Somebody Save Me From HEROES

Sometimes shows just go wrong. Everything starts out great, too good to be true almost. You're sucked into the plot and the characters are easy to relate to.

Or maybe just hot.

Whatever the case may be you're hooked. You've got a weekly appointment that you will keep at the expense of family, friends, health and sex. 

Well, maybe not sex. But all the other things definitely. 

It's happened to me several times before, with The X-Files, LOST, Friends, How I Met Your Mother and so many others. But this particular show had a more insidious method of getting me addicted. HEROES did not start off particularly well. None of the characters were immediately interesting and the plot was predictable and familiar to anyone who'd 

ever glanced at comic book. Especially a Marvel one. So why watch?

It began as a desire to support a fellow geek show and rooting for it to succeed after so many years of being looked down upon as a comic book nerd. It felt validating to have millions of people watching a show that was just a live-action comic book and loving it. But at the same time I recognized this show for what it was; the TV equivalent of a bad Philip K. Dick adaptation. The basic elements are there but they're not quite right. And far dumber. 

But you have to look after your own so I tuned in, week after week, and hardly paid it any attention. Used it as background noise while I did work or surfed the internet. And then something happened. All of a sudden I started watching and paying attention. And then I started to care what happened. Suddenly it was important that I watch every episode. So it was with great excitement that I tuned into season 2. 

What a disappointment. Season 2 started off even more slowly than the first season and introduced even more characters to an already bloated cast. And to make matters worse the new characters sucked. They sidelined the series' major villain (and breakout star) as well as other major characters. In short the second season did everything a sophomore show shouldn't do. But then it got better. And with the final 4 episodes I was once again hooked and ready for more. 

And now we're at season 3. And I don't know why I still watch. Maybe I hold out hope that this season, like the ones preceding it, will redeem itself towards the end. But is that enough? Maybe because it's the only fix the comic book nerd in me gets anymore and it's a habit I just can't kick. Maybe because there still isn't anything else to watch on Mondays at 9pm. Or maybe it's because they've still got Hayden Panettiere. 

I'm Back...?

Oh blog, how I've neglected you, almost as badly as I will neglect my future children, which I will no doubt have only to meet societal expectations and of course, get laid. But I digress, my non-existent future children and their inevitable father issues are for another day. Today we discuss you and the details of your abandonment. 

To my Dear Readers: I'm sorry to both of you. Quite honestly I've been busy and lacking inspiration. Also lazy. Always oh so lazy. But that changes today! While I cannot promise consistent movie or TV episode reviews I will do my best to draw your attention to things you don't have the good taste to seek out for yourself. For example, have you been watching Eli Stone?? I didn't think so. Tuesday nights at 10pm on ABC. Get on it. 

I will also try to keep up on LOST recaps and theories, mainly because at this point that is the only show I consistently watch live without DVR assistance. Well that and How I Met Your Mother so perhaps those recaps will start making appearances as well. But no promises. 

And that's really what I wanted to say my neglected confidant; I make no promises. I will do my best to check and contribute as I can but I can't guarantee that this won't be my last post ever anymore than I can guarantee that it is only the first of many reliable and constant updates. 

So go watch Eli Stone, it's about to get cancelled so it would be much appreciated. And Happy Holidays. I promise I'll get you a gift next year. Really this time. Maybe. 

I Don't Believe. And I Don't Want To Anymore

When considering what movies to go see this weekend it was between Hellboy 2 and Step Brothers. I missed Hellboy the first time around because I was away for the weekend but I'm really more in the mood to laugh and Step Brothers has a more convenient show time so I'll probably go see that. Maybe I'll catch both though. There should be a third movie on that list though, shouldn't there?

Yes, The X-Files: I Want To Believe comes out this weekend. And yes, I was a huge fan of the show. Keyword there is was. I know the plot of the flick. It sounds stupid. It has nothing to do with the conspiracies in the show which is probably a good thing because even if I did feel like rewatching 9 seasons worth of the show I doubt I'd know what the hell was going on. The finale was a mess that provided answers to questions I'd already long-forgotten and stopped caring about.

