comments on society that were made in the book were lost through the translation and editing process. Your best bet is to skip this.

The Wackness. iI have heard good things about this film, but know little about it. It centers on a troubled high school student named Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck),a teenage pot dealer, who forms a friendship with Dr. Jeffrey Squires (Ben Kingsley), a psychiatrist and kindred lost soul. When the doctor proposes Luke trade him weed for therapy sessions, the two begin to explore both New York City and their own depression.

Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia. This series began with Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman, progressed to Keith David and Nicholas Gonzalez, and now the third film stars WWE wrestler Mr. Kennedy. Now, WWE productions have not done terribly well, but I liked the one with Kane and John Cena's was a serviceable action flick, how will this fare? I have no idea, but have little interest in seeing it, unless someone wants to send me a copy?

Disaster Movie. This is here to merely say: skip it. I did not see it and know better (and I will give almost anything a shot).

Eden Lake. A couple heads into the woods for a romantic getaway only to be set upon by a group of teens who proceed to terrorize them leading to a bloody confrontation. This is being released through Dimension Extreme and I have heard decent things about it. I am always up for some horror, so maybe this will find its way to my collection.

Ping Pong Playa. How can you go wrong with a title like this? It is about a Chinese American teen whose family is all about ping pong, although he has no interest in it. Comedy ensures. I have heard that this is absolutely hilarious. I wonder if it really is?

Midnight Movie. A midnight showing of an old horror movie turns into a horror movie of its own when the film's killer shows up at the theater and begins picking patrons off. Sounds like a good time to me!

Postal. Uwe Boll's latest masterpiece arrives on DVD. This was originally slated to be a wide release to go against Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, but theaters changed their minds and the release shrunk to three theaters. It is based on a video game and features Osama and Bush prancing through a field hand in hand. I may just have to see this....

The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Season 1 DVD Clips

Does anyone watch this show? Frankly, I've never heard of it before now. The ABC family series seems to have critical and popular support, and the idea does seem intriguing, if not wholly original. It follows the lives of six high schools tudents as they navigate the treacherous high school waters as they try to find themselves. The show has been praised for its realistic approach. What say you?

THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER: SEASON ONE DVD CLIPS

Talk with mom


Jealous


BONUS MATERIAL

Who Were You


Keeping It Real


Behind the Scenes: The Cast

Vacancy 2: The First Cut - Trailer

Sounds like a direct to DVD title if I ever heard one. Guess what? It is! Bypassing theaters and heading straight to store shelves is a prequel to the 2007 film. For what it is worth, I thought the first film was pretty darn good. That movie starred Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson as a couple that discover video taped murders in a motel. This prequel tells the story of the first victims. Frankly, the trailer does not seem to have much faith in the new film, spending half the time on the original.

Movie Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

In 1921, F. Scott Fitzgerald published a short story called The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was a tale of a child born with the body of an old man. As the child grew up his body grew younger. In the story, Benjamin's father forced his young, er, old son to disguise himself, so as to appear younger and help avoid embarrassment to the family. His mother would buy him toys and he would have to play with them, despite having more adult desires. The story follows him as he grows up and becomes younger, travels the world, fights in war, and goes to school during the second half of his life rather than the first. I have never read the story, but the description I did read differs greatly in execution from what is offered up in David Fincher's film. However, the core of what makes the story interesting appears to have remained intact.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an interesting tale of contradictions, both internal and external. I was simultaneously drawn into the emotional tale and held at arms length from becoming too invested. The central character is a contradiction by definition, the child born old who ages in reverse. Benjamin is someone in the world but not of the world. It is a film that is near poetic with meaning, while also maddeningly obtuse. In the end, it is a movie that bears enough evidence to sway viewers to the side of love just as it contains enough to push them in the opposite direction. I have found the film more poetic than not, engrossing in its slowly paced flow, and a film that will require multiple viewings in order to determine a final opinion. Fortunately, there is enough to it to warrant a desire to revisit.

As the film opens, we get a sequence chronicling a blind clock maker building a clock for a new and massive train station in the year 1918. When the clock is unveiled, it is discovered that it ticks backwards. The maker states this is in hopes that time can be turned backwards and the sons lost to the war can be brought back to life and return home unharmed. This coincides with the birth of a baby that looks like an old man. The child's mother dies in childbirth, and the father is horrified by what his child appears to be. His first instinct is to hurl the innocent tyke into the river, but when he is spied attempting to off his offspring, he sprints off into the night, swaddled child in hand. He comes upon a house where he hears voices emanating from within. He leaves the child on the stoop and retreats back into the inky dark, apparently regretting his initial instinct and feeling guilty over what he has done.

