New True Blood Add

HBO is going all out with it's add campaign for the June premier of True Blood. Here's the latest poster

Simple, blunt and more than a little provocative. Too much?

Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon

I'm trying not to wait so long to see movies I really want to see. Life is short, you know? With that in mind, I went to see How to Train Your Dragon in 3D today. Besides, there's a shortage of 3D screens and a whole lot of 3D movies coming out, so who knows how long you can see Dragon in 3D when Clash of the Titans opens this Friday. Not cool, I know, but theatres need time to get up to date (I heard once it costs over $100 000 to convert a theatre to 3D).

Anyway, the movie was awesome! It's been a while since I've seen a movie that I've liked this much. To find a film that balances fun, action, humor and heart to this degree is a rare thing. Though a bit of warning; a couple of scenes could potentially scare kids. When I was in the Cineplex many of the younger kids in the theatre were crying after a couple of the more hair-raising moments. Some parents seem to be under the impression that a kids movie is good for all kids. Not true. If you're not sure try a website like kids-in-mind. It'll help you make an informed decision.

Dragon also sports a great cast; I was most impressed with Jay Baruchel as Hiccup, a young Viking trying to find his place in his society, but ends up befriending a dragon, whom the Vikings have been fighting for ages. Baruchel really captured Hiccup's self-deprecating humor and intelligence. Other cast members included Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill and Kristen Wigg (though I have to ask; why do Vikings have American and Scottish accents?)

As I've said, this movie had a lot of heart. It's a coming of age story, and I really liked it's focus on compassion, understanding and acceptance. These are all wonderful lessons for kids and adults alike.

The dragons were really neat, too. They could go from scary to adorable pretty quickly. The dragon who befriends Hiccup, Toothless, looks almost catlike at times. There were very inventive breeds showcased; no one-note dragons here. Plus, the 3D makes it feel like you're flying with the dragons at times. Neato! But this would be a great movie in two or three dimensions.

My verdict: I've probably oversold it, but go see it! ASAP. Even if you can't see it in 3D, it'll still be worth your while.

Paranormal Activity: A contemplation on what makes a 'scary' movie

Last night I watched Paranormal Activity, at home and in the dark with candles. Earth Hour had just ended, so I figured I'd keep the candles on and add to the spooky atmosphere. Not the wisest decision as it turns out. This, my dears, is the first time in a long time that a movie has truly rattled me; beating heart, dread in my stomach, sweaty palms, the works. By the time the ending came around I was watching through a blanket covering my eyes. I was able to get to sleep later that night however, though I had to keep my door closed and was extra cautious about walking around in the dark (though I should be doing that anyway; stubbed toes are not fun). And no nightmares to report, which is what many of the film's reviews promise. But still, very much rattled.

Now I'm usually not such a scaredy cat when it comes to horror movies. I can get creeped out, or grossed out, or maybe unsettled, but often I'm not actually frightened. In fact I'm a pretty big fan of the genre. I've always been interested in the spooky, fantastical side of life; hence my passion for vampires and shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural. The Shining, Rosemary's Baby, The Omen, Psycho, are all classic films and I have seen each one without any major ill effects. The Evil Dead trilogy may not be classic, but they're definitely cult favorites and favorites of mine as well. Most of the time I just find movies and shows like that entertaining, maybe creepy, sometimes even thought provoking, as occasionally a deeper message can be hidden in the blood and gore.

So what makes Paranormal Activity an exception? A number of reasons I think. First, it's a documentary style film. The audience is made to believe that what we're seeing is "lost" footage, a la The Blair Witch Project (another low budget, fan driven horror hit), something we maybe even weren't meant to see. Whereas most horror movies are staged and special fx'd to the point that it's almost comical, PA hits closer to home; literally, as every single frightening event takes place in this average couple's middle class house. What we're seeing is made more believable as it almost works within the realm of possibility, that this could happen to you.

Secondly, I'm not a fan of things that all of a sudden pop out at you in the dark. That's a big reason why I don't do haunted houses at theme parks (The Haunted Mansion and the Tower of Terror at Disney World being obvious exceptions). As the camera moved through the house in PA late at night, or even as it sat stationary in the bedroom at like 3 in the morning, you never knew what was coming. That freaks me out.

