29 November 2008
Movie: Quantum of Solace (2008)
Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond (and the second film in the sort-of reboot of the franchise) is the first direct sequel of the film series. It begins mere moments after Casino Royale and opens with Bond taking Mr. White to be interrogated after the events of Royale.
While it’s a good action film, ultimately it fails to live up to what was begun (again) in Casino Royale. Daniel Craig makes for a great Bond and is more in tune with Connery’s take in the action part, but the film fails to capture what made Connery’s Bond so much the better. The whimsy and humor is all but gone, replaced by less than impressive villains and too much of an attempt to set the film in real world.
And, at times, one felt the production had watched the Bourne films too many times and tried to replicate it, but with less than stellar success.
And while director Marc Forster paid homage to its past, the film also tried to force itself into the real world, with political comments on the CIA, Bolivia and Hati, and seemly attacking corporations who claim to be green, but are using it as a way to cover up their involvements in coups and shady deals that make them money, even if a terrorist of sorts are born.
The action is intense, but there were a many of times when I felt I didn’t know who was who in the fight sequences. But the script is muddled down and at times, a complete mess. The villainous Mr. Greene is nothing more than a spoiled rich man, who does appalling things in pursuant of his goals, but evil genius he is not.
Still there are some great set pieces in the film, including the fight in the Opera House, the plane dogfight (which could’ve been done via CGI) and the opening car chase sequence.
In the end, it is a good action film, but Bond was never supposed to be one, I think. It was always supposed to be entertainment of the highest order, with beautiful women -the Bond Girls - great battles with villains who were more fantasy than real and gadgets. This turn to redundant, and silly realism might work in the long run, but the first two Bond films set in a post 9/11 world (as opposed to the Cold War) have shown that they have a way to go to make a truly glorious Bond film in the tradition of the 1960's Bond classics.
While it’s a good action film, ultimately it fails to live up to what was begun (again) in Casino Royale. Daniel Craig makes for a great Bond and is more in tune with Connery’s take in the action part, but the film fails to capture what made Connery’s Bond so much the better. The whimsy and humor is all but gone, replaced by less than impressive villains and too much of an attempt to set the film in real world.
And, at times, one felt the production had watched the Bourne films too many times and tried to replicate it, but with less than stellar success.
And while director Marc Forster paid homage to its past, the film also tried to force itself into the real world, with political comments on the CIA, Bolivia and Hati, and seemly attacking corporations who claim to be green, but are using it as a way to cover up their involvements in coups and shady deals that make them money, even if a terrorist of sorts are born.
The action is intense, but there were a many of times when I felt I didn’t know who was who in the fight sequences. But the script is muddled down and at times, a complete mess. The villainous Mr. Greene is nothing more than a spoiled rich man, who does appalling things in pursuant of his goals, but evil genius he is not.
Still there are some great set pieces in the film, including the fight in the Opera House, the plane dogfight (which could’ve been done via CGI) and the opening car chase sequence.
In the end, it is a good action film, but Bond was never supposed to be one, I think. It was always supposed to be entertainment of the highest order, with beautiful women -the Bond Girls - great battles with villains who were more fantasy than real and gadgets. This turn to redundant, and silly realism might work in the long run, but the first two Bond films set in a post 9/11 world (as opposed to the Cold War) have shown that they have a way to go to make a truly glorious Bond film in the tradition of the 1960's Bond classics.
My Black Friday
So, Black Friday came and went with little fanfare. Of course, I was at work at 6 am, the store opened at 7 and I was out the door at 3. In between, we had mad rushes, lulls and typical Saturday crowds. If I was to be asked what sold the most, what people seemed to buying, all I could say was one word: Twilight.
We have a Twilight center set up in the front of the store, where we have all four novels (in both hardcover and paperback) in the popular Stephanie Meyer series set up. Added to fray is a movie companion book, pens, posters, buttons, magnets, T-shirts, jewelry (there's also suppose to be a perfume, but we've yet to get that in), and a calendar. Now one of the good things is, Borders is the only place selling that 2009 calendar. Who ever got that deal over in HQ is looking really smart now, especially after last weeks $70 million opening.