The child is discovered by Queenie (Taraji P. Henson) and her boyfriend Tizzy (Mahershalalhashbaz Ali). She takes him in and raises him like her own son. It doesn't hurt that she is also the live in help at a home for old folks, a place where Benjamin fits right in and it is also easy to keep his secret.

No one really knows why Benjamin was born this way, or what will happen when he grows older and older, and the film makes no attempt to explain why his life is the way it is. It is probably for the better. It moves forward in such a way that you have no choice but to accept it and move on. Forget about the utter implausibility of the device and see the device for what it is trying to accomplish. What it is trying to accomplish is the hard part. Frankly, I am not quite sure. There is something to be said for its look into life as a series of vignettes, watching the world pass you by without ever being truly a part of it.

The first act of the film follows Benjamin through his young formative years. He seems perfectly adjusted to his state, moving slowly like an old man, but having an inquisitive mind that wants to learn and wants to play. Still, he is astute enough to restrain himself from getting in too deep in most cases, although occasionally succumbing to the desires to explore. It is here that he first meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett), the woman with whom he falls in love with, yet who he only spends limited time with as life takes them along different paths that only converge for mere moments.

The second act sees Benjamin strong enough to live on his own and curious enough to leave the old folks home in order to explore the world. He finds work on a tugboat and serves on it through World War II. He also experiences intimate love, having an affair with a British woman (Tilda Swinton) living in Russia. It is an experience that has an effect on Benjamin, but does not last.

The final act has Benjamin returning home, reuniting with Daisy, if only temporarily. It is here where the overarching romance has its biggest impact as when he and Daisy are able to spend time with each other, there is no time to truly enjoy it.

Brad Pitt is the heart and soul of the film, delivering one of his finer performances. It is not a showy acting job, it is one of subtlety and nuance. He succeeds in creating a character that feels genuine, but also feels just a little bit off. There is a profound sadness to the character. He has an understanding of what is happening to him, he also knows that there is no one else like him. How can he live a completely fulfilling life like that? He becomes enamored with Daisy at a young age as she showed a kindness to him not shown by anyone else outside of his adoptive mother. He latches onto the dream of being with her to help him get through his own life. All through his worldwide adventures, his interactions with the woman in Russia, his thoughts remain with Daisy. It is achingly romantic, terribly poetic, and surprisingly less sentimental than you would think. It all comes down to the quiet performance delivered by Brad Pitt.

David Fincher is an interesting choice for this material. Fincher is a fantastic director known for taking on darker material, this definitely has its dark side, so that is not where the change there. However, this material could have taken a highly sentimental route, ala Forrest Gump (a film which shares its screenwriter, Eric Roth), and this is not something seen very often in Fincher's work. It is true there is sentimentality in the film, but it is kept at a minimum, it plays a good part in the story, but it never overtakes it. Fincher does a fine job at keeping this lengthy film focused on its central character and the exploration of self through this odd aging process. I am still at a loss as to what it all means, but that does not diminish the journey.

Oh yes, I would be remiss if I did not mention the special effects. In short, they are fantastic. They are seamless as the show this odd aging/growing progress through the film. From the little old man Pitt to the younger than he's been in years Pitt, you will have no troiuble believing what you see is real.

Bottomline. This is a movie that needs to be seen, for better or for worse. All too often films state their intentions right up front, leaving nothing to be discovered and nothing to reward multiple viewings. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is not one of those films. There are layers here to be peeled back and exposed to the light of day. A trip well worth taking.

Highly Recommended.

Movie Review: Bedtime Stories

As Adam Sandler moves into his forties, it seems to be becoming just a bit more difficult for him to continue playing the man-child characters that aided him in his rise to fame from Saturday Night Live through his film output through the 1990's. It appears that the days of Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and The Water Boy are behind him. Since the year 2000 Sandler is still a comedy mainstay, but there are more attempts to broaden the comedic experience. This expansion can be seen in films like Punch Drunk Love, Spanglish, and Click. His latest film seems to combine the two stages of his career, the early man-child roles and his current attempts at branching out. The result is a mixed bag at best, but hardly a failure and will provide fine entertainment for younger audience members while the adults can pick out elements of the Sandler they knew from back in the day.

In 1995 Sandler made his solo debut as leading man. The movie was Billy Madison and almost single-handedly heralded the arrival of Sandler as a box office draw. Since then, Sandler has continually proven to be a hit on the big screen, and that does not appear to be changing now. However, his latest film is decidedly more family friendly, which is not altogether a bad thing to do.