Thirdly, the whole movie builds up steam as you go. The activity starts off slow, and in the middle of the film I was even beginning to wonder if this was really as scary as everyone says it is. My concerns were very much allayed, as gradually the events become more frequent and more menacing, leading up to a pretty darn frightening ending. That building of suspense just made it all the more horrifying.

I put off watching the alternate ending until today, just because after all that I wanted to tackle it in broad daylight. After seeing both (kind of; I had to turn my eyes away a few times), I just have to say that the original ending was way better. It was a lot more startling and left a sense of mystery.

So a good movie overall, and a unique experience for me. It's a unique movie in general, as it took a whole lot of people "Demanding It" on the film's web page to give it a wide release. It's an example of how the Internet is affecting the film industry in this day and age.

As I lay in bed last night, trying to keep my back to the door, I remembered two of my favorite acronyms; WWBD? and WWAWD? Longer versions are What Would Buffy Do? and What Would a Winchester Do? They'd kick the scary thing's rear end, that's what. Keep that in mind as you watch PA or any movie that really freaks you out. It worked for me.

Anytime you've been scared by a movie? Post away.

True Blood in Advertising.

For your approval: A new teaser poster for the 3rd season of True Blood.

Classic. Bet you never look at coffee the same way again. Your thoughts?

New Harry Potter site and, FINALLY, a date for the theme park

So two pieces of news for us muggles.

A) There is finally a set date for the opening of the new Harry Potter theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, at Universal Studios in Orlando. June 18th. A little later than the 'spring' opening we were originally promised, but not by much. Write it down people. A truly historic date. As soon as I'm able, you know I'll be there.

B) A new official Harry Potter site from Scholastic has just gone live. All 7 books, quizzes, lots of terminology. Oooohhh, geek overload.

Now if only the next movie was coming out before November, we'd truly be in business.

Movie Review - Alice in Wonderland

Finally got around to seeing Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland; in 3D, natch. Would've seen it much sooner, but again, like my listening to Plastic Beach, life got in the way and things had to be put off.

Not at all disappointed though. Burton's remake/sequel is not only a fantastical romp but also a coming of age story, featuring perhaps the most unique way for a young lady to become an empowered woman ever. Without revealing too much, in this outing a nineteen year old Alice Kingsley (Mia Wasikowska, a fairly new actress on the scene and a revelation here) returns to Wonderland and is pulled into the citizens' battle against the notorious Red Queen (Helena Bonham-Carter).

My man Johnny plays the Mad Hatter, making Alice the seventh film in which Depp and Burton have collaborated. Funny enough I had expected Depp to play the Hatter as more quirky than actually insane. But the Hatter has quite a few moments of genuine mental instability. Not only do I applaud that, I'm kicking myself for thinking for even a moment that Depp would've played it safe in this kind of role, or any role. Shows what I know.

Anne Hathaway and the always creepy Crispin Glover help round out the principal actors appearing on screen. Representing several of Wonderland's citizens in voice-over are the likes of Michael Sheen, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry and Christopher Lee. And I know I've sung the praises of digital 3D before, but it really cannot be overstressed. It makes the film look so amazing, even when things aren't jumping out at you.

Bit of a final point; loved the outfits Alice wore throughout the film. Victorian Punk. So cool. Total Oscar nom worthy.

My Verdict: Wonderland is a real wonder. Besides, anything where Burton and Depp can work together is welcome sight in my book.

St. Paddy's Day with the Boondock Saints

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Erin go Bragh!

I love this holiday. I have a little Irish in me, and it loves to come bursting out every March 17th. But it can not be overemphasized that St. Patrick's Day is for everyone, because everyone, regardless of race, religion or background, is Irish today.

But here I must point out the utter lack of Irish spirit in my community. I showed up to work at the library with a green top, green shoes, green-painted nails and a shamrock necklace. I couldn't be more festive without looking totally inappropriate for work. I was blasting Great Big Sea and the Chieftains on the drive over, and I was all set for some Celtic-related fun. But, I saw maybe all of 10 other people wearing green through the whole day, and that's counting both staff and customers. What the blarney? I feel very passionately about wearing green on St. Patrick's Day. As my roommate tried to leave the house this morning without wearing green I referred to him as Big Chief No Fun of the I Don't Wanna Tribe. I can't very well say that to a customer without getting a major chewing out from management. Same thing with trying to pinch them. Now granted, it's a very Italian community where I work, but still, I was so disappointed in the lack of emerald shades. I need to be around people who want to celebrate this holiday...without getting plastered, 'cause that's not my thing...though I did have a little Baileys after work with my roommates.