Twilight, maybe, could be what saves our company. The sales of all four books have been steady and should remain strong through the holiday season. Even if the movie sinks -it should, theoretically lose about 65% of last weeks business - the books and other ancillary products will continue to sell.
All that can prevent that is not getting copies of the books in. Out of the four novels, we did not have the second book, New Moon, in hardcover (and we should be sold out of the paperback by the end of the weekend). My feelings are, that we should not be sold out of any of them, but there you have it.
Beyond that, I can't really say there was one book that people wanted, though Jon Meacham's American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House sold pretty well as part of the 11 titles we had at 50% for the holiday weekend.
Well beyond the Twilight series, I don't see any book being the one everyone has to have, unless Oprah chooses an obscure title from a small publisher or one that a publisher did not expect to hit big -much like what happened with The Secret.
Still, there is a chance Yes We Can: Barack Obama's History Making Presdiential Campaign by Scout Tufanjian could be the one book everyone has difficulty getting. The first print run of 55,000 copies have already sold out, and the publisher is going back to the press -and it does not go on sale until December 8.
But we'll see.
We have a Twilight center set up in the front of the store, where we have all four novels (in both hardcover and paperback) in the popular Stephanie Meyer series set up. Added to fray is a movie companion book, pens, posters, buttons, magnets, T-shirts, jewelry (there's also suppose to be a perfume, but we've yet to get that in), and a calendar. Now one of the good things is, Borders is the only place selling that 2009 calendar. Who ever got that deal over in HQ is looking really smart now, especially after last weeks $70 million opening.
Twilight, maybe, could be what saves our company. The sales of all four books have been steady and should remain strong through the holiday season. Even if the movie sinks -it should, theoretically lose about 65% of last weeks business - the books and other ancillary products will continue to sell.
All that can prevent that is not getting copies of the books in. Out of the four novels, we did not have the second book, New Moon, in hardcover (and we should be sold out of the paperback by the end of the weekend). My feelings are, that we should not be sold out of any of them, but there you have it.
Beyond that, I can't really say there was one book that people wanted, though Jon Meacham's American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House sold pretty well as part of the 11 titles we had at 50% for the holiday weekend.
Well beyond the Twilight series, I don't see any book being the one everyone has to have, unless Oprah chooses an obscure title from a small publisher or one that a publisher did not expect to hit big -much like what happened with The Secret.
Still, there is a chance Yes We Can: Barack Obama's History Making Presdiential Campaign by Scout Tufanjian could be the one book everyone has difficulty getting. The first print run of 55,000 copies have already sold out, and the publisher is going back to the press -and it does not go on sale until December 8.
But we'll see.
27 November 2008
26 November 2008
More things from Oak Park
It has to be the oddest 24 hours of my life. After learning of the death of my former Borders co-worker back in Oak Park, IL, I contacted that store this morning from work and talked to my old friend Kevin. While he was unsure of the full details of Pete's death -whether it was an accidental overdose of pills associated with his depression, or suicide (and for life insurance POV, I'm assuming the family will push for accidental) - he said that his wake was attended by a lot of people, which is good.
Then Kevin asked me if I had heard about Mariam, the former GM of that store who allowed me to transfer there back in 2000 when the store opened. I said no, if only because I had not seen her since she was fired from Borders in late 2004. Shockingly, he said about two weeks ago she woke up in the middle of the night and was complaining to her husband about not feeling well.
By the time they realized something was up and they rushed her to the hospital, she was gone. Dead at 50 of a heart attack.
It's so bizarre to know both of them are gone and such young ages. And the fact they die with in a few weeks of each other is even more weird.
