Dawn of the Dead (2004): ****
I had seen this before but, some of us watched it last night. I love zombie movies. Seriously. This one is pretty great. The directors cut, or unrated version (whatever), gives you a bit more character and a bit more gore. The extra character stuff was nice. I like to get to know my assholes and bitches before they are ravaged/sawed/zombified/impaled... you get the picture. Reasons to see this zombie movie in particular: 1) pimped shuttle buses with chainsaw holes of slashing those pesky hanger-on zombies 2) Shear volume of zombies 3) Ving 4) No happy ending. Also if you enjoy subversive political statements. Ahhhh... politics and zombies... who would have ever thought someone would go there?
Other news:
I am so ridiculously in love with Psychonauts. Holy-Gosh-Wow! I have maybe 4 more levels (I'm in the Asylum, currently) and I just can't get enough!
I haven't been sleeping, or rather, I have been sleeping but, my dreams are full of tasks that I can't accomplish and I spend all night trying to get these dream-things done, only to wake in the more compelely exhausted. yuck.
My 4th was low-key, baby. Mostly Video games and naps and Harry Potter on cd (ohmyfuckingchristit'slike16daysaway!)
July 5, 2007
July 2, 2007
Sicko
Sicko: *****
So far this is my favorite Michael Moore film. It was funny! Super funny! God Bless Cuba! I wonder how I would feel about this movie if I weren't a fan of socialized medicine? I am. I have been for a long time. Ever since I heard about socialize medicine in Canada (probably 10th grade). Anyway, I didn't recieve very much information from this film that I wasn't already aware of but, people were gasping and cheering and booing in the theatre. I'm glad that other liberal chicagoans also.... oh shit......are other none liberal chicagoans going to 'like it' What about conservatives? I liked this movie but, I realize it's sort of propaganda, isn't it? What didn't Mr. Moore tell us? What is the truth? Is there even a truth anymore? OOOOHHHHH GOD! I have lost myself in this whirlwind of thought! Help Help! I've turned into a SOCIALIST!
The Last Kiss: **
Blah. Boy fucks underwear model only to go crawling back to his pregnant girlfriend. Spends a couple of days on the porch in the rain waiting for her to literally (and figuratively (how clever!) let him back in. Who cares? The side characters were more interesting. I wish the movie had been more about them. It sort of left me feeling like no relationship would ever work because people are inherently going to fuck each other over. I don't think that was what they wanted me to take from this movie but, it was such a fucking snore and everyone in it was pathetic and angry and cheating and so....... even if all these relationships get resolved, even if everyone lets someone 'in' in the end, it's only because none of us want to be alone. It made me think that there are no good relationships, there is only living with bad ones. Wow, do I sound pessimistic or what!
So far this is my favorite Michael Moore film. It was funny! Super funny! God Bless Cuba! I wonder how I would feel about this movie if I weren't a fan of socialized medicine? I am. I have been for a long time. Ever since I heard about socialize medicine in Canada (probably 10th grade). Anyway, I didn't recieve very much information from this film that I wasn't already aware of but, people were gasping and cheering and booing in the theatre. I'm glad that other liberal chicagoans also.... oh shit......are other none liberal chicagoans going to 'like it' What about conservatives? I liked this movie but, I realize it's sort of propaganda, isn't it? What didn't Mr. Moore tell us? What is the truth? Is there even a truth anymore? OOOOHHHHH GOD! I have lost myself in this whirlwind of thought! Help Help! I've turned into a SOCIALIST!
The Last Kiss: **
Blah. Boy fucks underwear model only to go crawling back to his pregnant girlfriend. Spends a couple of days on the porch in the rain waiting for her to literally (and figuratively (how clever!) let him back in. Who cares? The side characters were more interesting. I wish the movie had been more about them. It sort of left me feeling like no relationship would ever work because people are inherently going to fuck each other over. I don't think that was what they wanted me to take from this movie but, it was such a fucking snore and everyone in it was pathetic and angry and cheating and so....... even if all these relationships get resolved, even if everyone lets someone 'in' in the end, it's only because none of us want to be alone. It made me think that there are no good relationships, there is only living with bad ones. Wow, do I sound pessimistic or what!
