Top 16: So You Think You Can Dance!

Katee and Joshua were my absolute favorite AGAIN. Other than Chelsie and Mark they are the only two really fusing as a couple.

The Best Performances were:

1. Josh and Katee

2. Kourtni and Matt (who had GREAT choreography!)

3. Twitch and Kherington

4. Chelsie and Mark

In the Middle:

1.Courtney and Gev

2. Will and Jessica

Just Plain Bad?

1. Comfort and Chris

2. Thayne and Chelsea H.

Comfort let me down again. I’m very disappointed. However I think Chelsea and Chris should be the two going home. Or Thayne even.  If Will and Jessica are in the bottom I wouldn’t be opposed to Jessica going.  She is beautiful, but her dancing isn’t up to par, and I don’t mean Will’s par.  I think that’s an excuse for her not rising to the occassion like the rest of the dancers.

P.S. Cat was being a naughty kitty last night.  Most of her comments on the dancers were all sexual in nature.  In fact, it was a very sexually charged evening.

Director Kevin Smith Remembers George Carlin

Courtesy Scott Mosier

“A God Who Cussed”

Newsweek

Written By: Special Guest Columnist Kevin Smith

They say you should never meet your heroes.  I’ve found this a good rule to live by, but as with any rule, there’s always an exception.

My first exposure to George Carlin was in 1982, when HBO aired his “Carlin at Carnegie” stand-up special. When I saw the advert—featuring a clip of Carlin talking about the clichéd criminal warning of “Don’t try anything funny,” and then adding, “When they’re not looking, I like to go …,” followed by a brief explosion of goofy expressions and pantomime—I immediately asked my parents if I could tape it on our new BetaMax video recorder.

That was a hilarious bit. But when I finally watched the special, Carlin blew my doors off. Whether he was spinning a yarn about Tippy, his farting dog, or analyzing the contents of his fridge, Carlin expressed himself not only humorously, but amazingly eloquently as well. I was, as they say, in stitches.

And that was before he got to the Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television.

I was 12 years old, watching a man many years my senior curse a blue streak while exposing the hypocrisy of a medium (and a society) that couldn’t deal with the public usage of terms they probably employed regularly in their private lives. And while he seemed to revel in being a rebel, here was a man who also clearly loved the English language, warts and all—even the so-called “bad words” (although, as George would say, there are no such things as “bad words”). I wouldn’t say George Carlin taught me obscenities, but I would definitely say he taught me that the casual use of obscenities wasn’t reserved just for drunken sailors, as the old chestnut goes; even intelligent people were allowed to incorporate them into their everyday conversations (because George was nothing if not intelligent).

From that moment forward, I was an instant Carlin disciple. I bought every album, watched every HBO special, and even sat through “The Prince of Tides” just because he played a small role in the film. I spent years turning friends on to the Cult of Carlin, the World According to George, and even made pilgrimages to see him perform live (the first occasion being a gig at Farleigh Dickinson University in 1988). Carlin influenced my speech and my writing. Carlin replaced Catholicism as my religion.

Sixteen years later, I sat across from the star of “Carlin at Carnegie” in the dining room of the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. It was a meeting I’d dreamed of and dreaded simultaneously. George Carlin was the type of social observer/critic I most wanted to emulate … but he was a celebrity, too. What if he turned out to be a true prick?

What I quickly discovered was that, in real life, George was, well, George. Far from a self-obsessed jerk, he was mild-mannered enough to be my Dad. He was as interested as he was interesting, well-read and polite to a fault—all while casually dropping F-bombs. But most impressive, he didn’t treat me like an audience member, eschewing actual conversation, electing instead to simply perform the whole meeting, more “on” than real. He talked to me like one of my friends would talk to me: familiar, unguarded, authentic.