I like Miriam, but she was very passive/aggressive and at times, that made work difficult. But she also was the first to give me the latitude to do almost anything at Borders with little or no supervision. She trusted me to get the job done, and to do it right (or my version of right).
It was all so surreal today, as my mind was a wash in sadness and total shock.
When I told this to a few of my coworkers today, one said things always happen in three's.
Gosh, I hope not.
Then Kevin asked me if I had heard about Mariam, the former GM of that store who allowed me to transfer there back in 2000 when the store opened. I said no, if only because I had not seen her since she was fired from Borders in late 2004. Shockingly, he said about two weeks ago she woke up in the middle of the night and was complaining to her husband about not feeling well.
By the time they realized something was up and they rushed her to the hospital, she was gone. Dead at 50 of a heart attack.
It's so bizarre to know both of them are gone and such young ages. And the fact they die with in a few weeks of each other is even more weird.
I like Miriam, but she was very passive/aggressive and at times, that made work difficult. But she also was the first to give me the latitude to do almost anything at Borders with little or no supervision. She trusted me to get the job done, and to do it right (or my version of right).
It was all so surreal today, as my mind was a wash in sadness and total shock.
When I told this to a few of my coworkers today, one said things always happen in three's.
Gosh, I hope not.
25 November 2008
For my friend Pete
His name was Peter, or just Pete. We met in 2000, when we were setting up the Oak Park Borders at Harlem and Lake. He must’ve been all of 22 or 23. He was this lanky kid, tall and with cheekbones you could cut cheese on.
As typical of me, I would flirt with this young cute boy. Even though I knew he was straight. But Pete, well, he went with the flow. He was easy going, always in a good mood and his love for music would rival another friend of mine.
He was smart, charming and witty. His humor came from a deep well and he was always, always smiling. He married young, and I would tease him relentlessly about it.
But his greatest gift and love was music. I remember when John Mayer’s first CD came out and he kept telling me that is was brilliant and that the kid was going to have a great career. He hounded me until I bought it. So he had an ear for music, and would tell anyone who would listen that this was good, that is was not do good. He was always going to concerts, always, it seemed to me enjoying life.
I had not seen him since I left Illinois in the summer of 2005. Even after he left Borders, I would see him from time to time. Like most employees of Borders, once you work for them, you never ever leave them.
Today I got an email from my friend Marc, another former Borders employee. Marc still has connections with upper BGI music people. He asked if I had known a Pete Merrick who worked at the Oak Park Borders. It took me a moment to think, cause at first I didn’t realize who he was talking about.
And then the tears came.
It seems sometime last week, Pete took his life. He was 31.
I have no idea why or how, but I’m shocked to my toes. Truly, you never think this married man, with a baby son, would do something like this. But when someone does take their life, I’m guessing that’s the first thing you say.
But now, as I think about this, while I’m sad for his family, I’m also sad for myself. I cannot help but think how empty my life will be without Pete Merrick in it.
As typical of me, I would flirt with this young cute boy. Even though I knew he was straight. But Pete, well, he went with the flow. He was easy going, always in a good mood and his love for music would rival another friend of mine.
He was smart, charming and witty. His humor came from a deep well and he was always, always smiling. He married young, and I would tease him relentlessly about it.
But his greatest gift and love was music. I remember when John Mayer’s first CD came out and he kept telling me that is was brilliant and that the kid was going to have a great career. He hounded me until I bought it. So he had an ear for music, and would tell anyone who would listen that this was good, that is was not do good. He was always going to concerts, always, it seemed to me enjoying life.
I had not seen him since I left Illinois in the summer of 2005. Even after he left Borders, I would see him from time to time. Like most employees of Borders, once you work for them, you never ever leave them.
Today I got an email from my friend Marc, another former Borders employee. Marc still has connections with upper BGI music people. He asked if I had known a Pete Merrick who worked at the Oak Park Borders. It took me a moment to think, cause at first I didn’t realize who he was talking about.
And then the tears came.