I must admit that I initially had not planned on seeing Bedtime Stories, but the time availed itself and I decided to change my plans and was able to squeeze in a screening. I am glad I did. It surely does not challenge the top films in his catalog, but it will put a smile on your face.

Bedtime Stories tells a simple tale of believing in yourself and others, and it is not hard to guess what direction the tale will take. It seeks to tell that there are happy endings, although they are not always a foregone conclusion as so many fairy tales would have you believe. The movie is interesting beyond that, in that it seems to be folding back on his earlier career, specifically, it brings to mind strong memories of the previously mentioned Billy Madison.

In the earlier film Sandler plays the titular character, an underachieving, lazy, do-nothing son of a hotel tycoon. His father wants him to take over the company, but Billy never got a proper education, shows no drive, and is not suited to the task. In order to step into the shoes his father wants him to, he must go back to school and pass all of the grades through high school during a single school year. If that is not enough, he also has to face off with the evil butt-kisser that will get the position should he fail, Eric Gordon (played by Bradley Whitford). Add a couple of children and a more fantasy sided slant and you turn Billy Madison into Bedtime Stories.

In Bedtime Stories, Sandler plays Skeeter, the son of a man (Jonathan Pryce) who ran a modest hotel in Las Vegas. They live in the hotel, along with Skeeter's older sister, Wendy (Courteney Cox). Unfortunately, he was more of a dreamer than he was a businessman, and rather than go under, he sells the hotel to the wealthy Bary Nottingham (Richard Griffiths), with the promise that one day Skeeter would run the hotel.

Years pass, and the adult Skeeter is employed by the hotel, but as the handyman. He has never had the opportunity to run the place. Times are changing and Nottingham is moving the hotel to a new, larger location and he needs someone to run it. That person is Kendall (Guy Pearce), the smarmy butt-kisser dating the boss's daughter. At the same time, Skeeter learns that his sister is leaving town for a week and he is to keep an eye on her two young children.

Initially Skeeter is apprehensive, but with some encouragement from unkempt waiter Mickey (Russell Brand) he gets into the swing of things. In particular, he seems rather adept at spinning bedtime tales. This is when things get strange, the kids add their own elements to the stories, after which Skeeter finds them becoming reality (like the gumball raindrops in the trailer). He tries to spin the stories in such a way that they impact his life, however he cannot bank on how they present themselves.

This is a family Disney film, and being such it is pretty easy to tell where it is going to end up. The best thing to do with this type of film is to just enjoy it for what it is, safe family entertainment. When viewing from this perspective, I found it rather easy to enjoy. It is not great by any stretch, but it is not bad in any offensive manner. It is the kind of movie that is competently made and has such a sweet disposition that kicking it and dragging it down seems to be a useless exercise in cinematic elitism.

It is true that the story does not explain how anything happens, characters do not have terribly strong arcs, or are underused, but overall it is a simple, smile inducing film that people of any age can enjoy. I did like seeing Keri Russell on the screen and wish that she had more high profile work, especially in the wake of Waitress. Courteney Cox-Arquette did not have a lot to do, but her character seemed to be a direct descendant of her Friends persona. As for Sandler, he does a fine job playing a combination of familiar Sandler-style characters.

Bottomline. I would not recommend rushing out to see this at once, but if you have children and are looking for a something to see on the big screen with them, this will fill the bill. I enjoyed it, warts and all. Just do not hope for an explanation of why things happen the way they do.

Mildly Recommended.

Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper on New Year's Eve - Gaffe

You know, I probably shouldn't even link this. It is such a minor blip on the radar that it scarecely needs mention. Still, when things like this happen it can be quite amusing. Kathy Griffin let out a gaffe while hosting a New Year's Eve show with Anderson Cooper (I know, weird pairing). Well, after the ball fell Griffin shared some words with a heckler in the crowd. Just see for yourself:

2008: The Year in DVD's

Coming up with lists like these is always a difficult task. Well, at least it is for me. Every year, around this time, all manner of year end and recap lists appear. Some are good, some are bad, and some just don't make sense. Now, I would love to offer up a top ten DVD list for 2008, but I am, frankly, unable to do so. There are a couple of reasons that I am unable to provide such a column. One reason is that I probably have not seen enough to make any sort of definitive list. Another reason is that I am terrible at keeping track of what DVDs I watched during the year (something I will endeavor to do for 2009). Still, I feel the desire to share a DVD list with you.