I made three films with George over the course of the next six years, starting with “Dogma” and his portrayal of Cardinal Glick, the pontiff-publicist responsible for the Catholic Church’s recall of the standard crucifix in favor of the more congenial, bubbly “Buddy Christ.” A few years later, I wrote him a lead role in “Jersey Girl”—as Bart Trinke (or “Pop”), the father of Ben Affleck’s character. It called for a more dramatic performance than George was used to giving, but the man pulled it off happily and beautifully. (Something most folks probably don’t know about George: He took acting very seriously. The man was almost a Method actor.) Sadly, I consider that “Jersey Girl” part my one failing on George’s behalf, and not for the reasons most would assume (the movie was not reviewed kindly, to say the least). No, I failed because George had asked me to write a different role for him.

In 2001, George did me a solid when he accepted the part of the orally fixated hitchhiker who knew exactly how to get a ride in “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” When he wrapped his scene in that flick, I thanked him for making the time, and he said, “Just do me a favor: Write me my dream role one day.” When I inquired what that’d be, he offered, “I wanna play a priest who strangles children.”

It was a classic Carlin thing to say: a little naughty and a lot honest. I always figured there’d be time to give George what he asked for. Unfortunately, he left too soon.

He was, and will likely remain, the smartest person I’ve ever met. But really, he was much more than just a person. Without a hint of hyperbole, I can say he was a god, a god who cussed.

Movies To Avoid In 2008

2008 is becoming a damper for films.  While 2007 wasn’t a phenomenal year by any stretch of the imagination it was at least consistent in it’s mediocrity and did manage to toss out so pretty impressive work.  What I have seen thus far in ‘08 has been dejecting, and at the halfway point of the year I’m hoping the summer blockbuster and winter/fall Oscar quality films will improve the good/terrible ratio.  So far these are the films I would encourage avoiding:

27 Dresses:  While many found this film happy-go-lucky chick flick fun, I found it to be a contradictory dung pile of garbage passed off as a movie.  It was insulting, annoying, and moreso simply not entertaining.  I can comprehend how some could lose their brains temporarily watching it upon first viewing, but in it’s puriest form, it’s an atrocity.

National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets- More like Book of Boring.  This sequel is an inexcusable addition to a film that was acceptable along the terms of popcorn flick.  Other than the excellent casting National Treasure was a poorly compiled film with some possibly interesting idea’s that never saw the light of day.  I truly feel bad for the actor’s involved.  Unlike 27 Dresses this film at least didn’t make them look bad, they made the film look bad.

Witless Protection:  This one kind of goes without saying and is more or less expected.  However, I expected a bad movie, but maybe with some funny laughable moments.  A movie that embraced it’s campy corniness.  That wasn’t even salvageable.  It was a bloody nightmare.  I will never be the same again.

Meet The Spartans:  *Sigh* I admit to being incredibly predjudiced in the parody category, but there have been a few in the past that have had me rolling like “Robin Hood: Men In Tights”, but I could not stomach most of Meet The Spartans unoriginal jokes and mockery of 300.  It was moderately funny for the first 15 minutes and then drowned in it’s own simplistic mundane existence.  The only redeeming quality I found was Carmen Electra.  Uber hottness.  An occassional laugh was all it offered and Carmen’s undeniable sex appeal.

Day Of The Dead:  Again, another film you wouldn’t expect much from, but what I did expect was cool zombies and funny ways to kill people.  This movie took itself too seriously and incorporated none of the great qualities these genre of horror movies offer audiences.  And the zombies SUCKED.  With today’s technology I had some pretty high expectations for nasty, realistic looking monsters, and what I got looked like something that could have been created out of my own garage.  Boo-hiss-Boo!

These are only a few of the terrible excuses created for film recently.  I’m hoping the next movies I view turn out better in the Suck/Rule ratio.  In the meantime, avoid these by all means!

George Carlin Dies

George Dennis Carlin, who died of heart failure Sunday at 71, will forever be remembered in the world of comedy and Hollywood.  He’s best known for his monolouges mocking religious hypocrisy, social and political humour, and those infamous seven words that can’t be said on television, which actually led to a Surpreme Court decision about broadcasting offensive language.

