I'm not fickle enough to individually see a movie on a star's draw. It's not my thing, really, I like to think that a movie has so many other things to criticize, why limit it to one actor.
Alright, you caught me, I will go see Jackie Chan and Jet Li. And if Jean Claude and Vin Diesel are in a scene without sleeves on (or better, no shirt!)? I'm there as well.
But that's it. I draw the line there.
The reason I bring this up is to mention I am not a fan of Robin Williams, at least not normally. I saw his Broadway revue on HBO, and yes, it was entertaining, but I saw him do similar works on The Actor's Studio. So why would I want to see him do the same schtick again? It's getting to be a bit dated.
Luckily for us, he's got an Oscar and therefore, a farely decent paycheck. As such, he can actually try different things.
Like acting.
And here's the evidence people. This movie is all about Robin and creating sympathy for the devil. The tale is surely an art house piece, the perfect example of anal retentive film making. There are only 5 characters, it seems, because, well, the art house filmmaker only needed that many. The lines are straight. There are no props. Everyone moves like they've been darted by the zookeeper.
But in some way, it works. I was brought to think of Hitchcock, so long ago, when he talked about the art of moviemaking. Of course, no one believed good old sir Alfred--his movies made too much money. But there was a reason for everything he did, every scene before the camera. And here is his offspring.
The filmmaker is still not totally confident, for sequences go far too long and parts that could have been cut aren't. Not really a drawback, but we should see more, better works later on.
But Robin, dear Mr. Williams, really does steal the show. Without revealing too much, he's something of a psychopath. Normally, my experience has been comedic actors can play serious better than dramatic actors doing comedy. Here's a perfect example. Mr. Parris, his character is totally unlikeable for a myriad of reasons. But due to his performance, that underlying bit of humor, you become sympathetic for him and his plight.
I'm going to give the movie 3.5 stars. It's surely one of those movies you just have to see for yourself, no amount of criticism is going to help your decision. It is a thriller, but there's really only one jolt. The rest is very staged and easy to follow. It's not something you would rent with a group of intoxicated guys and hope there's some good creepiness. This is the kind of spooky where you sit on the couch and merely get the shivers.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Tao Meditation: Pivoting
One of the main tenets of Taoism is the noticing and reacting to natural changes and cycles in the environment. It uses nature as the analogy, but there's a deeper way of interpreting it--natural interactions with friends, coworkers and family.
I am in a relationship. It's up to me to go with what is said and see the natural ebb and flow of it's goings-ons. In this manner, not one person takes the lead or becomes the boss, it moves in a manner that is organic and appropriate for being Tao.
There is also a spiritual component that arises from such a concept. By paying attention to what my partner needs, I am donating energy to the relationship--and become better for both of us, as well as, growing myself.
It's especially important now, for I am very aware we are at a crossroads. We have the wedding, the dog and the house. College and education are completed, we both have good cars. In terms of goals, we've done everything we elected to do. This is natural. What I'm noticing now is that we are redefining our relationship with a new set of goals: making the house worth more, paying off debt and growing towards midlife. It's the 'pivot' of the meditation's title.
I think I've found a connection to today's poem. We're set.
Peace out.
I am in a relationship. It's up to me to go with what is said and see the natural ebb and flow of it's goings-ons. In this manner, not one person takes the lead or becomes the boss, it moves in a manner that is organic and appropriate for being Tao.
There is also a spiritual component that arises from such a concept. By paying attention to what my partner needs, I am donating energy to the relationship--and become better for both of us, as well as, growing myself.
It's especially important now, for I am very aware we are at a crossroads. We have the wedding, the dog and the house. College and education are completed, we both have good cars. In terms of goals, we've done everything we elected to do. This is natural. What I'm noticing now is that we are redefining our relationship with a new set of goals: making the house worth more, paying off debt and growing towards midlife. It's the 'pivot' of the meditation's title.
I think I've found a connection to today's poem. We're set.
Peace out.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
You know, it's hard to be hard on a movie you enjoyed. It really is. So I don't know how quick with the quips I'm going to be this evening, but I do know I need to say something.
And, Lord knows, I really did try to find something really bad about this motion picture, I really did. But the mere fact that my mind didn't wander off or I left prior to the credits is a good sign.
Again, I'm baised. I did not read all of the Harry Potter books. Fantasy is not my thing. I'm more of a Steve King, Ann Rule and Laura Joh Rowland kinda guy. But when I heard all the conservative groups leap up in arms years back about these books possibly teaching black magic to children, I knew I would have a liking for them. BTW, they don't teach black magic. However, if you do listen carefully, Latin is thrown in.
