Friday, March 30, 2012
Manah Manah
Just a friendly reminder to see The Muppets. I just scooped my Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital copy version today, complete with soundtrack, which features the Muppet smash hit "Manah Manah." What a classic. I've revived its use within my family, and everything is "Manah Manah." Answering the phone. Goodbyes. And lots of stuff in between. I even have my 8 year old nephew replicating the prank phone call "Manah Manah" at the end of this video. I may have created a monster.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Hunger Games
I hadn't been anticipating a movie's release since the last Harry Potter movie. These days, when it comes to box office releases, good flicks that are worthy of hype seem few and far between. (I think the next major release on my radar is the newest, and final, installment of Batman in July.)
I sheltered myself prior to seeing The Hunger Games, and other than hearing that it was pretty good, I hadn't heard much about the actual film walking into it. I had seen the trailer about 7 times (a few for personal reasons, and I showed them to my classes throughout the week) so I knew that the costumes would be pretty true to the book's description.
And, were they ever. The costumes, and juxtaposition betweeen Katniss' home of District 12 and the citizens of the Capitol, were incredible. I loved the scene when Katniss and Peeta leered out of their train as they approached the Capitol and saw a rainbow of colored wardrobes and hairstyles.
Likewise, I felt the casting was dead-on, save for maybe Donald Sutherland as President Snow. He just felt like too much of a familiar face, and not quite manipulative or vicious enough to be the same guy described in the books. I'm hoping that his development over the next three films is enough to change my opinion on him. Otherwise, Effie Trinket's character really popped off the screen, played by a nearly unrecognizable Elizabeth Banks. For me, though, the finest casting were three ancillary characters; Woody Harrelson as the drunken-yet-wise Haymitch; Lenny Kravitz as fashion designer Cinna; and gameskeeper Seneca Crane, played by Wes Benton and that unforgettable beard carving. Blue-haired TV host Caesar Flickerman, probable recipient of the award for creepiest smile of the year, was also pulled off excellently.
As for the story, a few liberties were taken by director Gary Ross. I didn't necessarily care for how many of the important basic details were pulled or glossed over from the beginning of the film. You never really get a good idea of what it meant for Katniss' mother to "tune out," which was rather thoroughly explained in the book. Also, the Avox girl had a 1-second part on the silver screen, but otherwise comprised a pretty important part of the first, and ensuing, Hunger Games books. And disappointingly, the "muttations" that forced the tributes' hands in the end of the competition were nothing like described in the book. However, at a solid 2.5 hours, I can see why Ross chose to omit some of these finer details.
And, for a film that length, it really didn't drag. As a viewer, you're definitely ready for the games to start about halfway through, but you don't get lost in the introductory hour of backstories, explanations, and set-ups. I was most excited for the competition scenes themselves, as any indication or hint of how they would look were hidden in the trailers. Every part of the film did a great job at matching with the mental imagery created by Suzanne Collins in the book. I think my two favorite scenes were the initial rush for supplies at the Cornucopia, and the scene where Katniss meets Rue, who motions and mimics to her to cut down a branch with a tracker-jacker nest to attack a group of tributes sleeping on the ground below.
Casting and the fact that the film stuck pretty closely to the original storyline made the movie. The only thing I notably disliked was the overuse of shaky, hand-held camera footage, which made too many of the action scenes tough to follow. I've heard many reviews claim that that type of footage adds to the quick action and ferocity of the competition, but I think it was a cop-out by directors and producers to hide the overt violence of the competition. After all, if parents hear that the film is overtly gory and violent, that means less box office revenue. As an adult, I say "BRING ON THE BLOOD!"
But, I liked it so much I'm likely to see it again in theaters. Great start to a promising new franchise of films.
I sheltered myself prior to seeing The Hunger Games, and other than hearing that it was pretty good, I hadn't heard much about the actual film walking into it. I had seen the trailer about 7 times (a few for personal reasons, and I showed them to my classes throughout the week) so I knew that the costumes would be pretty true to the book's description.