June 29, 2007
Happiness
Happiness: ****
Sometimes I find it hard to grade movies like this. Like The Squid and The Whale. I mean, granted, they are very different but, they are both sort of artsy movies that show us a glimpse into the fucked up lives of other people. There is lots of come in this movie. I was a little shocked. And grossed out. But that scene on the couch with Dylan Baker and his kid, where he answers all the questions. Fucking wow. He blew my mind. Totally solid performance by everyone in the film but, that scene was so raw and emotional. (are you (Charlie, Jesse, and Rhys)going to make really bad jokes about that last sentence? )
anywho I want to see Ratatouille in the worst way. Pixar+Brad Bird=Goddamnfantasticnessously happy Jess but, I have to figure out how to pay the rent before I can go galumphing off to the movies.
Next up from Netflix: The Last Kiss. Weeds Season 2 is living at the Top of my Q until it releases!
Ps2 News:
Finished Playing: Indigo Prophesy (6 hours) This was my first none racing/Guitar Hero Game to beat since Donkey Kong Country 3.
Now Playing: Psychonauts and I am totally in love!
Sometimes I find it hard to grade movies like this. Like The Squid and The Whale. I mean, granted, they are very different but, they are both sort of artsy movies that show us a glimpse into the fucked up lives of other people. There is lots of come in this movie. I was a little shocked. And grossed out. But that scene on the couch with Dylan Baker and his kid, where he answers all the questions. Fucking wow. He blew my mind. Totally solid performance by everyone in the film but, that scene was so raw and emotional. (are you (Charlie, Jesse, and Rhys)going to make really bad jokes about that last sentence? )
anywho I want to see Ratatouille in the worst way. Pixar+Brad Bird=Goddamnfantasticnessously happy Jess but, I have to figure out how to pay the rent before I can go galumphing off to the movies.
Next up from Netflix: The Last Kiss. Weeds Season 2 is living at the Top of my Q until it releases!
Ps2 News:
Finished Playing: Indigo Prophesy (6 hours) This was my first none racing/Guitar Hero Game to beat since Donkey Kong Country 3.
Now Playing: Psychonauts and I am totally in love!
June 18, 2007
Reviews
JuneBug: ****
This was a wonderfully delicate movie. I don't know that any movie has captured the feeling of 'southerness' quite like this. Tiny towns where everyone goes to church and kids drop out of school to get married and the land is still soaked with the blood from wars of hundreds of years ago. Where things are slower and quieter. It's one of those movies where 'nothing happens'. I was blown away by the fullness of the characters. By how much these people told me about themselves by their gestures. By the things they didn't say. See it.
Knocked Up: *****
Look, I am a 15 year old boy. I mean... I have the mentalilty of a 15 year old boy. Video games, green, metal... come on. Mr. Apatow manages to appeal to both the 15 year old boy in me and the 25 year old girl. This movie was gross and funny and stupid and awesome and full of heart. I didn't feel the length at all...and coming in over 2 hours for a 'romantic comedy' is usually not a good thing. He is the only person I would let convince me that this much time could be devoted to something falling into this genre and, that is mostly because he doesn't make 'romantic comedies' as we know them. Or he sees the change in youth (by youth I mean us 20 somethings with no direction) and reflects it back at us.