Apparently, George Carlin went into St. Johns Health Center in Santa Monica complaining of chest pain, according to his publicist Jon Abraham.  Just before Christmas 2005, he experienced significant shortage of breath and other heart-related symptoms. On Christmas Day he entered Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills. During an eight-day stay he was treated for a lung infection and narrowed arteries. He received antibiotics and an angioplasty that included the placement of a double stent. The procedure was successful, but he was advised to take things slowly in the New Year.   Even with this history of heart trouble, his death was unexpected as he had even performed as recently as last weekend in Las Vegas. 

He was an Irish Catholic born and raised in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of New York City, Carlin started out as a conventional comedian and had achieved a fair degree of success.  While in the Air Force he started working as an off-base disc jockey at a radio station in Shreveport, La., and after receiving a general discharge in 1957, took an announcing job at WEZE in Boston.  He became the first host ever on Saturday Night Live in 1975.  He produced 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, three books, a few TV shows and appeared in several movies, including Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.  He was even known for appearing in childrens films like Thomas The Tank and the voice of Fillmore in Pixar’s Cars.  Carlin won four Grammy Awards for best spoken comedy album and was nominated for five Emmys.  Carlin was also inducted to the Comedy Hall Of Fame in 1994.

Carlin’s way of describing death in America:

Older’ sounds a little better than ‘old,’ doesn’t it?,” he said. “Sounds like it might even last a little longer. … I’m getting old. And it’s OK. Because thanks to our fear of death in this country I won’t have to die, I’ll ‘pass away.’ Or I’ll ‘expire,’ like a magazine subscription. If it happens in the hospital they’ll call it a ‘terminal episode.’ The insurance company will refer to it as ‘negative patient care outcome.’ And if it’s the result of malpractice they’ll say it was a ‘therapeutic misadventure.

I hope to remember him through laughter rather than tears.  Here’s George Carlin On Death:

 

Top 18: So You Think You Can Dance

 Thayne Jasperson and Chelsea Traille performed a jazz routine choreographed by Mandy Moore, danced to “Untouched” by The Veronicas. I’m not sure I understand what happened here.  The two are great dancers, Mandy Moore an excellent choreographer, but the couple circled each other and barely even moved.  It was horrible, one of the worst dances on the shows history.  And their costumes? MEH!

Mark Kanemura and Chelsie Hightower dance next to the Argentine tango, which is a comfort zone for Chelsie being a ballroom dancer.  Their performance was stunning.  Next to Katee and Joshua, these two work  best as a couple.

 Jessica King and William Wingfield peform a hip hop routine, dancing to “Whatever U Like” by Nicole Scherzinger.  William is pure and simple pleasure to watch and unfortunately because of it I missed most of Jessica’s performance.  These two have not been paired well.  If she is good, each week she continues to look weaker next to him.  He needs a new partner.
Matt Dorame and Kourtni Lind have drawn the foxtrot and they danced to “A Foggy Day in London Town.”  They did a really nice job.  It’s always hard to tell the way the audience will vote to the waltz or the foxtrot unless it’s incredibly remarkable though.

 Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian are up next and they dance a contemporary piece choreographed by Mandy Moore.  This is a step up from Mandy’s earlier rountine and Gev really shows his growth and his ability to partner Courtney, who got critiqued harshly by Mia, but I found her performance lovely.  A big improvement from last week for these two.
Katee Shean and Joshua Allen dance a Tyce Diorio Broadway routine this week.  It was pure and simply amazing.  These two have an amazing chemistry and diversity.  They are simply nailing everything.  So far they are my favorite couple and certainly the best.

Susie Garcia and Marquis Cunningham danced the salsa.  It was difficult to follow Katee and Joshua, but being Susies speciality I expected fireworks, and not only was it bland, technically it was horrible.  Marquis was all arms all over and Susie was going through the motions.  They were almost as bad as Chelsea and Chris.