And, were they ever. The costumes, and juxtaposition betweeen Katniss' home of District 12 and the citizens of the Capitol, were incredible. I loved the scene when Katniss and Peeta leered out of their train as they approached the Capitol and saw a rainbow of colored wardrobes and hairstyles.
 |
| Harrelson as Haymitch, slumps alongside Effie Trinket, played by Elizabeth Banks. |
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| Sweetest beard ever? He must use the new Gillette Fusion razor. |
As for the story, a few liberties were taken by director Gary Ross. I didn't necessarily care for how many of the important basic details were pulled or glossed over from the beginning of the film. You never really get a good idea of what it meant for Katniss' mother to "tune out," which was rather thoroughly explained in the book. Also, the Avox girl had a 1-second part on the silver screen, but otherwise comprised a pretty important part of the first, and ensuing, Hunger Games books. And disappointingly, the "muttations" that forced the tributes' hands in the end of the competition were nothing like described in the book. However, at a solid 2.5 hours, I can see why Ross chose to omit some of these finer details.
And, for a film that length, it really didn't drag. As a viewer, you're definitely ready for the games to start about halfway through, but you don't get lost in the introductory hour of backstories, explanations, and set-ups. I was most excited for the competition scenes themselves, as any indication or hint of how they would look were hidden in the trailers. Every part of the film did a great job at matching with the mental imagery created by Suzanne Collins in the book. I think my two favorite scenes were the initial rush for supplies at the Cornucopia, and the scene where Katniss meets Rue, who motions and mimics to her to cut down a branch with a tracker-jacker nest to attack a group of tributes sleeping on the ground below.
Casting and the fact that the film stuck pretty closely to the original storyline made the movie. The only thing I notably disliked was the overuse of shaky, hand-held camera footage, which made too many of the action scenes tough to follow. I've heard many reviews claim that that type of footage adds to the quick action and ferocity of the competition, but I think it was a cop-out by directors and producers to hide the overt violence of the competition. After all, if parents hear that the film is overtly gory and violent, that means less box office revenue. As an adult, I say "BRING ON THE BLOOD!"
But, I liked it so much I'm likely to see it again in theaters. Great start to a promising new franchise of films.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Tony Soprano and 500 hits
For the last five weeks, I've been watching The Sopranos over again. I believe this is my third full viewing of the series, and it's still unbelievably entertaining. Between the awesome Italian you get to learn, in addition to amazing characters and plot lines and story arcs, there is so much to digest within the 6 + 1 seasons and 84 episodes.
I randomly saw this through a web link and after watching the series again with its freshness on my mind, I'd have to say this is one of my favorite episodes. Tony, battling major depression (so much that he'd been prescribed lithium by his shrink) is almost capped, a hired-out hit job ordered by his own Uncle Junior. The scene captures the show's artistic, humorous, and dramatic side all in less than two minutes. I love how Tony laughs after he realizes he defeated his would-be assassins, then plunges into a car accident -- his third or fourth of the series.
Also, "So here's the 4-1-1" has been lingering on 497 hits for the last few days. Although probably half of those hits are from myself, it's astonishing to think that, over the past year, I've managed to have so many readers, both intentional and random. My blog tracker shows that I've incurred traffic from Colombia, Brazil, Russia, Germany, the UK, and Canadia. Amazing. As always, thanks for reading.
I randomly saw this through a web link and after watching the series again with its freshness on my mind, I'd have to say this is one of my favorite episodes. Tony, battling major depression (so much that he'd been prescribed lithium by his shrink) is almost capped, a hired-out hit job ordered by his own Uncle Junior. The scene captures the show's artistic, humorous, and dramatic side all in less than two minutes. I love how Tony laughs after he realizes he defeated his would-be assassins, then plunges into a car accident -- his third or fourth of the series.
