Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

Tonight I sat in a room surrounded by about 13 people and I yelled "I'll kill you!" and no one seemed to mind. I guess it's because about three weeks ago while on my way home from work I stopped and tried out for a play. I'm not sure why I decided to do this, I haven't been in a play since the 5th grade. I guess it's because, as anyone who knows me can attest, I like movies. And since I can't be in a movie anytime soon, I'll do the next best thing.

The play is called Rossums Universal Robots(R.U.R.) and was written in 1912. This is pretty amazing seeing how robots did not even exist at the time. Not even simple ones that would perform repetitive tasks on assembly lines. The author of the play, Karel Capek, introduced the word robot, from the Czech robota, which means tedious labor. This play even pre-dates Isaac Asimov's Runaround, which along with other stories I Robot was based upon.

Anyway the story can be viewed as a sci-fi classic of robots taking over the world or, social commentary on our reliance of automation and the dangers of Totalitarism. Whichever you prefer. The performances are the last week in September at the Sunrise theatre. So if you want to catch my stellar, awe inspiring performance you can just watch the first and last five minutes of the show(because that's all I'm in it) or you could actually sit through the whole two hours.

March of the Penguins 4 out of 5

Rated: G

Cast: A lot of penguins, and narration by Morgan Freeman.

If you have not heard about this film it's a documentary about the emperor penguin "as they march -- single file -- to their traditional breeding ground." Of course it's about much more than that, and I guess that's why it has been received so well.

I have to say it's the best movie about penguins I've ever seen. Seriously though, I'm not telling you run out and see this one but if you have the opportunity you won't regret it. I might have missed this one myself but strong word of mouth and the fact that it played at our local Sunrise Theatre that's home to many independent films, inspired me to give it a try.

I don't think I have ever smiled so much during a movie before. I don't me laugh, but smile. And not just the "awe, isn't that cute smile" though there were those too. Just smiles that only come from things that are innocent and inspired from nature. The movie is happy, silly, funny, educational, dramatic and yes, sad too. Though I think the majority of the film is inspiring and upbeat it doesn't mask the harsh realities of nature and the death that it brings. That being said it does this in a tactful non-offensive way that is even suitable for children, and there were many in the audience. (So yes Drpsych2b, this would be "developmentally appropriate" for your kids. At least IMO)

The movie is a great story and it's amazing that someone is talented enough to create something so simple that it makes you actually interested in the life of a penguin for an hour and a half. It makes me wonder why some studios can't create a decent story using supposedly deep characters, plot twists, and special effects. It's also amazing that these guys were actually in Antarctica filming these fantastic shots in temperatures in excess of 40 degrees below(Fahrenheit).

Typically the words "documentary" and "penguins" wouldn't be used to describe a film that the general public would flock to see. Which is why I would not guarantee that everyone will like this film. Especially if you considered movies like The Dukes of Hazzard the peak of cinematic perfection. The movie is fairly simply, not a lot of action, and a bit slow in spots. But, if you like movies about life and want to see a true example of how a story is told using moving pictures be sure to check this one out.

Blog of a Mad White Man

VS



After reading the most recent post of Drpych2b about the trailers of upcoming films, I was reminded how I was fooled by the sly and deceitful advertisement of the movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman. You may have not seen the film but I'm sure you remember the previews. A large black woman is shown using funny and witty comments to tell it straight to those around her because she don't take no sh*t. There is even a scene of her waving a gun around and almost shooting someone by accident. Even the poster has a large black woman in the forefront with other seemingly lesser characters towards the back.

Before seeing the movie I didn't know what it was about but I knew it was a comedy and the main character was a large funny black women. I couldn't have been more wrong. The large black women featured on the previews and plastered on the forefront of the poster is only a supporting character, the movie is not about her at all. And the movie could barely be classified a comedy. While there are funny lines it resembles a Lifetime movie for women much more than it resembles Big Mommas house. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The movie was decent in it's own way. And if you saw the Oprah special, like my wife did, with Tyler Perry, who wrote, produced, and plays the large black woman of whom I have referred, and heard his rags to riches story, it makes you appreciate the movie even more. But the fact is, the movie was advertised as a comedy featuring a large black women. When in fact it was mostly drama(a major chic flick really) and featured an attractive skinny women.

Now I know there are different adds to attract different audiences but, they should at least stay close to the essence of the story. It should be noted that the advertisements that are used now, on the internet and on DVD, are different than what was used of the big screen and more closely represent the actual story. I'm afaid I'm going to have to say it again...shenanigans.