People tend to think I'm a fanboy. And to some degree it's true. There are certain movies I love, franchises and TV shows that I will defend with every fiber of my being. But nothing is perfect. And if the quality of a show starts to decline I'm not gonna give it a pass because "It's the X-Files dude!" No, that's not good enough. It wasn't good enough then and it's not good enough now. I abandoned the X-Files around the time Duchovny left to...well I don't know what he left to do but he left. I hear the stand-alone episodes during Robert Patrick's tenure were very good. I'll have to check them out some day. But the truth is I'm not really a hardcore fanboy. I saw the new Indiana Jones. Seeing Indy again for the first time was awesome. Seeing Marion and Indy together was awesome. Watching these two characters I love traipse through a plot that was at times silly, put into situations that at times bordered on self-parody...I refuse to join the fanboys who defend it. The movie was OK. It was the worst of the series. Shia Lebouef had a Tarzan scene. CGI prairie dogs. A nuke-proof fridge.

I'm sorry, but there are some things I just can't abide. Just like I can never defend anything but the last fight in Phantom Menace I can't defend large swaths of Crystal Skull. And I can't defend the decision to bring back two beloved characters whose arc ended long ago in a story that would have been one of the show's weakest episodes. Their story was done. Their finale was painful, poorly written and largely unsatisfactory. But it was over. The X-Files would go down as a great show that set up the TV landscape for all the LOSTs, ALIASes, and FRINGEs that have come since. In the end they just couldn't get it done but at least it was a great ride at times.

So why this? Why ruin the reputation of a show that already was suffering and was only now recovering its rightful place in the pantheon of TV classics? It's painful enough to read critiques that recall the show's glory days only to remind us that the reason it isn't held in higher esteem is the creators' lack of foresight. But to bring it back now only to underscore its one tragic flaw?

Chris Carter put together something special. He laid the groundwork for the genius of JJ Abrams to dominate genre television (say what you will about his Star Trek reboot and horrible Superman script, watch the last season of LOST and tell me it doesn't keep you on edge through every single episode). He probably made it easier for Joss Whedon to introduce us to a certain Vampire Slayer and her undead love. But enough is enough.

Chris Carter, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Sam Raimi, and anyone else with a franchise to exploit: please stop. I don't cherish having to defend franchises, stories, and characters that were once beloved because you have an ego that needs inflating or an itch that needs to be scratched. Restraint, temperance; these are virtues. You cannot top your glory years. You cannot revive and recapture the magic of our chidlhoods. Seeing Harrison Ford on the screen with a fedora at 60 will never be the same as seeing him when I was 5 and begging my mom for a whip. The Star Wars universe doesn't need to be expanded by you Mr. Lucas, it's obvious you no longer relate to these characters nor its fans. To be honest it's clear you hold us all in contempt and to a degree resent us. Spielberg; you reinvented yourself as a masterful dramatic storyteller. Hone that skill. Leave the CGI-wizardry and ambitiously large action scenes to your successors (Minority Report and War of the Worlds were great; until the last half of the latter and the final 20 minutes of the former, both of which were far too lengthy to begin with).

It's tough enough being a fan of genre fiction. People don't get it and most dismiss it. Don't make it harder by turning once-gold-standards into cautionary tales for the likes of Christopher Nolan and Jon Favreau. I don't need new installments, the DVDs are just fine for me. Nobody made a sequel to Casablanca or Citizen Kane. There is no Gone With The Wind trilogy. Please take note.

Thank you,
A Fan

The Dark Knight

I've been debating writing this review since Saturday. I've seen the movie twice already and can't wait to see it again (this time on IMAX). Truth is I just don't know how to do this movie justice. It goes so far beyond what you expect, so far beyond what you think it will be that reviewing it seems like a lost effort at encapsulating perfection.

And that's what this film is; the perfect Batman movie. And more; a perfect crime movie. Take away the costumes and what you're left with is the most taut, twisted and unexpected thriller since Se7en. Take away the superhero and what you have is the type of film that would be at home with a December release date and strong Oscar buzz.

And yes, Oscar buzz. Why not? There isn't a single weak link in this movie in terms of acting. Heath Ledger's performance is already legendary so I won't add much except this: I've been watching Heath since 10 Things I Hate About You and I've liked him in everything he's been in. The late actor's face has been everywhere for months now. Anytime the Joker was on screen I looked for the guy who played Mel Gibson's son, the guy who wooed Julia Stiles and earned himself knighthood. I never, not once, found him. All I saw was a sick, insane, creepy lunatic. A man whose very voice sent chills up my spine and set my hairs on end. This performance is just amazing and believe me when I tell you that as sadistic and gruesome as the Joker's jokes are you will laugh. My friend did and she's not the type who takes to jokes about murder. What an incredible actor.