Twitch Boss and Kherington Payne drew the Viennese waltz, choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux.  It was a personal routine made for the eyes and enjoyment of his daughter that suffers from a motor dysfunction disease and between Kherington electric smile and their beautiful lines together it was a lovely routine to be remembered.

Comfort Fedoke and Chris Jarosz are subject to krumping and dance to “Come and Get Me” by Timbaland.  I had high expectations for Comfort and hoped Chris didn’t make a complete ass out of himself.  He did and she didn’t live up to them.  A major disappointment.

RESULTS SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was no shocker that Comfort and Chris, Susie and Marquis, or Thayne and Chelsea were in the bottom three.  Each earned their place and should have danced for their life.  I feel America got it right for once. 

Comfort’s solo was jaw dropping.  It was seriously amazing, while Susie was solid and Chelsea’s on the weak side.  Nonetheless, Chelsea being the stronger dancer was kept and Susie sent home.  I agree. 

Marquis, Thayne, and Chris all being contemporary dancers made the mens performances intense.  All but Chris.  Thayne’s was lovely, but nothing to speak of, and Marquis’s amazing.  Chris’s was dreadful and bland.  Yet he and Thayne stayed while Marquis was sent home.  Disagree with this one judges.

It was a good night though.  I can’t wait for next week!  For your enjoyment here’s Comforts Solo!

Where Have All The Action Hero’s Gone?

I am specifically eluding to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvestor Stallone.  They ruled the big screen through the 80’s and early 90’s with films like Rambo, Predator, Rocky, Terminator, Cop Land, Assassins, Total Recall, Conan, Judge Dredd, T2, True Lies, Demolition Man, Cliff Hanger, Kindergarton Cop, Last Action Hero, and Tango and Cash.  Sure, guys like Kurt Russell, Antonio Banderas and Mel Gibson contributed their fair share over the years, but the big blow ‘em up shoot ‘em up movies that were pure popcorn fun were left to Sly and Arnie.  Now Arnie is the Governator and Sly is replaying the roles that made him famous with the new Rocky and Rambo, which actually were both really good movies, but still he’s now in his fifties and we rely on him for great action movies and stuff to blow up?  I resolved in the complete utter distress that both of their reigns was a one time deal that may never repeat in Hollywood again.  Like their movies or not, those guys have earned serious respect in Tinsletown and are some of the biggest movie stars ever. 

Let’s take a look at our prospects now:

Christian Bale: Nice choice, but frankly he has too much depth to him and has taken a liking to playing really complex character’s in films that rely heavily on that depth.  He is simply too diverse and more a Mel Gibson type than Arnie or Sly.

Matthew McConauhey: Yes, a pretty face, and a nice bod to tag along with, but he’s resolved himself to movies like Fools Good and Chick flicks as of late.  His years are starting to peak, and while I believe the potential, along with the charisma is there, I think he’s missed the boat.

Matt Damon:  He rules as Jason Bourne and being Bourne has made him one of the best icons for action star in the past ten years easily, but Damon isn’t really an action hero, he’s just a good enough actor to play one really well.  He’s just as content doing artsy flicks.

Vin Diesal:  I give him credit.  He tried.  All the elements were there.  Big muscles, brooding personality, and his repeat role as Riddick surely inspired a career in that genre, but his movies that have followed have not been up to par with Pitch Black or Riddick.  He even went for a Kindergarten Cop attempt in Pacifier, but failed miserably.  I like Vin Diesal and am still lamentful that he turned out movies like XxX rather than something more substantial, because he was the guy that could have been that hero.  And now for whatever reason he just doesn’t seem marketable.  Hell! Watch Boiler Room, he’s good outside of explosions too people!

Will Smith: Tried and True.  He is a great action hero that delivers each time, not to mention he is a complex enough actor to play an Arnie/Sly type role and the next year make an Oscar nominated performance.  Will Smith is a rare gem all on his own.