The list below is comprised of DVDs that struck me as being particularly well worth my time. They all were released during the 2008 calendar year and cover a number of different genres. While it may not be a true "Best of 2008," they should still be given some attention, you may like what you find.

They are not ranked in any particular order, rather they are presented in alphabetical order (there are also a couple more than the standard ten).

13: Game of Death. This is a film,hailing from Thailand, that takes the audience to the edge and gleefully pushes it over. It combines the growing worldwide love for reality television. Combine reality television with a fantasy similar to that of the central character in Wanted, a sad guy stuck in a dead end job. In this film Chit is in need of money, fast. That is when he gets the first call, he is offered a challenge in exchange for money. All together there are 13 challenges of escalating difficulty, each one resulting in a bigger cash prize. The movie has great pacing, but it takes its time to reveal its depths to the audience, beginning as a drama, adding in touches of black comedy, veering into a bit of action, before settling into the disturbing. It is an accomplished film that will have you on the edge of your seat all the way through. This is a game that spirals out of control and ends up challenging Chit's moral code, even his very humanity. At the same time, the audience (us) is challenged; will our voyeuristic tendencies allow us to be entertained by the oncoming depravity?

Baby Blues. Here is a low-budget horror film that delivers the goods, not in blood and gore, but in atmosphere and performance. This is a harrowing tale of a mother's love for her children twisted upon itself in an ugly, disturbing way. That's right, this movie is the story of a mother whose unbalanced mental state tips too far the wrong way and she begins to exact her version of love upon her children. At its core this is essentially a slasher film, with Mom standing in for the usual masked menace and children in the place of teens and twenty-somethings. It is this change that adds to the unsettling atmosphere of the film. There is something about children in peril that really digs into one's soul. What helps set Baby Blues apart from the other low-budget indies on the shelf are the performances. In particular Colleen Porch, as Mom, delivers a chilling portrayal of pure evil. Sure, she is saddled with some bad dialogue, but with those lines out of the way, her look is just terrifying. She is not the only standout, there is also Ridge Canipe as Jimmy. He really steps up to the plate and just sucks you in as he flees his mother and tries to protect his siblings. Looking for something creepy? This will deliver.

Botched. Here is a zany, bloody, weird, head-scratching affair that will either entertain you to no end or have you reaching for the stop button faster than you can blink an eye. It centers on a thief, played by Stephen Dorff, who must go to Russia to steal an ancient cross. The plan goes wrong and Dorff and a few others wind up on the closed 13th floor, it is here where something else is discovered. I hesitate to call Botched a good movie, but it certainly is fun! There is a good dose of blood, some oddball comedy, genuine thrills, and an atmosphere of comedic dread. You will surely be left wondering just what it was that you saw once the credits roll. It is truly bizarre, and has nothing to say about society. Sometimes it is fun to watch a movie that does not have any lofty goals aside from delivering entertainment to the filmmakers chosen audience.

From Beyond - Unrated. Here is a movie that embodies what made the 1980's so great for horror films. This is a film that takes a ridiculous situation, amps up the gore factor, and provides such a high energy level that you cannot help but be drawn in. With From Beyond you have a cast that does a great job of putting all of themselves into the performance, selling the insanity under the direction of Stuart Gordon, a man who truly has a knack for this sort of film. On top of that, the effects are suitably gruesome, gooey, and bloody. This was in the midst of the grand era of practical effects prior to the rise of CG. There is nothing quite like seeing a deformed body sprout an insect head, or see a stalk protrude from a man's forehead as sucks out an eyeball on the way to eating some brain matter and knowing that it is actually happening and not an element added in later. Sure, some of it may seem a bit hokey, but tell me that you don't believe it within the context of the film. This movie is an absolute blast. It has all of the classic elements that make an '80s era gore film work. It has an intriguing tale of depravity, characters to root for, others to despise, and everything in between. This is a must see film for any self-respecting horror fan.

Heroes of the East. This is a great film. This is one of the finest examples of the Shaw style that I have come across (granted, there are a ton more films to watch). It features the great Gordon Liu and a plethora of styles. If you want to get into kung fu cinema, this is a must see, and if you already a kung fu fan, this is a must own. It is in the combination of character and martial arts that Heroes of the East soars. Gordon Liu and Yuko Mizuno both play extremely likable characters and definitely have chemistry. It is their relationship that builds a strong base on top of which the action is placed. As for that action, there is a great variety of styles on display, both hand-to-hand and involving weapons (including one of my favorites, the three-section staff). Before this DVD release, I had never heard of this film, now it stands as one of my favorite of the kung fu genre. This is one that absolutely cannot be missed.