But the Joker isn't the only character and the film doesn't suffer one bit when he's not on screen. Quite the contrary it continues to shine as brightly with Christian Bale once again lending a menace to the Batman that's never been seen outside the pages of the comics. Aaron Eckhart sells his role and his transformation in a way few actors could. And he gets help in doing so from Maggie Gyllenhall. I dislike Katie Holmes in any role that doesn't involve some variation of her Joey character from Dawson's Creek. Batman Begins suffered for her presence. Gyllenhall brings depth and strength to a character that becomes pivotal to events in the film and upon whose acting ability (along with Aaron Eckhart's) the movie hinges upon. Because this film wouldn't be half of what it is without those two being pitch perfect in their roles. Kudos to Ledger but I can't stress this enough: without Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes being as incredibly played by their actors as they were this movie would sink in the last hour.

Another performance that should not be overlooked is that of Gary Oldman as police lieutenant Gordon. Playing a villain is always fun and interesting to watch but playing a good guy, a truly good guy, can often be a pitfall. It is Oldman's incredible talent that makes this performance not only interesting but also a close second to Ledger's.

Michael Caine also delivers a solid character in reprising his role as Alfred and he shines in selling Bruce Wayne/Batman as a very real, well-rounded character. Without Alfred and Bruce's chemistry it'd be hard to relate to the titular character or sympathize very much. Their dynamic is great and I have a hunch their relationship will become more prominent in future films as the Batman continues to consume Bruce.

But the biggest compliment I can pay the film is this: I never saw any of it coming. All the credit for this goes to co-writer Christopher Nolan (with brother
Jonathan) and his direction. Every twist, every plot point is expertly and subtly set up and executed. On a repeat viewing I was amazed by how every single line and action had some effect on the narrative but never on the first viewing do you notice this. The characters are too interesting, the story moves too swiftly for you to process and think "oh, that's gonna come back later." There are also no lingering shots or cutaways here winking at you and making you feel like a 10 year old with no deductive reasoning skills. The plot plays out the way all films should; in the moment with the audience too engrossed to realize where they're being led or that they're being led anywhere at all.

While watching The Dark Knight you won't be aware you're watching a movie. You'll be too busy experiencing a masterpiece.

Facebook Stole My Wingman

Alright so I've been catching a lot of flack for not updating this more often. I will try much harder but between work, naps on the bus (instead of reading/writing) and MGS 4 as well as Summer Blockbuster season I simply have no time. Oh and I have actual human friends I'm expected to interact with. And one of them actually inspired this post so I guess talking to other people has its advantages.

We are the Facebook generation. Or MySpace, whatever your particular poison happens to be. For me it's Facebook so we'll stick with that for now. Everything we know about each other seems to flow directly from these two "social networking" sites. How you network with people from a computer screen while you look around nervously to make sure your boss doesn't catch you is a mystery to me but whatever.

The big draw of these sites is that you can "catch up" with old friends and acquaintances that for whatever reasons you just haven't maintained a steady connection with. This is called Facebook stalking.

In my experience people don't really use Facebook to reach out to those whose lives they're curious about. And why should you? Wanna know where your former high school crush is working? Check her work info! That jerk who dumped you right before prom? He's now backpacking through Europe and you can follow along on his adventures by checking his albums! Check his website section and you'll find a link to his blog detailing the wonders of loose European women!

Truth is we've become a far more isolated society than we used to be and Facebook helps us keep it that way. I don't actually care what the guy who lived down the hall from me Sophomore year is up to now but it's nice to know I probably make more than him and that his new girlfriend might be a man. Through the wonders of Facebooking I learned all this while watching Top Chef and looking up funny quotes for my away message. We truly live in wonderous times.

But Facebook can also be used for evil. Recently I became single (ladies, take note...please don't laugh) and my friend and I made plans to be each other's wingman. We even talked about 'goals' for the summer. During this time there was a girl he was hanging out with (pretty cool, don't blame her for what happened next) whom I was suspicious of. Suspicious because I was fairly certain this girl (while very cool and fun to hang out with) had set her sights on my future Iceman (this kid can't pull off a Goose). For a week my fears were allayed, "Don't worry dude, I'm single."

Then one fateful night I log onto Facebook as I do every 15 minutes only to discover his relationship status had been updated! Betrayed does not begin to describe my feelings at that moment as I watched my plans of an awesome summer of Barney/Ted (HIMYM reference) hijinks go out the virtual window of my soul, chased by a single heart on my news feed.

He'd become one of them; an untouchable.