It’s not just the group of actors we have to choose from, there doesn’t seem to be any roles that offer the same kind of badass fun that Rambo and the Terminator did.  The closest comparison in recent times is Hellboy.  His character is totally one dimensional but so entertaining no one cares.  His charisma coupled with awesome one liners and a bravado that is palpable makes his character the best Arnie or Sly type role in years.  Mickey Rourke as Marv in Sin City is another good example.  I want more of it Hollywood!

Stargate Universe

The talks about a third Stargate series titled, “Stargate Universe” have flying around for well over a year now.  With Atlantis’s continued success and the success of the Stargate movies it’s clear a new series is something to take on.  However, many things have kept the show from going into production, including the production of The Ark Of Truth and Continuum.  The staff would be spread too thin over two films and two different series, which leaves me begging the question now: When will the new series start?  An official date is promised soon, and it will be based on whether or not more Stargate films will be scheduled for next year.  So hopefully we will hear something in the near future.  For more information go to Gateworld.net where they have many different articles on the show itself.  In the meantime Season Five of Atlantis is just around the corner along with the much anticipated release of Continuum.  More stargate in our future is always a pleasant thought for tomorrow.

So You Think You Can Dance: First Elimination

Predictions weren’t wildly off when it was considered that Jamie and Rayven would be sent home, but even so I’m a little surprised that Jamie went.  Though I wasn’t fond of the hip hop routines choreography they danced to (not their fault) Jamies performance was stronger than many of the men’s the previous night, and while his solo was on the weak end, he is still the only partner dancer in the competition and that makes him a valuable resource.  Instead, the competition is flooded with contemporary dancers.  While the dancers are certainly great this year, the lack of versatility bothers me.  I’m very much so missing some Russian latin dancers as well.

Also distressing this season is the absence of Wade Robson and Shane Sparks.  Shane is busy doing that terrible MTV show while Wade was holding out for more $$$$$$ from my understanding.  Please pay Wade what he wants and and beg Shane to come back.  The only choreography that was really interesting was Tony Meredith’s and of course Mia’s.  The hip hop was so soft and so weak.  It won’t matter how good some of the performers are if we are missing some of the cutting edge choreography that makes them stand out.  Anyway, it was still a pretty good night.

Here is the opening performance choreographed by: Wade Robson, and is what we’ll be missing in the couples performances this season-

So You Think You Can Dance: Two Hour ReCap

Rayven and Jamie did a hip hop routine choreographed by Tabithia and Napolean to “American Boy” by: Estelle featuring Kanye West.  There performance received mixed reviews from the panel of judges, though it was a cool routine, it really did seem to lack somewhere. It’s possible they may be a bottom three couple.

Kourtni and Matt did a jazz routine choreographed by Mandy Moore to “Tainted Love” by: Soft Cell.  The routine was torn apart by the judges, but I thought it was original fun, and peformed well.  Nonetheless, these two could be in trouble.

Susie and Marquis did a smooth waltz choreographed by Hunter Johnson to “Dark Waltz” by:  Hayley Westerna.  The first couple to have the waltz is never lucky, simply because the audience often finds it banal and forgettable unless it’s done in a spectacular way.  Susie and Marquis were not spectacular but it was a well recieved performance that was solid enough that they should be safe.

Kherington and Twitch peformed broadway choreographed by Tyce Diorio to “Too Damn Hot” by Kiss Me Kate.  Kherington and Twitch did a pretty reasonable job.  They really played to the audience and had a good chemistry making them good, and probably putting them somewhere in the middle.

Chelsea T. and Thayne did the Cha Cha choreographed by Tony Meredith to “Oye Como Va” (Latin/Trance Mix) by: Celia Cruz and it was hot!  Technically they had room to improve but it was a solid sexy performance.  They are more than likely safe, though it wouldn’t surprise me if they fell into the bottom.