How I Met Your Mother - Season Two. This DVD was my first introduction to the series and I have to admit I was expecting some run of the mill, network-driven sitcom. What I found was something that is surprisingly clever, witty, and just flat out enjoyable. Seriously, it was so much better than I had expected it to be. Now, I don't want to overstate it — it is not the greatest sitcom I have ever seen, but it is well above your normal network fare and now I am sure to not miss an episode (although I still have to go back to the first season). The cast clicks, their chemistry is first rate, and the laughs are undeniable. Do yourself a favor, if you are like me and have avoided this series — rent it, buy it, borrow it, and try to prove me wrong. The central conceit is that the series is being told in flashback from the perspective of Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) telling his kids how he met their mother, who has yet to be introduced. The story tells of five friends in their twenties, living in New York, and dealing with their jobs and each other. Ted is dating Robin (Cobie Smulders), who is not the mother of the future, Marshall (Jason Segel) is dating Lilly (Alyson Hannigan), and then there is the womanizing Barney (Neil Patrick Harris). Together they are quite the ensemble. Man, this is a great series.

Inside. This is a brutal affair; it is genuinely disturbing and is completely focused on telling a tale of terror that gets under your skin. There is something about the central character that immediately draws you in. It is something in the vulnerability of a pregnant woman. She is alone and damaged by the loss of her loved one, and here she is being set upon by a woman who is pure evil. It is not an unrealistic film. Sure, some of it may be a stretch, and some of the characters may do stupid things from time to time, but it feels genuine, it feels real. That is what truly matters, tone and feel. Oh yes, the blood matters too; there is nothing like some well done arterial spray. The central character is a pregnant woman, home, alone, at night, and with a stranger inside the house attempting to take her baby from her by force. This is one that will leave you shaken following its conclusion. Good performances and beautifully shot, this is a horror film that needs to be in your collection.

Lamb of God - Walk With Me in Hell. I have Walk With Me in Hell in my hands and I have watched both disks of this expansive set. What I have witnessed is nothing short of excellence. It is not the music, it is not even the people, it is the insight which we are given into the lives of these five men, musicians, friends, and family. You see, this DVD is not a collection of on the road videos, nor is it a concert DVD, it is an actual documentary. This is no Voluminal (Slipknot) nor is it Volume 1 (Mushroomhead), this is an actual documentary. I was transfixed as I watched the disk. These five guys believe in their music, believe they can make it, but are completely unsure of how it is going. Essentially, we get to experience their coming of age as a band. Now, it is not all heavy stuff, these guys know how to have fun. I was particularly taken with a scene in which Chris and Willie Adler jam on a street corner in Japan using gear belonging to a couple of street musicians. I also loved seeing how taken they were with crowds singing their words at the shows.

Outsourced. With a name like Outsourced, it is pretty easy to tell what a big part of this story is going to be about. It's true, it does concern a severe case of outsourcing, but it is not a serious film dealing with loss and betrayal giving way to fright and ultimately violent revenge; oh no, this is a light-hearted film that deals with self-discovery through necessity and being open to moving into the next stage of life. It is actually rather sweet and touching. Essentially, this is a fish out of water story. Todd, whose misunderstood name results in Mr. Toad, is forced to figure out some way of dealing with the vast cultural differences where the ultimate result is his discovery that these people are no different from himself, making their way through life the best way they can.

Teeth. This movie takes the myth of vagina dentata and gives it an exploitive twist en route to a story that is sure to get a rise out of an audience. The myth in its original form has appeared in stories and legends from cultures all over the world. It was used to explain the dangers of sex with strange women, or under inappropriate circumstances, by feeding on the male fear of castration. It is something that survives to this day in the form of crude jokes. I am sure that there are many, like me, who have heard at least one or two of said jokes, but were unaware of its origin in the vagina dentata myth. With Teeth, first time writer/director Mitchell Lichtenstein has taken the myth and taken it a step back from the current level of crude joke, injecting it with a sense of humor, of immediacy, and of genuine fear. In other words, he is giving it some real weight. For too long the myth has languished as the butt of a joke; it is time that the real fear from which it was born so long ago be given back to it. To that end, Teeth is a very dark comedy that preys on the fears of men, empowers women, and gives it substance unlike any joke has been able to give it. It is a very well done film. Sure, it could have been bloodier and more over the top, but it is a very entertaining and cringe-inducing film. The central performance is charismatic and the story is one that has applications outside of the exploitive. Make it a double feature with Hard Candy and you are in for one heck of a night!