It seems sometime last week, Pete took his life. He was 31.
I have no idea why or how, but I’m shocked to my toes. Truly, you never think this married man, with a baby son, would do something like this. But when someone does take their life, I’m guessing that’s the first thing you say.
But now, as I think about this, while I’m sad for his family, I’m also sad for myself. I cannot help but think how empty my life will be without Pete Merrick in it.
24 November 2008
Pappa, can you hear the rain?
So, I'm sitting here, waiting for the rain. I know, my pathetic life. Still, rain here in SoCal is always a big event. Still, despite the dire warnings being issued by all the weather casters here, I'll not believe a word of it until I see the rain touching the ground before my eyes.
See, the other aspect of rain here is that it hardly ever covers the entire area. The foothills and the mountains prevent a lot of rain coverage, creating areas that get a lot, to some that get barely a drop.
Which means maybe only 20 miles north of me could see inches of rain, and I could see very little or none at all. Still, we need the rain. It's dry as a bone here, but if we get too much we end up a year from now battling the wildfires. It's a damn, vicious circle.
See, the other aspect of rain here is that it hardly ever covers the entire area. The foothills and the mountains prevent a lot of rain coverage, creating areas that get a lot, to some that get barely a drop.
Which means maybe only 20 miles north of me could see inches of rain, and I could see very little or none at all. Still, we need the rain. It's dry as a bone here, but if we get too much we end up a year from now battling the wildfires. It's a damn, vicious circle.
21 November 2008
19 November 2008
Nothing
So what do you say when you have nothing to say?
When I started this blog, I thought I could post my daily thoughts, rants about pop culture and occasionally post images.
All too soon, I realized I have nothing to say. Or I just don't know how to get those thoughts out of my head and into the digital world. Sure, I can (and probably will) rant on about the Prop 8 failure here, and I'm waiting for the Star Trek re-boot, or whatever it truly is -but that's like seven months off.
Work is work, as we head in the holiday season. Nothing new to report there, as the customer are complete idiots and have no idea how things work. Plus they trash your store; so nothing new there.
And as for the future of Borders, well speculation continues. With Circuit City filing for bankruptcy protection and closing a 155 stores, one speculates that we'll either do that or go for total liquidation.
So, going forward, the hateful holiday season begins and add on the fate of the company, I guess I'm just depressed. Sometimes, I wish something would happen. At one time I wished for good and happy things, but I discovered that they are just pure fantasy.
My destiny lies not in happiness, but in the dark corners of nothingness and waste.
And why do I fall for straight men?
And when I do fall a gay guy, why does he not fall for me?
Why does God laugh at me?
When I started this blog, I thought I could post my daily thoughts, rants about pop culture and occasionally post images.
All too soon, I realized I have nothing to say. Or I just don't know how to get those thoughts out of my head and into the digital world. Sure, I can (and probably will) rant on about the Prop 8 failure here, and I'm waiting for the Star Trek re-boot, or whatever it truly is -but that's like seven months off.
Work is work, as we head in the holiday season. Nothing new to report there, as the customer are complete idiots and have no idea how things work. Plus they trash your store; so nothing new there.
And as for the future of Borders, well speculation continues. With Circuit City filing for bankruptcy protection and closing a 155 stores, one speculates that we'll either do that or go for total liquidation.
So, going forward, the hateful holiday season begins and add on the fate of the company, I guess I'm just depressed. Sometimes, I wish something would happen. At one time I wished for good and happy things, but I discovered that they are just pure fantasy.
My destiny lies not in happiness, but in the dark corners of nothingness and waste.
And why do I fall for straight men?
And when I do fall a gay guy, why does he not fall for me?
Why does God laugh at me?
18 November 2008
17 November 2008
15 November 2008
13 November 2008
ABC pushing "Daisies" to the cancellation bin?
This week marks the end of shooting on episode 13 of ABC's under appreciated fantasy show Pushing Daisies.
