Da Vinci Code Vs. Over The Hedge

Two new movies opened this weekend going head to head, and there is no doubt who's the clear winner. Over the Hedge is much funnier than The Da Vinci Code! What was Ron Howard thinking? An albino monk going around killing people, that's not funny. And Tom Hanks as the not so funny symbologist. He should take lessons from Bruce Willis, now that's a funny raccoon. And what's with all the confusing talk about saints, churches, and popes? How is a kid supposed to follow all that? A bunch of talking animals trying to steal food from humans, now that's entertainment for the masses. Well Ron can't win them all. Maybe next time he wants a successful comedy he'll stay away from "shocking secrets that could shake the very foundations of society."

You Know You Want One

If I only had one wish it would be to end world hunger. But, if I had two, the second would be to have a Star Wars figure modeled after George Lucas. Well, one out of two ain't bad. If I just collect two more proofs of purchase I get my very own limited-edition George Lucas action figure in Storm Trooper attire. I know, I think it's awesome too. If you would like your own, all you have to do is collect and redeem the proof of purchase from 5 vintage Star Wars figures that were recently released. So run to your nearest toy store before all the other Star Wars geeks get their grubby little wookie hands on your toys.

I NEED MUSIC!

Ok, so I'm entering this 48 hour film festival and if I want film to have a soundtrack (and I do) I have to have my own music beforehand. Most importantly I have to have the rights to use this music. So if you know anybody or you know anybody who knows anybody who has a band and that band has a CD and that bad who has a CD would like their music heard at a film screening, please let me know. I'm serious, even if you just know of somebody, let me know and I will get a hold of them. Thanks, and maybe I'll give you credit in the movie.

P.S. Oh yeah, thanks for leaving so many comments guys (place sarcasms here)

Classic DVD - Raging Bull

Voted number 24 on AFI's list of 100 best films ever, voted number 68 on IMDB's top 250 list, and Ebert gives it four stars. So how good is this movie? Not as good as it's made out to be. I know, I'm committing cinema blasphemy here, but let me explain. The movie has many, many good qualities, but only if broken down into parts. The cinematography is marvelous. Scorsese fills his frames and uses everything to tell the story. The performances by De Niro and Pesci are awe inspiring (I actually loved Pesci in this movie) but the execution of the story lacks any knock out punch. (pun intended) While it is an interesting story about a man's self destruction, I feel that it could have been told with more effectiveness. For example, other than the fight scene with his first wife, the first 30 minutes of the movie is very arbitrary. We see these fights that we have no idea about. We don't know what they mean to Jake, if anything. Speaking of the character, one of the most important qualities a good story must have, is that it makes us feel compassion or concern for the main character. I didn't have any compassion for Jake. He was an a**hole, a jerk. I always hope the next time I watch it, his brother will beat the crap out of him. So we have a meandering story with a character I don't care about. Finally, this movie was released in 1980, but has the pacing of a movie from the 1940s. It makes Citizen Kane look like Die Hard. Now don't get me wrong I actually really like this movie. But, only after I watched it two or three times. Sure, a good movie gets better after each viewing and you pick more up each time. BUT, normally you WANT to watch a good movie more than once. I'm not sure if this movie wasn't so "praised" I would have given it a second chance. This movie is definitely worth seeing, but only if you a student of films or a die hard film fan. I think your average movie fan (and there is nothing wrong with that) would be disappointed after seeing this movie especially if they saw it knowing that it's had so much acclaim and praise.

So the question is, do you agree or disagree?

Podcasts

You have heard of pod people but have you ever listened to a podcast? If your answer is "no", then what are you waiting for. Podcasts are the best invention since the radio (strictly speaking in the audio spectrum of course). Don't know what a podcast is, then where have you been? You probably still listen to music on a CD player and record TV programs with a VCR. A podcast is basically a radio show that you can listen to at anytime on your computer or MP3 player. You don't like radio shows you say. That's because you have not found one that talks about exactly what interests you. Think about it, they have TV shows that are right up your alley. They talk about exactly what you like, whether it be the news, animal planet, courtroom TV, sports, wrestling, MOVIES! If you are interested in it, you can find a podcast that talks about it. I spend a lot of time traveling and as much as I love listening to the morning radio crew and exciting action packed NPR programs, I get a little tired of it. Well now I can download my favorite podcasts on subjects like movies, digital video, indie filmaking and listen as I go. I don't have to "tune" in at any certain time or listen to a program until I leave it's broadcasting area. I don't even have to go to the library or used books store to pic this up. I just download it at home and listen to it when I want to. I'm telling you, this is great stuff!. Here are some that I'm hooked on already.

The DV Show - This is where I get my geek fix ever week. This weekly podcast deals with everything that has to do with digital video. A very good podcast. The host, Brian, is very knowledgeable and has plenty of expert guests to back up his knowledge as well.

Cinecast - This is probably my favorite podcast right now! If you enjoy movie reviews and hearing different opinions on recent movies, this is a great podcast. The quality is great and these guys give some great insight on the movies. This is the best general review podcast I have encountered so far.

Comic Geek Speak - Ok, this is probably the geekyest one so far and I haven't listened to this one a lot. I just wanted to demonstrate that you can find a podcast on anything.

Well, that's it for now. I'll post links of cool podcast as I come upon them. As you start searching (and I know you will) let me know of any that you find that are worth mentioning.

Oh, by the way, podcastalley is a good place to start your search for things that interest you.

Warning! Podcasts are still in their infancy. So unfortunately, the guy who decides to start a podcast on say, videogames might go something like this. First he is going to be a super geek. Second, he's a video game nut. Third, he's such a nut he wants to make a podcast about videogames. But, unfortunately this doesn't necessarily make him a could host for a show about videogames. So until someone who is good at conversation, intelligent, and fun to listen to gets into podcasting, you may have to listen to someone who is lets say is a little less appealing. Until then have fun. Talk to you later.