Pirates 3: ****
I was really confused for most of this movie. No idea who was back-stabbing who. I hadn't seen the 2nd one since it was in theatres. I would have appriciated a 2 minute recap of some kind. After about 10 minutes of the movie, 10 minutes where I sat trying to figure out what the fuck was goin on, I remembered that it was Pirates 3 and that I should just turn my brain off and enjoy. This worked well. Totally enjoyable. I was sad that Calypso just 'became the storm'. I didn't really feel like her 'presence' as a part of the battle was as strong as it could have been. I don't know how they could have helped this matter. Luckily we didn't see her face in the shape of clouds .... unless it was done better than faces/smiles/eyes are normally portrayed. I am really gald I stayed through the credits. What if you didn't? I mean... the whole series is wrapped up in those 2 minutes. So many people left without seeing 'the end'. Was that smart of Disney? I guess people should have known by now that there would be something after the credits...
Ocean's 13: I may have said 3 before but I think I am gonna go with **
Total let down. No suprise. No fun. Not interesting. Totally bored. It wasn't bad per say... It might have been better had it been....
The Marine: ***
No one freak out. 3 stars is a lot for a movie made by the WWF, right. This movie was fucking rickdezilus. HUGE explosions, car chases, awful acting, chessy love story, bad dialogue, stupid bad guys, lame jokes, and a happy ending. B movie beauty. Get all messed up and gather the boys and laugh and cheer.
I'm still all....
This was a wonderfully delicate movie. I don't know that any movie has captured the feeling of 'southerness' quite like this. Tiny towns where everyone goes to church and kids drop out of school to get married and the land is still soaked with the blood from wars of hundreds of years ago. Where things are slower and quieter. It's one of those movies where 'nothing happens'. I was blown away by the fullness of the characters. By how much these people told me about themselves by their gestures. By the things they didn't say. See it.
Knocked Up: *****
Look, I am a 15 year old boy. I mean... I have the mentalilty of a 15 year old boy. Video games, green, metal... come on. Mr. Apatow manages to appeal to both the 15 year old boy in me and the 25 year old girl. This movie was gross and funny and stupid and awesome and full of heart. I didn't feel the length at all...and coming in over 2 hours for a 'romantic comedy' is usually not a good thing. He is the only person I would let convince me that this much time could be devoted to something falling into this genre and, that is mostly because he doesn't make 'romantic comedies' as we know them. Or he sees the change in youth (by youth I mean us 20 somethings with no direction) and reflects it back at us.
Pirates 3: ****
I was really confused for most of this movie. No idea who was back-stabbing who. I hadn't seen the 2nd one since it was in theatres. I would have appriciated a 2 minute recap of some kind. After about 10 minutes of the movie, 10 minutes where I sat trying to figure out what the fuck was goin on, I remembered that it was Pirates 3 and that I should just turn my brain off and enjoy. This worked well. Totally enjoyable. I was sad that Calypso just 'became the storm'. I didn't really feel like her 'presence' as a part of the battle was as strong as it could have been. I don't know how they could have helped this matter. Luckily we didn't see her face in the shape of clouds .... unless it was done better than faces/smiles/eyes are normally portrayed. I am really gald I stayed through the credits. What if you didn't? I mean... the whole series is wrapped up in those 2 minutes. So many people left without seeing 'the end'. Was that smart of Disney? I guess people should have known by now that there would be something after the credits...
Ocean's 13: I may have said 3 before but I think I am gonna go with **
Total let down. No suprise. No fun. Not interesting. Totally bored. It wasn't bad per say... It might have been better had it been....
The Marine: ***
No one freak out. 3 stars is a lot for a movie made by the WWF, right. This movie was fucking rickdezilus. HUGE explosions, car chases, awful acting, chessy love story, bad dialogue, stupid bad guys, lame jokes, and a happy ending. B movie beauty. Get all messed up and gather the boys and laugh and cheer.
I'm still all....
May 31, 2007
Mild Ramblings
Well guys... I haven't been to see a movie since Spiderman. Sorry... I will try to see both Pirates and Knocked up before next friday when I will see Ocean's 13 with Ian... or maybe Saturday.. Anyway, we will see it, I am sure. Oh yeah, Ian is coming to visit me NEXT WEEK! I am dancing for joy! I am leaping and folicing and w00t w00ting!