Anyway, rant's over. On to the fun stuff. This last Saturday I finally got around to watching The Boondock Saints, the 1999 shoot-em-up cult hit about Irish-American twin brothers, Connor and Murphy MacManus, cleaning up the streets of Boston after becoming vigilantes on a mission from God (and, interestingly enough, the movie opens on St. Patrick's Day). I enjoyed this little outing quite a bit. The mix of religious fervor and gratuitous violence was very interesting to see mashed together. There's even a family prayer the brothers recite at their scenes of crime, which is written on the poster shown here (I saw so many posters for this movie on sale when I went to university). The brothers themselves, played by Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus, are charming and handsome. Willem Dafoe packs in a pretty intense performance as an FBI Special Agent torn between tracking the brothers down and wanting to join them in their mission. It's all pretty twisted, often times intense, but also funny, gripping and oddly enough it makes you think about whether or not the MacManus', or people like them, should be condemned or condoned for these kinds of actions. The final scenes, featuring a news crew and the citizens of Boston, are particularly telling on that point.

So to all of you, Irish in ancestry or in spirit, I say Happy St. Paddy's Day! I'm going to see if I can find some Father Ted episodes on YouTube.

Album Review: Plastic Beach

So I finally got around to listening to Gorillaz's new album, Plastic Beach. I picked up my copy the very day it was released...and then I didn't listen to it until almost a week later. After I spent ages ranting about it and waiting expectantly. What the beep is wrong with me? Life gets in the way, that's the problem.

But today, finally, it was playing nicely on my car stereo, and I have to say my high expectations were definitely not dashed. It's a fun little confection of eclectic tastes, from rap to pop to orchestral tracks to middle eastern music and oh so much more, mashing it all together, bringing lots of guest stars like Snoop Dogg, Bobby Womack, De La Soul and Little Dragon into the whole sordid affair. The music has kind of an island feel to emphasize the 'beach' in the title, and, perhaps most importantly, it features cartoon characters! Beach brings to light once again what Gorillaz is all about.

Standout tracks? Well, as you may have seen in a previous post, I can't say enough good things about first single "Stylo". But, as for the rest of the album the song I had to listen to again once it was finished was "White Flag", which mixes rap by Bashy and Kano with a Arabic orchestra. Amazingly, it works really well together, and if was still belly dancing, this would be a track I would perform to. "Rhinestone Eyes" is a pretty, spooky, ethereal number, the kind of track you could film a slow motion scene to in a movie. "Glitter Freeze" has a hand clap and bass line reminiscent of Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll (Part 1 and 2)", which I'm sure is on purpose. After hearing the album's recently announced second single, "Superfast Jellyfish", I'm very surprised it was chosen as a single. It's fun, but not exactly commercial. And it's funny me saying that because the song is basically a commercial for a non existent breakfast snack. The style of the song reminded me of "Rock the House", from Gorillaz's debut album. Anyway, check it out on the band's YouTube page and you'll see my confusion (check out the other videos while you're there if you're not too familiar with the band). Future third single, "On Melancholy Hill", is a rather light, somewhat 80's sounding tune. The rest of the tracks are just as jumbled in style and genre, but all in a good way.

The only major complaint I had with Plastic Beach was that the accompanying synthesizer tracks on some of the songs, particularly "Glitter Freeze", reminded me of a dentist's drill. And seeing how I'd just had a filling about four days ago, I really didn't need that.