Also, "So here's the 4-1-1" has been lingering on 497 hits for the last few days. Although probably half of those hits are from myself, it's astonishing to think that, over the past year, I've managed to have so many readers, both intentional and random. My blog tracker shows that I've incurred traffic from Colombia, Brazil, Russia, Germany, the UK, and Canadia. Amazing. As always, thanks for reading.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Random
Music has officially become a weird thing for me as I'm getting older. When I was 14, I had a cassette tape of Green Day's Dookie that I practically wore through. In fact, I had it timed exactly right so that if I hit the auto-reverse on my Walkman during the right moment of "She," it'd flip to the exact beginning of "When I Come Around." I always hated its predecessor, "Pulling Teeth."
When I was that old, I fed off music. I couldn't get enough of it. And up until a few years ago, I never thought I'd ever grow out of that phase. I guess it's starting to hit me.
There was once a time when I had to cart 35 CDs around with me everywhere I went because there was always something in particular that I'd need to hear on a certain drive. The iPod changed that for the better, although now having my entire music collection at my disposal at any time has provided an overwhelming upgrade to the Walkmans of old. With the birth of iTunes came another obsession: following my play counts and the "last played" feature. I love checking back to see what I was listening to last year at this time (Diplo remixes, M.I.A.'s mixtape "Piracy Funds Terrorism," and The Beatles' "Rubber Soul,") or the last time I listened to Radiohead's "The Bends" in its entirety (Jan. 27, 2012, from 3 to 4 p.m., presumably after school in my classroom.) But, as I scroll through my Top 25 played list, and what I've been listening to mostly over the past few years, it's been random.
I typically rock the shuffle feature on iTunes lately. Contrary to 10 years ago, sometimes I actually want it to be quiet when I'm working or chillin' out. While living at various college houses with friends, I can never remember silence, nor having the thought of wanting it to be more quiet. And, when I do want some background music that I can just ignore while I'm working, it tends to come from the shuffle mode. I have so much crap in my iTunes that it's almost like listening to a legitimate "everything but country" mix radio station. And thanks to iTunes' shuffle filter (so as not to land on a 3 minute Grateful Dead tuning track) and HP's dashboard controls, I don't even have to multitask out of my lesson plans or browsing session when I skip tracks.
There's nothing like that forgotten oldie that comes on, or when iTunes magically happens to select the perfect song that you never would have thought to play. I never thought I'd come full circle on the digital music thing, but it's certainly changed the way I consume music these days.
When I was that old, I fed off music. I couldn't get enough of it. And up until a few years ago, I never thought I'd ever grow out of that phase. I guess it's starting to hit me.
There was once a time when I had to cart 35 CDs around with me everywhere I went because there was always something in particular that I'd need to hear on a certain drive. The iPod changed that for the better, although now having my entire music collection at my disposal at any time has provided an overwhelming upgrade to the Walkmans of old. With the birth of iTunes came another obsession: following my play counts and the "last played" feature. I love checking back to see what I was listening to last year at this time (Diplo remixes, M.I.A.'s mixtape "Piracy Funds Terrorism," and The Beatles' "Rubber Soul,") or the last time I listened to Radiohead's "The Bends" in its entirety (Jan. 27, 2012, from 3 to 4 p.m., presumably after school in my classroom.) But, as I scroll through my Top 25 played list, and what I've been listening to mostly over the past few years, it's been random.
I typically rock the shuffle feature on iTunes lately. Contrary to 10 years ago, sometimes I actually want it to be quiet when I'm working or chillin' out. While living at various college houses with friends, I can never remember silence, nor having the thought of wanting it to be more quiet. And, when I do want some background music that I can just ignore while I'm working, it tends to come from the shuffle mode. I have so much crap in my iTunes that it's almost like listening to a legitimate "everything but country" mix radio station. And thanks to iTunes' shuffle filter (so as not to land on a 3 minute Grateful Dead tuning track) and HP's dashboard controls, I don't even have to multitask out of my lesson plans or browsing session when I skip tracks.