The Big Bang Theory - The Complete First Season. When this series was originally announced, I was rather outspoken against it. The clips I had seen did not look all that good at all. After watching the premiere my opinion was unchanged. Still, I found myself going back every so often, but never really "liking" it. Anyway, I have revisited it on DVD and have found myself enjoying it immensely. Watching the entire season in a much condensed format allowed me to get a better idea of what it was doing. It also revealed how much the writing improved over the season, how they got better ideas of who the characters were. It has proven to be a very funny show providing a slightly different tack on the sitcom formula, without straying too far from the familiar.

Watching the Detectives. Have you ever seen a movie that you really liked, despite knowing that it is not really a good film? I am sure you have. You watch a movie, and there is something about it, the characters, setting, plot, something that just draws you in, holds your attention, and makes you love it; a movie that holds you in its grasp for its entire running time, during which it can do no wrong. For me, Watching the Detectives is one of those movies. It is the story of Neil (Cillian Murphy) and Violet (Lucy Liu) and the non-traditional romance they embark on. The movie is completely engrossing, and while it is not an original tale, it is one that feels fresh and invites you in to join the experience. The performances are first rate, the writing and direction better than expected, and the package as a whole hit me from the blind side. Definitely worth looking into.

2008: The Cinescape

Do you love movies? I do. Sometimes, probably most of the time, it can be difficult to put into words just what it is about them that draws us to them. Expressing a love for the cinema is not an easy thing to do because it invovlves so many intangibles, so many different variables that are not always quantifiable. Sometimes the best way to do it is to show a movie that movied you in the hopes that they will see what you saw. Sometimes it is great just to the reasons you love reflected by someone else, as is done with this clip show for the 2008 cinematic season. Matt Shapiro has put together a magical tribute to the year gone by that must be seen.

RoboCop Likes Fried Chicken

I know, it sounds ridiculous. In Japan Robocop comes of the television screen to shill for fried chicken. The commercial is seriously goofy. How do these two even go together? I mean, perhaps if they used Freddy Krueger, who was burned, it would make a little bit of sense. At the same time, I have to wonder why we never get commercials like this?

Suidakra - "Shattering Swords"

German folk metal, interesting. I have had limited exposure to folk metal, but it is a genre that is definitely interesting, blending very old sounds and styles with modern metal. The result is a sound that stands out from anything in the mainstream. "Shattering Swords" comes from Suidakra's forthcoming album, which I may have to get my hands on.

Paul GIlbert - Soundcheck Footage

It has been forever since I have heard Gilbert play. Below are three videos of Paul Gilbert during soundcheck, by himself and with his band. The playing is a fantastic listen and all three videos are worth checking out. I particularly enjoyed just watching him play by himself, his guitar has a great sound.

New Doctor Who Chosen

The Hollywood Reporter tells us that Matt Smith is to be the new lead of Doctor Who. And with that announcement I can here a collective: "Who?" Hehe, funny on many levels..... In any case, the television actor, who is virtually unknown, at least here in the States, will be the new Doctor.

It was a few months ago that news broke that David Tennant would be leaving following the fourth series and a few more televised movies. It is a shame, as I have really enjoyed his run as the good Doctor. He brought great humor and intelligence to the role. Of course, I was unsure of his replacing Christopher Eccleston after his one season run left quite the impression.

Matt Smith, 26, will be the youngest to step into the Doctor's shoes and pilot the Tardis. Hopefully he will not disappoint. We will see when episodes begin airing in 2010.

Movie Review: Doubt

The first time I saw the trailer for Doubt, I swore this was going to kick off a firestorm of controversy. Of course, I had no idea at the time that it was based on a stage play. I guess if there was going to be any outcry it would have been then. Well, perhaps not, the Blindness protest didn't arrive until the film did. In any case, I was certain the subject matter hinted at in the trailer would set religious and conservative groups into a tizzy; however, I have not heard a peep. I guess the film is perceived to have little box office potential to begin with so they gave it a pass. Well, that or I just have no idea what I am talking about. Whatever it was I was thinking translated into me having a keen interest in discovering for myself what it was all about.

I sat there in a theater that was considerably more crowded than I was expecting, I watched on and was amazed by what I saw. What I was expecting based on the trailer is not what I got. The film proved to be much more complex than I expected. It is a film that is superbly written and acted, not giving up any easy answers, essentially putting the onus on the audience to way the proof, the evidence, and the persons to come to a conclusion of what the truth is. It is a difficult task to find the truth as nothing is plainly evident, every new piece of information adds a new layer of complexity to an already difficult task. I know I have my opinion of what happened based on what I saw and who/what I believe, but I have my doubts.