Jessica and Will performed the Tango choreographed by Hunter Johnson to “Tango From Cirque du Soleil” by: Casa Musica.  Will got rav reviews from the judges and Jessica a few technical critiques, but in general it was obvious they were one of the judges favorite couples, and mine as well.  They put on a stunning performance.  Watch out for Will, this guy is amazing.

Chelsie H. and Mark performed a contemporary piece choreographed by none other than Mia Michaels to “Beautiful” by: Me’Shell N’degeocello.  Mia Michaels outdoes herself once again with amazing choreography performed brilliantly by Chelsie and Mark.  This was by far one of the best performances of the night, and the judges agreed.

Katee and Joshua peformed a hip hop routine choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon to “No Air” by: jordin Sparks and Chris Brown.  Joshua is just amazing and all the judges seemed to think so as well.  The biggest surprise was Katee’s excellent performance.  This was my favorite of the night.

Comfort and Chris did the jive choreographed by Tony Meredith to “Boom Boom Boom” by: Big Head Todd and the Monsters.  This routine was packed full of energy and excitement.  Comfort and Chris are going to be a fun couple to watch, and Comfort in particular is amazing.  The judges enjoyed this one too.  They shoudl be safe.

Gev and Courtney performed Disco choreographed by Doriana to “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind, and Fire.  Their performance was solid, though lacked a lot of life disco requires.  Disco is always a hit or miss and unfortunately I forsee Gev and Courtney dancing for their lives tonight.

 

Predicted Bottom Couples? Courtney and Gev, Kourtni and Matt, and Rayven and Jamie

Best Performances: Katee and Joshua, Chelsie H. and Mark, Will and Jessica

My favorite dancers so far? Comfort, Joshua, Will, Chelsie H., and Katee

Top Ten Movies Of 2007

10.  3:10 To Yuma: This is a Western about a robber named Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) that carelessly become caught by local authorities when romping with a woman. Ben is as bad as they come and his outfit is responsible for twenty-two robberies. His outfit is waiting for him near Mexico, but close enough to come back and take Wade before the Sheriff can get him to the 3:10 train to Yuma prison. He recruits help that includes a small time rancher that has only one leg named Dan Evans (Christian Bale), who is not only about to lose his own ranch, but his oldest sons respect as well. Evans will receive a $200 reward if he succeeds in getting Wade on the train. The trip is perilous as the group seems to be dropping like flies in conflict with Wades outfit, Apache Indians, railroad bandits, and Wade himself. Then, his son William (Logan Lerman) joins to help and their journey to contention becomes that much more complex.  For more READ HERE!

9. I Am Legend: This entire movie seemed full of hopelessness. Everything was lost.  In the vastness of Manhattan, Robert Neville appeared to be the last man alive.  After three years his hope in finding someone else, or curing the disease that had infected those who were left was waivering.  The only thing left alive was the morphed creatures that haunted the night where Robert hid in his fortresslike home waiting for the frightening hours to pass.  With no human contact, and only a dog as his companion, his mind slowly begins to deteriate and his carefully structured existence along with it.  For more READ HERE!

8. American Gangster: Ridley Scott took us back into a time when drug dealers were smooth and classy citizens and the cops were low down dirty criminals trying to get their piece of the pie. Frank Lucas was portrayed as almost a Robin Hood of Harlem. On thanksgiving he tosses turkey’s from a truck to the citizens. It’s no mystery that while Scott wants the viewer to cheer for Roberts, the real hero of the story is Lucas, who is less of a drug lord and more of a businessman. That is when he’s not shooting people in their faces or setting them on fire.   For more READ HERE!

7. Lars And The Real Girl: A lonely man who lives in a small northern town, in a garage outside his brother and sister in laws house finds himself uncomfortable and awkward around people.  Somehow, he is still very likable.  Lars purchases himself a life size doll named Bianca.  He has deemed her his girlfriend and the woman of his dreams.  When he introduces Bianca to Gus and Karin as though she is a real live woman, their reactions were obviously in the category of shocked.  However, they take their brother to a physician/therapist and she begins to help Lars and Bianca.  Her instructions include going along with Lars delusions, and Karin and Gus must face their entire small town and their brother’s mental illness together. For more READ HERE!