There's nothing like that forgotten oldie that comes on, or when iTunes magically happens to select the perfect song that you never would have thought to play. I never thought I'd come full circle on the digital music thing, but it's certainly changed the way I consume music these days.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Bob's Burgers: FOX finally gets one right
Tonight's season premier of the second season of Bob's Burgers affirms that FOX finally saw a quality show that could pick up the reigns for The Simpsons when (or if?) it ever goes off the air. Family Guy is simply too abrasive, and sooner or later, they'll run out of obscure 80's and 90's references that single-handedly make the show funny.
Bob's Burgers, which premiered in a mini half-season last spring, had me after the second episode. Similar to The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers has a quirky family with the popular format of two girls and a boy, although they're all teenaged. Also similar to the Simpsons, Bob's feels relatively timeless and writes their episodes in a manner that actually revolves around a plot, and sometimes a secondary plot line, which, after the first season, showed that it worked quite well. "Weekend at Mort's," where Bob and family stay at his next-door neighbor's mortician house and work-space, and he and wife Linda simultaneously re-enact their Honeymoon...or, at least it happened in Linda's head. This episode yielded some exemplary quotations, especially from Linda during the Jimmy Pesto restaurant scene. "AWWWWWRIIIIGHT, CANNOLIS!"
My favorite character shifts between Bob, whose authority within the family has been diluted by everyone else's self-interests, and Louise, the spunky youngest daughter who is obviously one of the craftier and wittier members of the family. Louise always inexplicably wears the bunny-ear hat. Any character though, including early secondary characters like Mort and rival Jimmy Pesto, are capable of delivering an LOL-moment. A show like this in its early stages can be a little more simplistic, but also funnier because expectations are so low.
This was also a springboard to teach me about the existence of Kristen Schaal, who has been added to my "inexplicable celebrity crushes" list. I've already been ridiculed for being late to the game on her, but I've seen many a clip of hers from Flight of the Conchords. Suffice to say, her best work prior to Bob's Burgers came from The Daily Show.
If FOX is smart, and they're not, they'll keep Bob's Burgers coming in the 7:30 spot, and will move it to 7:00 whenever The Simpsons finally rolls over. Seth McFarland will probably have the other three prime time slots on Sunday night, per usual, and they'll still all suck.
Bob's Burgers, which premiered in a mini half-season last spring, had me after the second episode. Similar to The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers has a quirky family with the popular format of two girls and a boy, although they're all teenaged. Also similar to the Simpsons, Bob's feels relatively timeless and writes their episodes in a manner that actually revolves around a plot, and sometimes a secondary plot line, which, after the first season, showed that it worked quite well. "Weekend at Mort's," where Bob and family stay at his next-door neighbor's mortician house and work-space, and he and wife Linda simultaneously re-enact their Honeymoon...or, at least it happened in Linda's head. This episode yielded some exemplary quotations, especially from Linda during the Jimmy Pesto restaurant scene. "AWWWWWRIIIIGHT, CANNOLIS!"
My favorite character shifts between Bob, whose authority within the family has been diluted by everyone else's self-interests, and Louise, the spunky youngest daughter who is obviously one of the craftier and wittier members of the family. Louise always inexplicably wears the bunny-ear hat. Any character though, including early secondary characters like Mort and rival Jimmy Pesto, are capable of delivering an LOL-moment. A show like this in its early stages can be a little more simplistic, but also funnier because expectations are so low.
This was also a springboard to teach me about the existence of Kristen Schaal, who has been added to my "inexplicable celebrity crushes" list. I've already been ridiculed for being late to the game on her, but I've seen many a clip of hers from Flight of the Conchords. Suffice to say, her best work prior to Bob's Burgers came from The Daily Show.
If FOX is smart, and they're not, they'll keep Bob's Burgers coming in the 7:30 spot, and will move it to 7:00 whenever The Simpsons finally rolls over. Seth McFarland will probably have the other three prime time slots on Sunday night, per usual, and they'll still all suck.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Gotta keep the devil, way down in a...#7 seed.