Of course, I picked up the Experience edition, which comes with a DVD featuring a 40 minute documentary on how the album was made. Turns out the doc is a collection of snippets from the whole process of bringing Plastic Beach to life, with no narration to help sort out what you're watching. It was interesting seeing the different guest musicians come together (Bobby Womack in particular is a treat on camera), and seeing the 8ft. model of the Plastic Beach being built and photographed for the album cover and website (I hadn't realized they'd actually built a model). But I was hoping for more information on the animated band members, and there were only bits and pieces of conversation and some preliminary drawings. Still, I enjoy seeing the creative process in action, but if you're not into seeing the magic behind the curtain you might want to give this a miss. Instead, buy the deluxe version for the access to online content, which gives you wallpapers, screen savers, extra videos and other features.

My Verdict: Totally worth the wait, Plastic Beach is something fresh, different and fun to mix into the pop music scene.

Go see the band's official website to hear the album in full, and lots of other goodies. Gorillaz websites are always worth checking out.

"Telephone" music video: Lady Gaga & Beyonce are Bad, Bad Girls

Everyone has been abuzz this weekend over Lady Gaga's new video for "Telephone", her single with other major pop star Beyonce. After viewing it last night, I have to join the adulation. It's a fun little 10 min mini-movie with nods to Quentin Tarantino and Betty Page and features a super stylish prison for women. Like many of LG's video masterpieces, "Telephone" is weird, colorful and cutting edge. And Beyonce seems more than willing to get in on it too.

I'm big on the Gaga Train, and I love her willingness to push the boundaries when it comes to fashion and just about everything else, but I have to ask; Does she have to appear half-naked in every one of her music videos? 'M just sayin'.

Take a look here and post away. What do you think of the Pussy Wagon making a cameo? Pretty cool, right?

The shock of the top twelve and my current annoyance with Idol

Just a quick update on my love-hate relationship with American Idol. The top twelve have been revealed, and there were some cuts I completely agreed with. Like Alex Lambert. How dare he share the same surname with my beloved Adam? I didn't get his appeal at all, he was way too timid and he had one of the worst haircuts I've ever seen. But other more talented stars got cut while less talented, or at least less appealing, ones stayed on. And I'm left scratching my head. Again.

I gotta say I was so annoyed with the first three live performances, I almost stopped watching right then and there. They were so...bland, so safe, so totally uninteresting. Plus, the 70s rocker went home that first week. I really liked him. I did applaud his willingness to call the judges out on their sometimes misleading advice, as shocking is was for a contestant to do that. The judges are a bit contradictory. It had to be said.

Really, I'm hanging in here purely for Simon, and because I still hold out hope that this will get better. Perhaps my faith is ill-placed. We shall see.

Check out AmericanIdol.com for the skinny.

82nd Academy Awards: Glitz, Glamour...Looove It!

So the Oscars came and went last night, and I gotta say, it was a great show. It ran along smoothly, but there were lots of surprises and highlights to fill in the three and a half hours that can really drag on if not done properly. Here are some of my standout moments, hopefully in chronological order.

Neil Patrick Harris' opening number. Funny, toe-tapping, and made even better with his opening line. "I'm Neil Patrick Harris. I know; What am I doing here?"

Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin as hosts. Very humorous, with some great one-liners. Case in point: "When working with Meryl Streep, people can't help but think two things. What a great actress she is, and what's with all the Nazi memorabilia?" I'm still wondering about the menacing staring between Baldwin and George Clooney. Who would ever have a beef with Clooney? Anybody know?

Christoph Waltz wins Best Supporting Actor. Like I had any doubt after seeing Inglourious Basterds.

The stars of the nominated Best Animated Films got to introduce themselves and say a few words about being nominated. Ahh, the magic of cinema.

The tribute to John Hughes. Molly Ringwald and Mathew Broderick came out on stage to pay tribute to a great director. A montage of film clips further highlighted his work. Then more actors, like John Cryer, Judd Nelson and Macauly Caulkin came out to say a few more words. Tasteful and touching.

Having a modern and hip hop dance troop performing to the Best Cinematic Score nominees. I would've never thought of that, and it worked surprisingly well. Way to think outside the box.

The tribute to Horror films, which was way overdue at the Oscars. Though some of the films shown in the montage are ones I would not classify as horror. Edward Scissorhands? Really? But, Evil Dead was thrown in there, so all is forgiven.

Fellow actors and actresses paying tribute to this year's Best Actor and Actress nominees. Very heartwarming, and some of the stories were really interesting. Oprah was even there!