Those are the only episodes the network ordered, and word has come through the trades that ABC will not order the back nine, which essentially means the series is at an end.
While ABC spokespeople are saying nothing, but the death of the show is a huge disappointment. Partly, though, its fall from grace can be blamed on last winters 100 day writer strike. Only 9 episodes were made before the show was shut down, and due to its complex production, no new shows could be made after the WGA strike ended. But faced with no new pilots, ABC picked the show up for a second season, but since it's return back on October 1, the show has failed to achieve its mediocre success from last year. It seems the viewers have moved on.
And sadly, it has trailed behind NBC's much lamented, and generally panned, re-do of Knight Rider (which is not a huge success in the ratings either, failing to match the ratings Bionic Woman got last year in the same time slot. And we know what happened to that show). Still, NBC picked up the show for a full season -and is revamping it for the back nine, dropping two cast members.
Daisies was one of the most creative shows on TV, sly and witty. Its a sad comment that American TV viewers would rather watch a craptacular show like Rider than one of quality and good humor.
Still, I must realize, that I'm a minority here. No-brainer TV shows like Knight Rider will always win, it seems, over intelligent and well-written, well acted programs like Pushing Daisies.
The one good aspect, if this becomes official, creator Bryan Fuller has said he’s sufficiently invested in the project to finish telling the tale of Ned, Chuck, Emerson and Olive via graphic novel or maybe a movie.
This cancellation could also help NBC's Heroes, as Fuller will probably return to the show to help shepard it through its final eight episodes (despite the firing of Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb last week, their stamp of approval will continue through episode 17). During its first season, Fuller was the showrunner and is credited with making the show the huge hit it was during that first year, include writing one the most critically acclaimed episodes of that season, Company Man.
Those are the only episodes the network ordered, and word has come through the trades that ABC will not order the back nine, which essentially means the series is at an end.
While ABC spokespeople are saying nothing, but the death of the show is a huge disappointment. Partly, though, its fall from grace can be blamed on last winters 100 day writer strike. Only 9 episodes were made before the show was shut down, and due to its complex production, no new shows could be made after the WGA strike ended. But faced with no new pilots, ABC picked the show up for a second season, but since it's return back on October 1, the show has failed to achieve its mediocre success from last year. It seems the viewers have moved on.
And sadly, it has trailed behind NBC's much lamented, and generally panned, re-do of Knight Rider (which is not a huge success in the ratings either, failing to match the ratings Bionic Woman got last year in the same time slot. And we know what happened to that show). Still, NBC picked up the show for a full season -and is revamping it for the back nine, dropping two cast members.
Daisies was one of the most creative shows on TV, sly and witty. Its a sad comment that American TV viewers would rather watch a craptacular show like Rider than one of quality and good humor.
Still, I must realize, that I'm a minority here. No-brainer TV shows like Knight Rider will always win, it seems, over intelligent and well-written, well acted programs like Pushing Daisies.
The one good aspect, if this becomes official, creator Bryan Fuller has said he’s sufficiently invested in the project to finish telling the tale of Ned, Chuck, Emerson and Olive via graphic novel or maybe a movie.
This cancellation could also help NBC's Heroes, as Fuller will probably return to the show to help shepard it through its final eight episodes (despite the firing of Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb last week, their stamp of approval will continue through episode 17). During its first season, Fuller was the showrunner and is credited with making the show the huge hit it was during that first year, include writing one the most critically acclaimed episodes of that season, Company Man.
11 November 2008
Movie: Tru Loved (2008)
On Saturday, I drove to Santa Barbara to support JayTee's last short I helped out with, And the Award Goes To... play at the 17th Annual LBGTQ Outrageous Film Festival. It's funny, as most of JayTee's shorts have played at festivals, but none near here. Which is why, I guess, he went with his husband Adam to Santa Barbara.
