Observed Online

Now I officially like everything Chris Nolan has directed

2010-01-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Just finished watching the directorial debut from Batman Begins director, Chris Nolan, Following. The film has the feel of a first movie, it was obviously low budget and shot in black in white. Following is a thriller that tells the story of a young writer who spends his time watching (or better following) random people. The movie has a nonlinear narrative similar to another Nolan flick, Memento. Much like all of his movies the soundtrack is filled with eerie synth noises. The camera work is very tight, giving the film an almost claustrophobic feel You often feel like you are in the same cramped spaces and conversations as the characters.

I'm excited for the next Nolan feature, Inception. That one will feature Leonado DiCaprio and looks like another thriller, except this one has a sci-fi twist. From the trailer it looks like this movie will continue to follow the Nolan-feel. It looks like a stark thriller, I'm very excited to see a director like Nolan's treatment of a sci-fi property.

Traitor

2010-01-05T18:40:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of the new Iron Man movie I'm watching the terrorism thriller Traitor starring Don Cheadle. It is definitely a film for our times. Cheadle's performance as an Islamic terrorist was adequate. He puts a lot of nuance into the character if not a lot of passion. The movie sheds some light on the motivations of terrorists and makes them seem human, which is a welcomed change from the mindless bad guys in most action movies. You never quite sympathize with the terrorists but you do sort of understand them.

As I mentioned earlier I was mostly watching because of my excitement for the new Iron Man movie. I'm a little concerned to see Cheadle in the role of James Rhodes (War Machine) I always think of him as Basher from the Oceans movies. He's not the biggest guy but with some creative camera tricks and the anticipated level of special effects I'm sure he'll look great. As for his acting skills I'm sure he'll seamlessly blend into his role as a replacement for Terrence Howard. I also just found out nerd crush object Olivia Munn will be in the movie! Can't wait to see her on the big screen.

New Better Off Ted on Hulu

2010-01-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Watching the new episode of Better Off Ted on Hulu. I've been surprised how few of my friends have heard about this ABC mockumentary sitcom. The writing is hilarious and though the cast is less endearing than that of the Office it is just as biting of a commentary on corporate culture.

IGN Posts the top Trailers of 2009

2010-01-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

IGN put together a pretty sweet list of their favorite movie trailers of 2009. I have to say I agree with most of the list. I especially liked the clip for the new Kick-Ass movie featuring Hit-Girl posted above.

With the exception of Where The Wild Things Are, I think too many of the trailers just give away too much. I understand a trailer is a marketing tool but I would like to see a little more artistry coming out of Hollywood. I've always loved teaser trailers like the one for the original Alien movie (after the cut), or at least trailers with alternate reality clues. I for one hate seeing major plot points in the trailers and would like to see the craft less as marketing and more like art.

[Watch Online] IGN - Top Movie Trailers of 2009

Dexter Season Four

2010-01-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

Watching one of my favorite series tonight, Dexter. My family had talked up the Showtime series for a couple years and I just never took the time to check it out. About a month ago I found the series available on Netflix and I've been watching big chunks of the series at a time.

I'm watching the fourth season, and things have really changed for the title character. I'm not in the mood to write down spoilers, just suffice it to say the show is as engaging as ever. The character development has been pretty strong for the past few seasons and the increased use of Dexter's father has been a nice touch. Lundy's return was welcomed, but the real highlight for me has been the addition of John Lithgow. He's an amazing comedic actor but to see him in such a dramatic role has been great. It reminds me of another famous comedic actor who made the leap to creepy thriller, Robin Williams. I was a big fan of One Hour Photo and enjoyed Insomnia mostly because of his creepy offbeat performance. I'm only a couple episodes into this season, I can't wait to see where they take this series next. I understand there is at least one more season slated to shoot, I'll be excited to see if they can keep the appeal up for another block of episodes.

New Jay Z Video gave me nightmares... in a good way

2010-01-01T17:53:00.000-08:00

The video for JayZ's most recent single is terrifyingly good. It's the 5th cut from the Blue Print 3 which was one of my favorites of last year. After over a decade in the game and 10 number one albums it's amazing how fresh JayZ sounds. He's got a different feel and flow on nearly every track of the album, but somehow creates a cohesive piece of work.

Hova's gone with different directors and feels for each of the videos in the new album, but again there is still a sense of cohesion. All of the videos off the new album take on a decidedly darker tone for the Brooklyn native. There are still symbols of luxury and excess but they are subdued and graphic. Highlights from the new video include the new Jaguar and a Damien Hirst-esque skull which is actually likely from Z Gallerie being drenched in paint. There are clowns almost as scarry as Heath ledger and a gorgeous cirque du soliel like wire act. Pulling it all together is the repetition of the number three as a reminder of the albums title. The whole thing is powerful and dreamlike but ultimately meaningless, which makes it a perfect post Death of HipHop video from one of it's greatest contributors.

What I'm watching - Arrested Development

2010-01-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

"And now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them together"

Thanks to the magic of Hulu you can now watch the entire second season of Arrested Development online for free. All you have to do is sit through some commercials. I'm sure you can find the first season to view online with a well crafted Google search.

Arrested Development is a hilarious postmodern sitcom. It's shot in a mockumentary style with quick edits and cutaways. The show is pretty much unwatchable out of sequence because it is one long narrative. Much like the Office, when I first watched Arrested Development it was already a couple seasons in and I just didn't get it. Now that I've watched the first full season in sequence I am hooked. I'm a few episodes into the second season now and it retains all the quirky awesomeness of the first season. I'm absolutely hooked, and can't wait to see what zany adventures the Bluths get up to next.

[Watch Online] Arrested Development - Season Two

The last mixtape of the year

2010-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

Released on New Year's Eve, The RE:Union is the teaser mixtape for the upcoming Reflection Eternal album, Revolutions Per Minutes. Reflections Eternal, for the uninitiated, is the collabo between rapper Talib Kweli and producer HiTek.

Talib Kweli is an often slept on lyricist, who is likely your favorite rappers favorite rapper (see Jay Z's Moment of Clarity). His poetic rhyme style, like a fine wine, is best when paired. His solo projects haven't really resonated with me but I loved the first Reflection Eternal album and Black Star (Talib Kweli plus Mos Def) was amazing.

The RE:Union is basically an uninspired mix of some RE cuts from the upcoming album, some exclusives/rarities and some classics. Statik Selekah's talents as DJ are put to waste on this album. It's basically the tracks plus enough shout outs to discourage listening to this over the new album. It serves it's purpose to whet the appetite for the new album, but will likely only get a few spins from me.

[Download] Reflection Eternal - The RE:Union

Begininngs

2010-01-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

It is January 1st 2010, the beginning of a decade. I've been meaning to start a review-type blog and I figured today is as good as any. I haven't quite flushed out all the details of how this site will work. I figure it will just kind of grow organically for now and I'll formalize things a bit down the road. I welcome any commentary on my posts and suggestions.