There is something that struck me during an early scene. It is set in a church during Mass, Father Flynn (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) is giving a sermon and it is pretty interesting, it is (of course) about doubt and how that feeling can be as unifying as anything. What hit me hard is that I found myself paying attention rather closely. On the surface that does not seem all that strange, after all I was there to watch a movie, but I am also a practicing Catholic and over the years I often find myself tuning out during sermons, bad I know but I cannot help it. Now, here I was watching a scripted sermon being delivered by an actor that has a direct impact on the plot. It made me think about my tune outs, not paying attention to sermons that may or may not have an impact on my life (I am speaking in the positive way, I know it can be popular to bash religion and those who believe), makes me wonder what I may have missed. It is odd that a movie like this can make one think about such a small part of their own lives.

Back to the film at hand.

Doubt is set in the mid 1960's, in the shadow of JFK's assassination. At a Catholic school in Brooklyn a battle of wills is brewing between the charismatic and outgoing Father Flynn and the strict, rule by fear school principal Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep). It goes down like this: the school has accepted its first black student, and he is having a bit of a hard time adjusting, nothing terribly overt. Father Flynn takes an interest in him and attempts to help him through tough times. Of course, there could have been something else going on, as we are not privy to their meetings, only witnessing a shared hug and a couple of smiles towards each other.

Sister James (Amy Adams), a happy, innocent young history teacher tells Sister Aloysius of the meeting and the firestorm begins. Sister Aloysius, upon hearing what happened, fills in the rest of the story, becoming convinced of improper contact between Flynn and the boy she sets off to get him out of the school and away from any more potential problems.

It is much more intense than my description. The story continues to build to a fever pitch and is written in such a way that both sides are easily believable. It was so much more than what I was expecting. Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius are fully fleshed out characters. They are strong in their convictions, firm in their beliefs, and neither side is willing to step back.

The screenplay by John Patrick Shanley is magnificent. It holds itself back from revealing too much. I kept waiting for all to be revealed, but when it wasn't and the credits began to roll, I could not help but be just a little bit happy. It gave a conclusion that finishes the story yet fails to reveal everything, leaving it up to the audience to interpret just what happened. Even better than that, the way it was left ensures that there will be multiple interpretations and no way of being positive of what happened. It is all about the power of doubt and the effects it can have, and probably should have on a person.

The acting is first rate. Meryl Streep is electric in her portrayal of Sister Aloysius. She brings such a commanding persona to bear that she comes across as terribly frightening, but also very sincere in what she believes. Likewise, Phillip Seymour Hoffman's charismatic priest is a hard one to deny, but there seem to be some cracks around the edges helping encourage the titular doubt.

The supporting cast is also first rate. Amy Adams continues to impress in a variety of roles, her persistent innocence and willingness to believe is endearing. However, the supporting cast is outshone in a two brief scenes by Viola Davis, playing the mother of the child in question. Considering the allegations at work you expect one reaction, but get something entirely unexpected and quite powerful.

Despite the great screenplay and performances, there is something that holds it back from complete greatness. The direction is very stage-like. Yes, it is based on a play, but it feels like a play put to film. It may be minor, but it did affect my viewing. Still, there is no way I can not recommend this.

Bottomline. This is a powerful film that will make you think about the way you approach everyday situations, not to mention attempting to come up with a conclusion to the events of the film. What happened? It could go in any number of directions, although it could be easy to come up with what happened. But, are you sure?

Highly Recommended.

The Colbert Report - The WristStrong Saga

Not long ago, Stephen Colbert was warming up the audience, slipped anbroke his wrist. The issue became a talking point for some time. Now, CoOmedy Central has collected the funny bits into one video fro all to appreciate. Here it is for your enjoyment:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

The WristStrong Saga

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Pineapple Express - DVD Promo Games

It's coming soon. Before you know it, you will be able to enjoy some quality time with your buds (get it? that was a joke, awww c'mon, let me have that one... what?). They are nothing particularly special, but if they help entice you to check out the DVD, so be it. I actually find it funny that they can promote it as a Golden Globe nominee. Even funnier, it is probably deserving, James Franco was quite excellent. On with the games:

• Pack the Pineapple
• Crystal Bowl

Diamond Head - "Skin on Skin"

This is the latest video from British act Diamond Head. I do not know much about these guys other than Metallica covered a couple of their tunes back in the early 1980's, including "Am I Evil?" I never have listened to much Diamond Head, but let me tell you, this song is pretty cool. The vocals sounded a little weird early on, but I adjusted and like how everything fits together, I like the super heavy edge that flows through it. Take a look at "Skin on Skin":