Anyhoo, I arrived at about quarter to six, after a 2 plus hour drive. We ended up having dinner and then went to the theater where the film festival was playing. And the Award Goes To was playing before the film Tru Loved, so I got to see it with an audience for the first time. It played okay, with the audience laughing in all the right places. One joke fell flat, but was laughed at the next night, so go figure.
So, Tru Loved is a from writer/director Stuart Wade, and tells the tale of teenage Tru, who has relocated San Francisco to conservative suburbia by her lesbian mothers. Tru struggles like all teens to fit in and find love, but her quest is complicated by sexual politics, closed minds, and closeted friends as she seeks to establish her school's first Gay-Straight Alliance (stolem from IMDB).
Wade deftly handles the comedy and drama, touching on some subjects that most gay films avoid, which is cross racial relationships. Matthew Thompson shines as Lodell, a young black boy trying his hardest to appear straight to all his friends. He hooks up with Tru (played with a beguiling sweetness by newcomer Najarra Townsend) to cover this -and who is clueless about his sexuality until one of her mothers points it out. The only one who blinks at the their relationship is his Grandmother, played by the legendary Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols (of all people). It becomes a running joke through out the film.
The film does work, but thrives on way too many coincidences (like everyone, it seems, has a gay relative) and unrealistic turn of opinions. Still, with a supporting cast led by Nichols, Jasmine Guy (who would’ve thought?), Alexandra Paul, Bruce Vilanch, and Alec Mapa makes the film work for the most part. Then there’s up and coming actors such as handsome boys Tye Olson as Walter and Jake Able as Trevor who work wonders in their supporting roles.
There’s a few great one-liners (one about “I’m your Katy” had everyone laughing) and a brilliant cameo by comedian Jane Lynch who nearly steals the film, along with Mapa, who tries to do it from the start.
A good film, earnest film with a message.
Anyhoo, I arrived at about quarter to six, after a 2 plus hour drive. We ended up having dinner and then went to the theater where the film festival was playing. And the Award Goes To was playing before the film Tru Loved, so I got to see it with an audience for the first time. It played okay, with the audience laughing in all the right places. One joke fell flat, but was laughed at the next night, so go figure.
So, Tru Loved is a from writer/director Stuart Wade, and tells the tale of teenage Tru, who has relocated San Francisco to conservative suburbia by her lesbian mothers. Tru struggles like all teens to fit in and find love, but her quest is complicated by sexual politics, closed minds, and closeted friends as she seeks to establish her school's first Gay-Straight Alliance (stolem from IMDB).
Wade deftly handles the comedy and drama, touching on some subjects that most gay films avoid, which is cross racial relationships. Matthew Thompson shines as Lodell, a young black boy trying his hardest to appear straight to all his friends. He hooks up with Tru (played with a beguiling sweetness by newcomer Najarra Townsend) to cover this -and who is clueless about his sexuality until one of her mothers points it out. The only one who blinks at the their relationship is his Grandmother, played by the legendary Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols (of all people). It becomes a running joke through out the film.
The film does work, but thrives on way too many coincidences (like everyone, it seems, has a gay relative) and unrealistic turn of opinions. Still, with a supporting cast led by Nichols, Jasmine Guy (who would’ve thought?), Alexandra Paul, Bruce Vilanch, and Alec Mapa makes the film work for the most part. Then there’s up and coming actors such as handsome boys Tye Olson as Walter and Jake Able as Trevor who work wonders in their supporting roles.
There’s a few great one-liners (one about “I’m your Katy” had everyone laughing) and a brilliant cameo by comedian Jane Lynch who nearly steals the film, along with Mapa, who tries to do it from the start.
A good film, earnest film with a message.
Paramount releases more pic for the Star Trek re-boot, including the new Enterprise
I'm of mixed feelings here, as I like everything except the nacelles, which reminds me of a tail fin on an old Chevy.
Still, unlike a few out there, I'm still willing to give the re-boot a chance.
Still, unlike a few out there, I'm still willing to give the re-boot a chance.
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