I'm part of that group that believes if a kid is reading, like real words on real pages in a real book...let them.
I read the first book and that was it, so I arrived at this motion picture with only the knowledge of the previous two films. And here is place were familiality does not breed contempt. The storyline has grown accustomed to itself. There's not a single moment with some special effect illustrating the prevasiveness of magic in Harry's world. Posters move in the background; tea serves itself. And in the process, we can move on to the interactions and the story, instead of wondering about the details.
And what a story it is. If you've looked at the poster advertisting the movie, it's different from the previous two pictures. Blackness envelopes the leads and instead of illustrated characters, black and silver photo headshots fill the frame. It's an apt analogy. The characters seem a little more real this time and the threat of conflict is much more pervasive.
Little Harry takes on a new director with this movie--and he's an art-house gem. And he's making Little Harry grow up.
Take, for example, the required Quidditch game (rugby on broomsticks). In this movie, it's played in the grays of rain with horrid nightmares called Dementors floating above. Hermione has lost her innocence and now relies on punching a bully in the face instead of sly, plotting and manipulation. These are all incidents that represent a darker vision. I can assume that those who have read Harry's tales are growing up as well, so such changes are reflected in the books. But for the audience, the experience is a bit jarring. It's like bringing kids to see Bambi and getting the last few minutes of Chernabog. The quality is the same, but the emotional reponse was not pre-prepared.
My experiences with kiddie literature are fairly expansive--and this movie played along with what I've noticed about the greatest of children's stories. First off, tragedy always isolates the protagonist and helps him or her develop on their own (a house being taken away in a storm, a new brother is doted upon). Secondly, there's a serious darkness looming in the background (Seeking a Wizard, people keep disappearing in a chocolate factory). Thirdly, there's a web or spirituality or magically whimsy that somehow flows through the characters (A wicked witch chases the heroes, the oompa-loompas).
This is, by no means, a comprehesive piece of research. I'm writing on the fly here. But when I think of tales like The Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, even Judy Blume's SuperFudge, there's a representation of some of these elements. I think that's what attracts people to Harry. There's enough of these elements to keep tweens and teens reading (probably the most important thing here, lest we forget) but not enough formula that the endings are still being pulled off as a surprise.
As did with me at the end of this movie. James Bond movies? You can predict the end of the movie by the end of the opening credits...most sequels tend to be that way. But, outside of the Quidditch game and the same villian, I was truly surprised at the components of the movie. Good stuff, yo.
So, if you liked the first two, great, I think you'll be pleased. Think before taking kids, however. This isn't the usual Haunted Mansion kinda fluff.
Let's say, I dunno, 4 out of five stars.
And, Lord knows, I really did try to find something really bad about this motion picture, I really did. But the mere fact that my mind didn't wander off or I left prior to the credits is a good sign.
Again, I'm baised. I did not read all of the Harry Potter books. Fantasy is not my thing. I'm more of a Steve King, Ann Rule and Laura Joh Rowland kinda guy. But when I heard all the conservative groups leap up in arms years back about these books possibly teaching black magic to children, I knew I would have a liking for them. BTW, they don't teach black magic. However, if you do listen carefully, Latin is thrown in.
I'm part of that group that believes if a kid is reading, like real words on real pages in a real book...let them.
I read the first book and that was it, so I arrived at this motion picture with only the knowledge of the previous two films. And here is place were familiality does not breed contempt. The storyline has grown accustomed to itself. There's not a single moment with some special effect illustrating the prevasiveness of magic in Harry's world. Posters move in the background; tea serves itself. And in the process, we can move on to the interactions and the story, instead of wondering about the details.
And what a story it is. If you've looked at the poster advertisting the movie, it's different from the previous two pictures. Blackness envelopes the leads and instead of illustrated characters, black and silver photo headshots fill the frame. It's an apt analogy. The characters seem a little more real this time and the threat of conflict is much more pervasive.
Little Harry takes on a new director with this movie--and he's an art-house gem. And he's making Little Harry grow up.