This week, Grantland.com unveiled their March Madness bracket for the undeniable best television show in the history of the world, The Wire.
You might say, "Whatever. Breaking Bad is artsier and features white people," or "Look, Christina Hendricks gets me tuned into AMC on a weekly basis," and that's fine. But you're wrong; neither of those shows are better than The Wire. Neither is The Sopranos, LOST, Dexter, or even Family Matters. You lose; just accept it.
This genius idea by Grantland is already coming under a bit of fire. The bracket, which is well thought-out in some areas, is severely lacking in others.
First off, the notable omissions of two of my favorites, Lt. Carver and Slim Charles. Slim Charles by namesake alone should be at least a 5-seed. Same with Stinkum. I've read one article that suggests the Barksdale/Bell lawyer Maurice Levy be replaced by Kenard, the (SPOILER) kid who shot Omar, but no way...sheisty lawyers always merit a spot in the brackets. Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad would be at minimum a #2 seed in a similar BB bracket, so I give respect to the sheisty lawyer character.
The first round of the West Baltimore and Ports Regions have already been announced, and I agree with all of the choices except Cutty. What a bitch. Chris, Marlo's #2 man, definitely did not deserve the #4 seeding, but certainly would have advanced past Cutty in my bracket. Omar should cruise to an easy Elite 8, along with Snoop, who should definitely not lose to Michael. I'm calling an Omar vs. Prop Joe show-down to come out of these two brackets, with Omar obviously emerging as the victor.
And possibly my favorite Omar scene from the entire series:
In the Hamsterdam Region, I see Bunk Moreland easily defeating the oft-hated Brother Mouzone (hey, I always liked his lines and his bowties), Wallace should slay Levy but then go down to Moreland in Round 2. Bubbles draws the unfortunate 7 seed against Clay Davis, who will certainly advance past either Jimmy McNulty or the forgettable Cedric Daniels.
The East Baltimore Region gets a little stickier, with some serious mis-seeding and subsequent mismatches. Stringer's first opponent, Herc, shouldn't have even been in the brackets, but I guess it won't be sad to see him go so early. Is Stringer Bell deserving of a #1 seeding? I would vote no, with a nod to either Marlo or the #5 seed of this region, Lester Freamon. I like the Bodie vs. Rawls match-up, but ultimately Bodie will be no match for Marlo in Round 2. How the hell does Wee-Bey get a 4-seed and my boy Lester Freamon draw a 5? Shoddy bracketing there, for sure. I'll take Freamon in an upset over Stringer and then over Marlo to take on Clay Davis from the Hamsterdam Region.
That makes my Final Four Omar, Prop Joe, Clay Davis, and Lester Freamon. Four unbeatable characters who, just because of seeding and pairings, happen to edge out other favorites of mine like Bunk Moreland, Bubbles, Marlo, and of course, Snoop. I've got to like Omar over Prop Joe, and Clay Davis in a heartbreaker over Lester Freamon.
Final Champ? "Omar's comin'." That's some Spider-man shit right there.
You might say, "Whatever. Breaking Bad is artsier and features white people," or "Look, Christina Hendricks gets me tuned into AMC on a weekly basis," and that's fine. But you're wrong; neither of those shows are better than The Wire. Neither is The Sopranos, LOST, Dexter, or even Family Matters. You lose; just accept it.
This genius idea by Grantland is already coming under a bit of fire. The bracket, which is well thought-out in some areas, is severely lacking in others.
First off, the notable omissions of two of my favorites, Lt. Carver and Slim Charles. Slim Charles by namesake alone should be at least a 5-seed. Same with Stinkum. I've read one article that suggests the Barksdale/Bell lawyer Maurice Levy be replaced by Kenard, the (SPOILER) kid who shot Omar, but no way...sheisty lawyers always merit a spot in the brackets. Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad would be at minimum a #2 seed in a similar BB bracket, so I give respect to the sheisty lawyer character.