The surprise Best Actress win for Sandra Bullock. Good for her, but whaaa? She just won a Razzie for heaven's sake! At least Halle Berry won her Oscar first and then spread it out a little.

Kathryn Bigelow (pictured above with presenter Barbara Streisand) is the first woman to ever win Best Director. You go girl!

Hurt Locker winning Best Picture over Avatar. I have not seen either film but I do get a smug sense of satisfaction seeing an independent movie winning out over an over-blown, over SFX'd big budget picture. Just because more people have seen it, that does not make it the better movie.

All in all, an excellent evening, and I felt my weeks of waiting were rewarded handsomely. Most of the acceptance speeches were short and eloquent, but the producers were willing to let some of the winners speak, even if it means going long. And I think it's important to keep a balance there, because winners should have their moment and some of the most memorable occurrences can happen during an acceptance speech. Also, there were no major fashion faux pas, or at least none that I noticed. What moments did you find most memorable?

Oh, one last thing. What was with that red-headed lady pulling a Kanye West and cutting off the winning director's speech for Best Documentary Short? What the heck was that about?

Stylo video released

My main reaction to the new music video from Gorillaz could best be summed up in seven words: "Oh my God, is that Bruce Willis!?" Turns out it is him. How cool is that?

Otherwise I kind of felt like Homer did during a flashback episode of The Simpsons when he was watching an episode of Twin Peaks. "Brilliant! I have absolutely no idea what's going on."

It's a high-paced, car chase of a video, similar in vein to the virtual band's earlier offering for "19-2000". Except this time, where most of their past videos are either traditionally animated or a combination of traditional animation and live-action, "Stylo" features a mix of live-action and computer animation, which I believe is the first time that's happened in their music videos (I have most of their previous videos on my iPod, so I've had a chance to look). The results look great, and gives "Stylo" more of a cinematic feel. Willis helps with that too.

Otherwise though, I'm not sure what this is all about. Murdoc Niccals, 2D and the new android Noodle are driving down a desert road in a bullet-riddled roadster. They manage to avoid a rather inept police officer but are then hotly pursued by Willis' character who appears to be...I'm not sure, maybe a hit man or a bounty hunter or a cop? Beats the heck out of me.

I've been keeping track of Gorillaz news ever since I've heard of the new album, and there have been hints and allusions to the new storyline through interviews and video clips, but it's all been intentionally vague (at least I hope it's intentional). Some of the things that have been hinted to are further referenced in this video, like the creepy shadowy figure that rises out of the sand. But as the new album was, according to the current story-arc for the virtual characters, made on a plastic beach in the middle of the ocean I don't know what this whole high-speed chase is about. Keeping the beach in mind, however, the final scene does make a little sense.

If I've piqued your curiosity, take a look on YouTube and tell me what you think. Am I making too much out of this? Maybe, but I'm a big fan and I'm hoping that answers are coming, hopefully once the album's released on March 9th. Soon my pretties, soon!

Movie Reveiw: Up in the Air

Take two on the Oscar front. I found a theatre still playing Up in the Air, and managed to squeeze it in. I'm a big time George Clooney fan, so that is reason enough to go check it out.

I was surprised how much I liked this movie, and how much it ended up resonating with me. Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a man in constant motion, and who likes it that way, as he flies throughout the United States to fire people. He considers airports and airplanes his home, and is never in one place for very long. But things take a turn when he meets a fellow traveler (Vera Farminga) and mentors an uptight young go-getter (Anna Kendrick).

Clooney, Farminga and Kendrick are all up for actor Oscars, as well they should be. Based on what I had heard going in, I was convinced I wouldn't like Kendrick's character, Natalie. Boy was I wrong. She was adorable, even when she was being a bit of a hard-ass. Farminga's high flyer, Alex, is also likable and far deeper than she first appears. And Clooney's just...well, he's Clooney.

This movie is very relevant for in the current job market, when so many people in the states are loosing their jobs. That it manages to connect with the current climate while still keeping the characters and storyline intimate and relatable is a true feat, and it's not hard to see why it's up for Best Picture.

My Verdict: Go see it. It has a unique mix of humor and tragedy, which is rare for a lot of movies. And if that doesn't get you, then at least go for Clooney.