Take, for example, the required Quidditch game (rugby on broomsticks). In this movie, it's played in the grays of rain with horrid nightmares called Dementors floating above. Hermione has lost her innocence and now relies on punching a bully in the face instead of sly, plotting and manipulation. These are all incidents that represent a darker vision. I can assume that those who have read Harry's tales are growing up as well, so such changes are reflected in the books. But for the audience, the experience is a bit jarring. It's like bringing kids to see Bambi and getting the last few minutes of Chernabog. The quality is the same, but the emotional reponse was not pre-prepared.
My experiences with kiddie literature are fairly expansive--and this movie played along with what I've noticed about the greatest of children's stories. First off, tragedy always isolates the protagonist and helps him or her develop on their own (a house being taken away in a storm, a new brother is doted upon). Secondly, there's a serious darkness looming in the background (Seeking a Wizard, people keep disappearing in a chocolate factory). Thirdly, there's a web or spirituality or magically whimsy that somehow flows through the characters (A wicked witch chases the heroes, the oompa-loompas).
This is, by no means, a comprehesive piece of research. I'm writing on the fly here. But when I think of tales like The Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, even Judy Blume's SuperFudge, there's a representation of some of these elements. I think that's what attracts people to Harry. There's enough of these elements to keep tweens and teens reading (probably the most important thing here, lest we forget) but not enough formula that the endings are still being pulled off as a surprise.
As did with me at the end of this movie. James Bond movies? You can predict the end of the movie by the end of the opening credits...most sequels tend to be that way. But, outside of the Quidditch game and the same villian, I was truly surprised at the components of the movie. Good stuff, yo.
So, if you liked the first two, great, I think you'll be pleased. Think before taking kids, however. This isn't the usual Haunted Mansion kinda fluff.
Let's say, I dunno, 4 out of five stars.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Tao Meditation: Translation
The poem today deals with not saying much about the Tao, and letting the message get through. I have to laugh, for I've already made two comments/posts. Have I said too much?
The thing I've liked about the Tao, what has drawn me to it, is there is very little anger about it. World religions, on a whole, argue and yell and scream. I've never heard of a Tao flying an aircraft into a building or spilling poison on the train.
Taoism was not exported. It was not imported. It just is, and I enjoy that aspect and respect it. There's no elaborate ceremony to accept it, and no pledging of your income. What more can you ask for?
So the Tao is translated very little. But the huge concepts are actually very, very basic.
What more can I say?
Peace once more.
The thing I've liked about the Tao, what has drawn me to it, is there is very little anger about it. World religions, on a whole, argue and yell and scream. I've never heard of a Tao flying an aircraft into a building or spilling poison on the train.
Taoism was not exported. It was not imported. It just is, and I enjoy that aspect and respect it. There's no elaborate ceremony to accept it, and no pledging of your income. What more can you ask for?
So the Tao is translated very little. But the huge concepts are actually very, very basic.
What more can I say?
Peace once more.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Movie Review: Camp
You know, I was hesistant to move to this little hamlet for several reasons. Being too close to parents, I'm not grown up enough and probably the most crucial: There's no entertainment. Oh sure, the multiplex plays the latest Shrek confection or The Ring, part gazillion. But where are the art movies? I read about them in my entertainment rags, but never seen them. I could make the trek to Denver, but that's not always an option.
Then came Netflix, and I have to tell you folks, I'm thinking I'm not missing out on anything. Maybe it's the big screen, maybe it's the real butter on the popcorn or even the fuchia mohawked haired college kid next to me, but something has been lost when these tiny flicks reach an even tinier screen. I joined Netflix to see what I was missing.
So here is my review of the movie: Camp
I'm going to give this movie a 3 out of five stars. I really wanted to like this movie. It has my own personal bias--I performed in a similar performing arts camp many moons ago. But my experience was nothing like I saw here.
The movie is unsure what it wants to be and it's sadly put up on screen. If it's a comedy (and with a name like 'Camp' you would think with bunches of bad taste) it isn't very funny. A joke surfaces here in there, but there are no send ups or plot twists. If it's a gay movie, there isn't much gay about it. Sure, many gay men surface, but the swishy stereotypes with excellent drag (I don't know you, but where can you find a pink boa in Upstate New York woods?). If it's a tale of the trials of becoming famous, I don't see anyone without talent.
The script, written by the director, starts and stops. Great ideas are brought up (why is the straight kid there?), dropped and started again without resolution. A drunken character drinks in excess, stops to discuss something in another scene, completely sober, and takes up drinking when everything works out well.
Huh?