He'd even gone so far as to list the person he was in a relationship with! Now, being "In a relationship" on Facebook basically tells the world you had a one night stand who turned out be clingy/your friends will hate you if you don't date her for at least a week or 2. Being "In a relationship" and having a NAME attached to it...well you might as well be engaged.

I'm 22 years old going on 23. While a fair amount of people I went to school with are getting married (scary, I know) I'm still not at that point in life where I'm checking fingers for rings. No, I check Facebook. So does everyone else so effectively when you list your significant other on your relationship status you are putting a face to the person who will kick anyone's ass who tries to touch you. Worse; if you're friends with both people you can say good bye to Wall flirting because you will find your Virtual Pet dead under mysterious circumstances.

I've since learned to deal with the fact that I am now wingman-less and am able to see the bright side of mini-feed hearts. While a single bright red heart brought to an end my summer visions of buddy awesomeness another news feed alerted me that the really hot girl in my Junior-year poli-sci class had updated her status to 'Single.'

And as we all know, in the world of Facebook when relatioship status goes from non-existent to single it's time to let the "healing" begin.

"You wouldn't like me when I'm hungry...hungry? That's not right."

Long absence and again I apologize. But here's my The Incredible Hulk review to bring a bright ray of sunshine to your barely tolerable lives. 

From the opening credits this film grabs you. As the names roll you're treated to a retelling of the Hulk origin story. Much like Spider-Man 3 the 

scenes play out in live action but they are done so much better here. You're actually drawn in and there's some suspense and sense of dread.

I don't want to go to far into details of the plot but as the film opens we know Bruce Banner is a man on the run. He has adapted and learned to blend in as much as possible into the culture of his new home, Brazil. His Portuguese is poor but passable and he's attempting meditation to keep his temper and emotions under control. 

Of course the Army and General Ross find him, there would be no movie if that didn't happen. But the story, the chase and the confrontations play out in a way that's entertaining and the action is so fast and intense you don't have time to consider plot points. And frankly when you're watching the Hulk toss forklifts as if they were sticks who really cares about plot?

Apparently Ed Norton does. I've always been a fan of his work and the intensity he brings to his roles. Here he doesn't disappoint. As Bruce Banner you see the toll his journey has taken on him; the weariness and disappointment, the desperation and the fleeting moments where he allows himself to hope. Marvel continues to cast actors instead of faces to lend gravitas to its characters and it pays off in spades. I can only dream of how they would cast a Fantastic Four movie. Seriously, I actually have dreams about it. Such happy, happy dreams where Jessica Alba is nowhere to be seen. 

Liv Tyler is really coming into her own as an actress. She was great in Empire Records and did her job in Armageddon but after seeing her in The Strangers a few weeks ago and now here she's really becoming an actress I'll keep an eye on. It certainly doesn't hurt that she's beautiful. 

As far as villains go Abomination was a pretty solid bet 

here. Great job by Tim Roth (as usual) in bringing a real sense of menace and savagery to his character. 

Like I said I won't go into plot details but we all know Abomination and Hulk throw down and here's what I have to say about that: best modern monster movie scenes ever. Watching the end of the struggle between these two things really takes me back to being a kid and watching the Godzilla movies. These guys want nothing but to beat the tar out of each other, no scratch that; they want to tear each other limb from limb and here's where the CGI really shines. The emotion and barbarism comes across beautifully. Emotions cross the Hulk's face far better than they ever did in that...other movie. 

It's no secret Marvel Studios is building a universe with these movies much like they did in comics. It is the most exciting thing in film right now because you start to care about not only these characters but the characters surrounding them as well. What roles will they play in the future? 

The Tony Stark cameo is brilliant. No spoiler there, everyone has seen the TV spot by now. 

All in all I can't recommend this movie enough. If you liked Iron Man you'll love The Incredible Hulk. A lot of setup here for future films as well that you won't want to miss. Marvel is doing a great job here of drawing in audiences to their other projects by planting seeds in already popular properties.

Can't wait until that Avengers movie :)

HULK SMASH!

I suck

Sorry for not updating in just about 2 weeks. I'm going to a Rilo Kiley concert tonight (AWESOME) so this weekend I'll post my impressions of that. Mostly the post will be an excuse to look up and share some Jenny Lewis pictures. Cause she's effing hot.

Also I'll make you a promise right now that I will update this thing at least twice a week starting next week. My actual goal is 3 times a week but I don't wanna make promises I can't keep. No idea what I'll be talking about but you'll love it because your lives are dull, unimportant and devoid of any meaning. So really, what else do you have to do?

See you in a couple of days!