Been splitting the time between the Shakes and Temp agency. There is a vague distant hope that The Shakes will want me permanently... sometime in the future... I don't want to think about it and get too excited only to be crushed. Can't take it right now.
Still no word from Drew. Has this ever happened to any of you guys? You're seeing someone... for a little while... not long.... and then they just decide never to call you again? Because it FUCKING SUCKS. The man has Kavalier and Clay... ok..... I stole that book from David over 2 years ago! It went to Europe with me (actually with Jesse). I underlined in it. It has leaves in it from the Japanese garden oustside Vinarska and most importantly... it was David's book and he loved it soo much that he lent it to me for about a year.... and I didn't read it... and then Finally I did and I just fell in love. I want it back. I didn't do anything to this guy and he just decides to not speak to me. I don't give a shit about that. fuck him.... I just want my book! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
In other news: Moving Erin and Mike this week.... ohgodhelpus!
Been splitting the time between the Shakes and Temp agency. There is a vague distant hope that The Shakes will want me permanently... sometime in the future... I don't want to think about it and get too excited only to be crushed. Can't take it right now.
Still no word from Drew. Has this ever happened to any of you guys? You're seeing someone... for a little while... not long.... and then they just decide never to call you again? Because it FUCKING SUCKS. The man has Kavalier and Clay... ok..... I stole that book from David over 2 years ago! It went to Europe with me (actually with Jesse). I underlined in it. It has leaves in it from the Japanese garden oustside Vinarska and most importantly... it was David's book and he loved it soo much that he lent it to me for about a year.... and I didn't read it... and then Finally I did and I just fell in love. I want it back. I didn't do anything to this guy and he just decides to not speak to me. I don't give a shit about that. fuck him.... I just want my book! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
In other news: Moving Erin and Mike this week.... ohgodhelpus!
May 15, 2007
Jess to make voyage home!
I will return to the South for 1 week only! August 11th - 19th. I'm not gonna have a car... or any money probably... but... if you are around.. I probably will want to hang out with you!
May 14, 2007
Shake It!
I love The Shakes. I can not say enough. Who cares if I'm working 12 or 13 hours! Seriously... It fucking rocks.
This song:
Nada Surf: 80 Windows
It's all over me... normally I would post the lyrics but, seems maybe too sad of a song to post...
I am reading American Gods again. I bought it for myself because Drew dissapeared and still has, in his posession, treasured books of mine, which I may never see again. I don't want to think about it... anyway I needed something to cheer me.
This song:
Nada Surf: 80 Windows
It's all over me... normally I would post the lyrics but, seems maybe too sad of a song to post...
I am reading American Gods again. I bought it for myself because Drew dissapeared and still has, in his posession, treasured books of mine, which I may never see again. I don't want to think about it... anyway I needed something to cheer me.
May 10, 2007
Fuck me.
So here I am on my way from one job to the other. From the South Loop area to Navy Pier... Just walking along and a woman has a goddamn heart attack. I have never seen anyone have a heart attack. I have never been more scared in my life. I couldn't do anything. I mean no one around could do anything but call 911 on their cell phones. I was so shaken. I mean... I am still really shaken. I had to leave. I mean there were tons of people around and I just didn't want to stand there gawking. She was still breathing and stuff... anyway....talk about feeling helpless. It's a goddamn theme for me these days..................
I am exhausted and more than anything else in the entire world I want someone to be in my bed when I get home. Not anyone, mind you... but someone who wants to be there... and there just isn't anyone to do that for me right now. I am seriously wiped already and I still have 10 days of this maddness. Pray to all the gods you believe in... 'cause I am gonna need some serious Universe lovin to make it ....
I am exhausted and more than anything else in the entire world I want someone to be in my bed when I get home. Not anyone, mind you... but someone who wants to be there... and there just isn't anyone to do that for me right now. I am seriously wiped already and I still have 10 days of this maddness. Pray to all the gods you believe in... 'cause I am gonna need some serious Universe lovin to make it ....