6. The Bourne Ultimatum: The Ultimatum hits hard and fast. This quick action packed film gets right to the point and delivers some of the best Bourne fight scenes and action sequences to date. While the action scenes are brilliant, the suspense that builds in this addition is edge of your seat excitement. Meanwhile, we once again get further into the depth and psyche of Jason Bourne. Somehow, even with the amazing things he does Bourne still remains a tangible character that is easy to sympathize and connect with.  For more READ HERE!

5. Juno: Juno is a clever, original film that has enough depth mixed with just the right amount of humour to touch anyone and everyone. This is a movie you could take your twelve year old daughter to, along with your seventy year old grandmother. What a breath of sincerity. For more READ HERE!

4. No Country For Old Men: No Country For Old Men puts on a simple mask shrouding a frightening face.  The drama begins slow and continues at it’s own natural pace, not succumbing to the force of the events happening in it, it simply develops on it’s own.  The driving force of the story is the character’s and each of their motivators.  The violence of the story is graphic but not overdone.  And the basic nature and feeling of one world that doesn’t understand the other becomes the perfect picture of contrast. For more READ HERE!

3. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street: The cinematography of this movie is quite possibly the best I’ve seen in a Tim Burton film, which is a considerable feat.  The gritty appearance of London brings my imagination to a time when Jack The Ripper ruled the streets and the city was filled with darkness and fear.  The paleness of skin, and the greys and blacks make for a very ominous and depressing feeling, where hope lies dormant buried in a locked box with no key. For more READ HERE!

2. Ratatouille:  Remy is a rat, who lives in the rural community of an attic of an old lady.  His acute sense of taste and smell makes him different from his clan as he doesn’t like to steal or eat the garbage the rest of the rats are satisfied with.  His father is the leader and is disappointed in Remy’s uniqueness until he finds a suitable use for it and suddenly Remy becomes the rat poison detector.  Unsatisfied in his station Remy begins to wander even further away from his kind, until he finds himself in the old lady’s kitchen attempting to make a meal when he catches a commercial about a chef who has written the cook book, “Anyone can cook”.  Remy is inspired and begins to make his own meal but it becomes too late when the woman has spotted him and discover the entire pack of rats who make a run for it.  Remy is separated and finds himself alone in sewers somewhere underneath the city of Paris.  Hallucinations of Chef Gusteau tell Remy to run to the surface and “create” his own food.  Remy finds himself at Gusteau’s restaurant adding his own ingredients to a bus boy’s soup.  The soup is a sensation and when the boy is asked to repeat the miracle again, he and Remy team up for an adventure of love, creation, and inspiration!  For more READ HERE!

1.  Zodiac: With a track record like David Fincher one expects nothing less than brilliance and perfection onscreen and that is difficult to live up to time and time again. But Fincher rules again with this beautifully shot creation and perfectly paced story about a monster that was never apprehended. Fincher balanced the intricate details of fact in the story with the in depth character development and the suspense of discovery in his regular fashion of perfection. Time is spent to give each character life and real motivation and a base development that makes them extremely three dimensional. They are the heart of story instead of the killer and violence he created and that is what makes Zodiac most compelling. The brutality of the murder’s the Zodiac committed are visualized but not overly gruesome as was the case with Finchers 1999 film Se7en. He does nothing to indulge the killers ego, which it seemed the publicity craving Zodiac seemed to desire above and beyond anything else. The interpretation of the Zodiac as a desperate man in need of some kind of recognition or acknowledgement is a brilliant and different take on the killer that could have been easily portrayed as a one dimensional mad man who killed for the sake of killing.   For more READ HERE!