The main straight character hits on the 'moderate' girl (we know this becuase she merely tells us) has sex with a pretty one, goes back and then his girlfriend who he has been cheating on this entire time shows up. And are we supposed to like him? I can't help thinking that if the director took time to think about what he wanted to communicate and carry out in the making of this motion picture, it would have held everything together. Instead, we're happy, lost and then really confused by the end.
Where I do give this movie credit--why didn't the director do this onstage? There is an obvious affection for the boards and the scenes work up to great musical numbers, obviously also written by the director. I've always hated when HBO and Showtime would videotape/camera-fy a stage play. The mediums are all wrong. There are no takes in theatre, no changing shots. Here is where such a set up would have been successful.
So I like the music, the staging, and well, I really wanted to like this movie. I like the leads and really want to see them sing again. But can we please see a movie where the gay man is the lead, doesn't have a crush on every straight male and comes out successful and happy and doesn't even wear a dress? Where is Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss when you need it?
peace.
Then came Netflix, and I have to tell you folks, I'm thinking I'm not missing out on anything. Maybe it's the big screen, maybe it's the real butter on the popcorn or even the fuchia mohawked haired college kid next to me, but something has been lost when these tiny flicks reach an even tinier screen. I joined Netflix to see what I was missing.
So here is my review of the movie: Camp
I'm going to give this movie a 3 out of five stars. I really wanted to like this movie. It has my own personal bias--I performed in a similar performing arts camp many moons ago. But my experience was nothing like I saw here.
The movie is unsure what it wants to be and it's sadly put up on screen. If it's a comedy (and with a name like 'Camp' you would think with bunches of bad taste) it isn't very funny. A joke surfaces here in there, but there are no send ups or plot twists. If it's a gay movie, there isn't much gay about it. Sure, many gay men surface, but the swishy stereotypes with excellent drag (I don't know you, but where can you find a pink boa in Upstate New York woods?). If it's a tale of the trials of becoming famous, I don't see anyone without talent.
The script, written by the director, starts and stops. Great ideas are brought up (why is the straight kid there?), dropped and started again without resolution. A drunken character drinks in excess, stops to discuss something in another scene, completely sober, and takes up drinking when everything works out well.
Huh?
The main straight character hits on the 'moderate' girl (we know this becuase she merely tells us) has sex with a pretty one, goes back and then his girlfriend who he has been cheating on this entire time shows up. And are we supposed to like him? I can't help thinking that if the director took time to think about what he wanted to communicate and carry out in the making of this motion picture, it would have held everything together. Instead, we're happy, lost and then really confused by the end.
Where I do give this movie credit--why didn't the director do this onstage? There is an obvious affection for the boards and the scenes work up to great musical numbers, obviously also written by the director. I've always hated when HBO and Showtime would videotape/camera-fy a stage play. The mediums are all wrong. There are no takes in theatre, no changing shots. Here is where such a set up would have been successful.
So I like the music, the staging, and well, I really wanted to like this movie. I like the leads and really want to see them sing again. But can we please see a movie where the gay man is the lead, doesn't have a crush on every straight male and comes out successful and happy and doesn't even wear a dress? Where is Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss when you need it?
peace.
Tao Meditation: Subservience
First, I have to mention, when it comes to my log, I merely just "go with it." I do a spell check when I remember, but other then that, I have to write and get on with. In Stephen King's On Writing he recommends writing first and then finding the meaning. Well, since this is an online journal, I'm writing first.
The poem I read this morning dealt with the sudden onslaught of summer storm. It may ruin your plans, but you have no choice but to go with it. BTW, if you are interested, the text I'm taking these poems from is called 365 Tao by Den Ming-Dao.
Anyways, the gist of the poem is that nature dictates schedule and we are helpless to it. I tend to agree. Last year, when I was at Walt Disney World during the rainy season, we were enslaved to the downpour. We worked with it, instead electing to by rain ponchos and not let it dampen our spirits, but there is much to be said from this poem.
Here's my a-ha moment. I'm also reading a text about Celtic Wisdom. I truly love the Idiot's Guides and for Dummies texts, they are fairly comprehensive and a great way to start a journey on a given topic. I'm Irish as well, and my brother is doing research on our genealogy. I figured it a good place to start.
My problem? There's a lot of nature talk, just like in the Tao. I'm not a nature kinda guy. I go camping and I tend to think the fun is what fun things we can bring with! I'm learning, but I had an a-ha moment in the similarity between the Tao's focus on natural cycles and Celtic's same targeting.
There's something there.