Four Brothers 3 out of 5

Rated: R

Director: John Singleton

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese, Andre 3000, Garrett Hedlund


If you have seen the trailers for this movie and thought that's the kind of movie you like, you won't be disappointed. It delivers exactly what it advertises; a classic action revenge flick. The story is pretty straight forward, four adopted brothers seek the killers of their adoptive mother.

This movie has car chases, shoot outs, and mafia style killings, what more could you want? It also has moments that felt so cheesy you could dip your nachos into it. But, the pace is so fast you hardly care. The main characters even manage to deliver decent lines, with one scene so well played out you swear they really are brothers and if you have siblings you'll remember when they threw things at you just to get on your nerves too.

Another thing I really liked about this movie is that the main characters are who they are throughout the movie. There are no changes or sudden swings in morality. They are the bad good guys. The anti-heroes. They don't just beat people up to get what they are looking for, they kill them too. You might not want to associate with them, but you sure wouldn't complain if they shot a couple of thugs coming in your front door.

This movie may not make you think deep thoughts or strike up a conversation on the moral correctness of euthanasia but, it sure will entertain you for two hours.






This is why I don't like to play basketball with white people.

Special Edition- Wait! Don't Read This. Later I Will Come Out With An Extended Version

So there I am flipping through a magazine and I see an advertisement for a new DVD coming out. Gladiator, 3-disc "Extended Version" with 17 minutes of new footage. Wow, that's great I think. But wait a minute, I already own gladiator and it's the "Signature Version"(apparently that makes it better than those without a signature). It has two discs and it's full of bonus features. So what happened? Did they suddenly find this 17 minutes of missing footage in Ridley Scott's storage locker?


I'm calling shenanigans. Why was it cut in the first place? If it was that good Ridley Scott would have released it in the original DVD. I can understand releasing a "Special Edition" DVD with all kinds of extra crap that only geek would buy. I own about a hundred of those, and I'm willing to pay more for them. Bring it on. BUT, when they wait after I already forked over my hard earned cash on what I thought was a cream of the crop version and then release another version... shenanigans dang it!

I recently bought Constantine on DVD. I was given a choice. A plane Jane 1-disc version for just under $20 OR the 2-Disc Deluxe Edition with Comic Book for about $6 more. I enjoyed the comic. That's how it should be done, give us our choices up front.

O.K. I'm done and I'll never buy another "Special Edition" again. Well, until they come out with the "Special Signature Extended Platinum Limited Edition" of all six Star Wars. I guess I'll have to buy that. But, that will be the last.

Cooter's "family values"

In a recent article on his website, Ben "Cooter" Jones blasted the new Dukes of Hazzard movie, stating "Don't go unless they clean it up". I had no idea Cooter was such a moralist. He goes on to say the new movie is a "sleazy insult" to all those who care about the Dukes of Hazzard. Speaking of the original show he says, "ours is a classic family show with positive values" and the new movie uses "blatant sexual situations that mocks the good clean family values of our series" and displays an "arrogant disrespect for our show, for our cast, for America's families and for the sensibilities of the heartland of our country".

Well Cooter, I for one agree with you. I can think of nothing better than returning to the positive family values that the original Dukes of Hazzard upheld. All of today's youth should be so lucky as to have a role model like Uncle Jesse, who apparently never worked an honest day in his life but smuggled moonshine with his two nephews. And Bo and Luke who show a consistent disrespect for the law and speed around town blowing up everything are exactly what we should emulate today. And last but not least, Daisy Duke....well that's just too easy. Nothing screams family values like a women in short shorts draped over a car.

Yes Cooter, we need more men like you and more shows like the Dukes of Hazzard. Yee-Haw.














Click here for an in depth study of today's moral values represented in american intertainment.

Sky High 3 out of 5

Rated: PG

Cast: Michael Angarano, Kurt Russell, Kelly Preston, Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald(if you ever watched Kids in the Hall, you'll know these last two) In addition there are many other well known actors with small parts you will recognize throughout the movie.


Now, I'm not telling you to go run out and see this one but, I really enjoyed this movie. It's fun, and good in a after school special kind of way. It's innocent and cute. If you like superheros or Disney movies then you will enjoy this.

Other than the super hero motif, there nothing extremely unique about this film. It has all of your cliche highschool movie ingredients. Most of these are intentional, I think. The movie doesn't really try to be any bigger than it is. It knows that's it's not The Incredibles or Spiderman and it doesn't try to be. Other than just a very casual message of "we are all equal" it doesn't take itself too seriously. So if you have kids or you're a kid at heart, check this one out.