The first round of the West Baltimore and Ports Regions have already been announced, and I agree with all of the choices except Cutty. What a bitch. Chris, Marlo's #2 man, definitely did not deserve the #4 seeding, but certainly would have advanced past Cutty in my bracket. Omar should cruise to an easy Elite 8, along with Snoop, who should definitely not lose to Michael. I'm calling an Omar vs. Prop Joe show-down to come out of these two brackets, with Omar obviously emerging as the victor.
And possibly my favorite Omar scene from the entire series:
In the Hamsterdam Region, I see Bunk Moreland easily defeating the oft-hated Brother Mouzone (hey, I always liked his lines and his bowties), Wallace should slay Levy but then go down to Moreland in Round 2. Bubbles draws the unfortunate 7 seed against Clay Davis, who will certainly advance past either Jimmy McNulty or the forgettable Cedric Daniels.
The East Baltimore Region gets a little stickier, with some serious mis-seeding and subsequent mismatches. Stringer's first opponent, Herc, shouldn't have even been in the brackets, but I guess it won't be sad to see him go so early. Is Stringer Bell deserving of a #1 seeding? I would vote no, with a nod to either Marlo or the #5 seed of this region, Lester Freamon. I like the Bodie vs. Rawls match-up, but ultimately Bodie will be no match for Marlo in Round 2. How the hell does Wee-Bey get a 4-seed and my boy Lester Freamon draw a 5? Shoddy bracketing there, for sure. I'll take Freamon in an upset over Stringer and then over Marlo to take on Clay Davis from the Hamsterdam Region.
That makes my Final Four Omar, Prop Joe, Clay Davis, and Lester Freamon. Four unbeatable characters who, just because of seeding and pairings, happen to edge out other favorites of mine like Bunk Moreland, Bubbles, Marlo, and of course, Snoop. I've got to like Omar over Prop Joe, and Clay Davis in a heartbreaker over Lester Freamon.
Final Champ? "Omar's comin'." That's some Spider-man shit right there.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
March Madness 2012 v1.0
I live for this!
Last night the Pulaski boys varsity team canned Marinette from the first round of the D2 WIAA state boys tournament. Pulaski unleashed a barrage of 3s and saw three dunks including one alley-oop from a former P-News student of mine. They looked tight in the second half. Tonight they play Ashwaubenon at 7, which is a team that gave Pulaski a flukey loss about 3 weeks ago. But, as the great Walter Sobchak declared in "The Big Lebowski," "it's a league game, Smoke." This one counts, for real.
A messy snowstorm prevented a packed fieldhouse on Friday, but with the band, cheerleaders, and "Red Sea" at full capacity, it'll be an electric atmosphere tonight.
Afterword: Pulaski won tonight, bringing home the D2 Regional trophy. They now move on to Sectionals...two wins to go until Madison.
This video is the standard lineup introduction that they've done all season, which I obviously love since I've already posted a picture of the drum corp at halfcourt. For a little podunk high school, Pulaski does it right.
Last night the Pulaski boys varsity team canned Marinette from the first round of the D2 WIAA state boys tournament. Pulaski unleashed a barrage of 3s and saw three dunks including one alley-oop from a former P-News student of mine. They looked tight in the second half. Tonight they play Ashwaubenon at 7, which is a team that gave Pulaski a flukey loss about 3 weeks ago. But, as the great Walter Sobchak declared in "The Big Lebowski," "it's a league game, Smoke." This one counts, for real.
A messy snowstorm prevented a packed fieldhouse on Friday, but with the band, cheerleaders, and "Red Sea" at full capacity, it'll be an electric atmosphere tonight.
Afterword: Pulaski won tonight, bringing home the D2 Regional trophy. They now move on to Sectionals...two wins to go until Madison.
This video is the standard lineup introduction that they've done all season, which I obviously love since I've already posted a picture of the drum corp at halfcourt. For a little podunk high school, Pulaski does it right.
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