High Kick Girl - Teaser Trailer

Here is a movie that needs little explanation. It is a Japanese film about a girl kicking butt. It is aptly titled High Kick Girl, and the title tells you exactly what you are going to get. Check out this teaser:

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - The Best Hanukkah Moments

Looking for a late night laugh? Here is a Comedy Central supplied clip collection of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert going head to head over Hannukah. As always, it is a funny clip and these guys know how to time their deliveries. I really need to watch them on a more regular basis.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Best Hanukkah Moments

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Dope to Release No Regret in March

Wow, I really did not think this band was still around. I am happy to discover they are. No Regret will be the band's first release since 2005's American Apathy. I love that album, the lyrics are not exactly deep, but if you want something that flat out rocks, it does the trick. The new album is set to land on March 10, 2009, so reports Blabbermouth.

It will be interesting to see how much the band has changed over the past few years, if at all. The band has gone through a number of line-up changes over the years. Since the last album, only two remain, Edsel Dope (of course), and guitarist Virus. To round out the lineup they have added Mudvayne's guitarist Greg Tribbett's younger brother Tripp on bass (formerly of Twisted Method), and ex-Genitorturer's drummer Angel Bartolotta.

While I would never consider Dope to be a great band, they have a lot to be admired. Edsel is a tireless promoter. He has kept the band going on the independent scene when their label deal went south. He has also done much to put tour packages together to keep them on the road doing their thing. If nothing else it is a success of personal drive.

I am looking forward to this album as well as the opportunity to see them live again. Their setlists may be a bit predictable, but the energy is first rate.

Bollywood to Remake Back to the Future

Yes, it is true. Bollywood is mounting a new, albeit unofficial, version of Robert Zemeckis' classic 1985 film Back to the Future. It does not appear to be a by the book, faithful take, but it does not hide what it is. The new film is to be called Action Replay, so reports Real Bollywood.com.

The main leads have been cast and 41-year old Akshay Kumar will be stepping into Michael J. Fox's Marty McFly, while Aishwarya Rai (Bride and Prejudice) will be taking on the Lea Thompson role.

This goes to show that it is not only Hollywood that remakes films from other countries. This goes along with Japan producing a remake of Sideways and Japan remaking a Korean film called The Quiet Family.

I have to wonder if this remake will contain song and dance numbers? I have to say that would be absolutely fascinating.

Inglorious Basterds has a Release Date

Coming Soon.net is reporting that the new Quentin Tarantino film has a release date. Inglorious Basterds will be arriving in theaters around the nation on August 21, 2009. It is a date that cannot come to soon, although I have to wonder if it will hold up.

I am a fan of Tarantino's work and do not believe that he has made a bad film yet, I just wish he was a little bit more prolific. Of course, I guess I should not complain, it is quite likely that if he were more productive the overall quality of his films would go down.

In any case, his next film has a release date meaning the countdown can begin. It is a tale set during World War II. A group of Jewish soldiers stage acts of retribution against the Third Reich and their path eventually crosses paths with a woman who runs a movie theater.

This is one of those movies that I plan on avoiding much spoiler type information. I look forward to watching it unfold in its glory before me. I also hope not to be disappointed.

Tarantino has collected a cast that includes Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Samm Levine, BJ Novak, Samuel L. Jackson. Mike Myers, Cloris Leachman, Maggie Cheung, and someone with the great name of Omar Doom.

I wonder if the date will hold as it seems to be an odd time to release a film that is sure to be highly anticipated as this. I suspect it may get pushed back a bit in order to garner more Oscar consideration.

In any case, I am really looking forward to this.

The Wrestler - Trailer

This new film has been making the rounds in limited release and I can only hope for it to come my way as I am really looking forward to seeing it. Mickey Rourke stars as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a professional wrestler twenty years past his prime. He is estranged from his daughter, has no real friends, and is working high school gyms for his fans. I cannot wait to see how it plays out. I am also interested in seeing it as it seems like a different style for director Darren Aronofsky. Anyway, this trailer is really quite good.

Sarah Palin - "Paper Planes" spoof

Now, here is a pretty funny clip. YouTube user asathecomic has taken the hit MIA tune "Paper Planes" and turned it on its ear in this spoof on Sarah Palin. The words do not exactly fit, but there is something hypnotic about the music. I remember first hearing it in the Pinapple Express trailer. Great stuff.