May 7, 2007
Well.....
Spider-Man 3: *** (out of 5)
I know that no one is holding their breath for my review of this movie. The reviews for a movie like this don't matter. Did Spiderman make like 150 mil this weekend? Right, people are going regardless, which is good of them because if people were listening, this movie would definetly not have done so well. I love Spiderman. I mean, I think I am in love with the idea of comics because of Spiderman. This final chapter of the supposed trilogy was not the beautiful and cohesively woven tapestry or its predecesor. It was too much. With so many villians, I didn't feel like I could concentrate, or better yet, I didn't feel as if I was given something to concentrate on. Neither Venom nor the Sandman felt like full characters to me. I didn't feel like I learned something and I didn't feel like Peter learned something either. Venom is like, my all time favorite villian maybe ever. That face scares THE SHIT out of me. No joke. Serious nightmares.... but with only about 10 minutes of Venom in the whole fucking movie.... I just felt like I didn't even have time to be scared! Also: Not enough fighting and I feel as if the fighting wasn't as carefully shot; by that I mean that it wasn't slow enough. Show me a frame that looks like a pannel from a comic! Isn't that part of why Spiderman 2 works? (I said 'part' because we all know that movie is working on tons of levels) All the fighting was shot 'on the move' which isn't bad because we are supposed to be able to get lost in it and be excited and whatnot but, like I said, it was unfocused. I did love Hipster/Emo (Ian called him 'My Chemical Romance Peter') Peter Parker. That shit was hilarious. Bruce Campbell= always awesome. Believe it or not, I also liked (*struggling with the truth of this*) James Franco or Franko or whatever. When he wasn't being all 'Your friend The Bug' and was just being a nice guy with no real memory: well he was pretty fucking likeable! The Bottom line: This was good but not great. I hope it doesn't become the trend for what will definetly be the biggest summer movie season of all time.
I know that no one is holding their breath for my review of this movie. The reviews for a movie like this don't matter. Did Spiderman make like 150 mil this weekend? Right, people are going regardless, which is good of them because if people were listening, this movie would definetly not have done so well. I love Spiderman. I mean, I think I am in love with the idea of comics because of Spiderman. This final chapter of the supposed trilogy was not the beautiful and cohesively woven tapestry or its predecesor. It was too much. With so many villians, I didn't feel like I could concentrate, or better yet, I didn't feel as if I was given something to concentrate on. Neither Venom nor the Sandman felt like full characters to me. I didn't feel like I learned something and I didn't feel like Peter learned something either. Venom is like, my all time favorite villian maybe ever. That face scares THE SHIT out of me. No joke. Serious nightmares.... but with only about 10 minutes of Venom in the whole fucking movie.... I just felt like I didn't even have time to be scared! Also: Not enough fighting and I feel as if the fighting wasn't as carefully shot; by that I mean that it wasn't slow enough. Show me a frame that looks like a pannel from a comic! Isn't that part of why Spiderman 2 works? (I said 'part' because we all know that movie is working on tons of levels) All the fighting was shot 'on the move' which isn't bad because we are supposed to be able to get lost in it and be excited and whatnot but, like I said, it was unfocused. I did love Hipster/Emo (Ian called him 'My Chemical Romance Peter') Peter Parker. That shit was hilarious. Bruce Campbell= always awesome. Believe it or not, I also liked (*struggling with the truth of this*) James Franco or Franko or whatever. When he wasn't being all 'Your friend The Bug' and was just being a nice guy with no real memory: well he was pretty fucking likeable! The Bottom line: This was good but not great. I hope it doesn't become the trend for what will definetly be the biggest summer movie season of all time.
May 4, 2007
*low growl*
I just don't fucking get it. I just don't. I don't fucking understand at all. Maybe... no.... well maybe..... no that's no good either. I just don't fucking get it. Here is a picture that I didn't draw but, it's kinda perfect.
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