Does this mean I start recycling? I guess I might have to. I'm thinking however, more metaphorically. That means grow when you can and do what feels right--like a tree does or plants. Move more by instinct.
Of course, the throwback to that is you can't choke the living crap out of someone you are furious with, no matter how natural it feels. That put aside, I understand that we are to step back and see the more honest 'Path.'
Am I getting this right?
And can I even do that?
Peace out.
The poem I read this morning dealt with the sudden onslaught of summer storm. It may ruin your plans, but you have no choice but to go with it. BTW, if you are interested, the text I'm taking these poems from is called 365 Tao by Den Ming-Dao.
Anyways, the gist of the poem is that nature dictates schedule and we are helpless to it. I tend to agree. Last year, when I was at Walt Disney World during the rainy season, we were enslaved to the downpour. We worked with it, instead electing to by rain ponchos and not let it dampen our spirits, but there is much to be said from this poem.
Here's my a-ha moment. I'm also reading a text about Celtic Wisdom. I truly love the Idiot's Guides and for Dummies texts, they are fairly comprehensive and a great way to start a journey on a given topic. I'm Irish as well, and my brother is doing research on our genealogy. I figured it a good place to start.
My problem? There's a lot of nature talk, just like in the Tao. I'm not a nature kinda guy. I go camping and I tend to think the fun is what fun things we can bring with! I'm learning, but I had an a-ha moment in the similarity between the Tao's focus on natural cycles and Celtic's same targeting.
There's something there.
Does this mean I start recycling? I guess I might have to. I'm thinking however, more metaphorically. That means grow when you can and do what feels right--like a tree does or plants. Move more by instinct.
Of course, the throwback to that is you can't choke the living crap out of someone you are furious with, no matter how natural it feels. That put aside, I understand that we are to step back and see the more honest 'Path.'
Am I getting this right?
And can I even do that?
Peace out.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Tao Meditation: Insignificance
Every morning I read one Tao poem and then try to relate it to my life, when and if I can. It helps me spiritually and also to connect unlike items into something greater. Sometimes I run on a tangent, sometimes it's very, very focused.
As for today, I've not a clue. Insignificance? My fingers are going to fall off if I have to keep typing that word.
Tao is difficult to write about. If you define it with the parameters of words, you limit the limitless and are not truly talking about the original Tao. But then how are we to bring it to others? Confusion, confusion.
Of should I say, Confucius, Confucius.
Today's poem did not get me riled up into an ego-frenzy likes yesterday. Nor was there the 'a-ha!' moment when I found a link. Perhaps it's my Western upbringing, but I cannot see myself as insignificant. I feel we all have a purpose in the tapestry of life. Annoying as it is, yes, that includes the politicians, if even to rally against.
I suppose I have caught myself saying, when work was really hellish, "it's just a job and in the grand scheme of things, really nothing." But I cannot go much deeper than that, for I don't want to live on the streets.
It is, however, only stuff. It's just so bloody hard to remember that on occasion.
I guess I want to make a point here and in the tomorrow. I like to think we are all important. We all have purpose in the Grand Scheme.
Except for the aforementioned politicians.
And those who charge too much for gasoline.
They are less important.
"How long will it take to see the Tao?
"Until you no longer see self-importance."
Dang. That might be a while.
Peace out.
As for today, I've not a clue. Insignificance? My fingers are going to fall off if I have to keep typing that word.
Tao is difficult to write about. If you define it with the parameters of words, you limit the limitless and are not truly talking about the original Tao. But then how are we to bring it to others? Confusion, confusion.
Of should I say, Confucius, Confucius.
Today's poem did not get me riled up into an ego-frenzy likes yesterday. Nor was there the 'a-ha!' moment when I found a link. Perhaps it's my Western upbringing, but I cannot see myself as insignificant. I feel we all have a purpose in the tapestry of life. Annoying as it is, yes, that includes the politicians, if even to rally against.
I suppose I have caught myself saying, when work was really hellish, "it's just a job and in the grand scheme of things, really nothing." But I cannot go much deeper than that, for I don't want to live on the streets.
It is, however, only stuff. It's just so bloody hard to remember that on occasion.
I guess I want to make a point here and in the tomorrow. I like to think we are all important. We all have purpose in the Grand Scheme.
Except for the aforementioned politicians.
And those who charge too much for gasoline.
They are less important.
"How long will it take to see the Tao?
"Until you no longer see self-importance."
Dang. That might be a while.
Peace out.
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