Leaves of Grass had a red carpet premiere at the Sunshine Cinemas on Houston St in downtown New York tonight hosted by Gen Art.
The movie was directed by Tim Blake Nelson who had a featured role alongside Ed Norton. Norton played Billy and Brady, twin brothers from Oklahoma who grew up to live completely different and separate lives. Billy, a published writer and professor, lives an ordered life in New England while his brother lives a life of crime and growing marijuana.
The movie is filled with excellent actors including Richard Dreyfus, Susan Sarandon, Keri Russell and Melanie Lymsky.
It's a good film. Well paced and interesting with some good humor and touching moments. Ed, as usual, gives an excellent performance. It's funny to watch him playing an intelligent redneck, which he somehow manages to pull off believably.
Keri Russell, who plays Billy's love interest, is endearing. Although she seems a little too thin, she's very naturally pretty in the film. Her character is extremely insightful and poetic and leaves you wanting to embark on some introspective soul searching.
I'm not sure what kind of distribution this film will get, but if you have a good independent movie theater, then I'd suggest you go see this film. It's Ed at his versatile best.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Go go government
Health reform has passed! Finally!
There are many different angles that the health reform bill is being attacked or praised on. Mostly, I just can't understand why anyone would think it's a bad idea for our government to put a bill into place that would protect people from the greedy and immoral insurance business. This bill will allow millions of people to get medical insurance, followed by proper health care, that would never have been able to do so before.
Here's the thing, health insurance is supposed to help people get the care they need in the event that they fall ill. That illness can be anything, cancer, anemia, a heart attack or the flu. But it has become the practice of the insurance agencies to deny coverage to those people or drop them from coverage when they become sick. What's worse is that we the people have had to accept that as being okay because there was nothing else we could do.
This new bill speaks for the people, not the insurance agencies. Which, frankly, is something the government hasn't done in a long time. Year after year we've seen the politicians sitting in the pockets of big business. The auto industry, big oil, the banks, insurance firms, time and again get things passed in their favor because they have the deeper pockets. But we now have a president who was put in place by us, the constituents, and who does not have to worry about whether he will lose that financial backing from some huge firm.
Obama cares about the people of this country. It's a very strange concept to find on Capitol Hill. All those fat old men have been cut off from reality for so long they only see their own point of view and blindly believe it's what's right since they've been in place for so many years.
Hopefully this bill passing, and all the disgusting antics from the republicans that went on through the process, will show people that the government can change and actually achieve something great for our benefit. It should also show people the real faces of their republican politicians. The fact that they will vote No for no other reason than to spite the democrats. That's not what they are supposed to be there for. Elections are not supposed to be the reason for a congressmans actions. It seems as though they can't simply think on their own and do what they feel is right for the people they represent. Instead they do as they are told by the petty men who want their way and want do whatever they can to undermine the other party, even if it goes against something they themselves actually stand for. Where's the common sense in that. This is not high school. These are peoples lives they are messing around with and I hope those people realize it's time to put some fresh faces into those seats, even if they are still republican. I have to believe there are some good, smart and reasonable republican politicians out there. I know plenty of republicans and they aren't irrational people, they don't hate democrats and they are not opposed to every single liberal idea just because it's liberal.
I'm very excited about health care reform. I think it's definitely a step in the right direction to protecting people's rights to health care. If someone is willing to pay for insurance, then let them. They shouldn't be denied because they beat cancer five years ago. Every child should be covered. A parent shouldn't have to worry about whether they'll go broke if their child get sick or in an accident.
I can only hope that people will see how beneficial this will be to them and stop being so divisive. I'm tired of seeing the ugly things that people will do to get their point of view across. It's unneccessary and only makes you even more wrong when you attack people, verbally or physically.
This was a big win and now it's time to move on to the next issue. The republicans need to get over it and move forward to work on something new. And no, trying to repeal this bill is not something new.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
There are many different angles that the health reform bill is being attacked or praised on. Mostly, I just can't understand why anyone would think it's a bad idea for our government to put a bill into place that would protect people from the greedy and immoral insurance business. This bill will allow millions of people to get medical insurance, followed by proper health care, that would never have been able to do so before.
Here's the thing, health insurance is supposed to help people get the care they need in the event that they fall ill. That illness can be anything, cancer, anemia, a heart attack or the flu. But it has become the practice of the insurance agencies to deny coverage to those people or drop them from coverage when they become sick. What's worse is that we the people have had to accept that as being okay because there was nothing else we could do.
This new bill speaks for the people, not the insurance agencies. Which, frankly, is something the government hasn't done in a long time. Year after year we've seen the politicians sitting in the pockets of big business. The auto industry, big oil, the banks, insurance firms, time and again get things passed in their favor because they have the deeper pockets. But we now have a president who was put in place by us, the constituents, and who does not have to worry about whether he will lose that financial backing from some huge firm.
Obama cares about the people of this country. It's a very strange concept to find on Capitol Hill. All those fat old men have been cut off from reality for so long they only see their own point of view and blindly believe it's what's right since they've been in place for so many years.
Hopefully this bill passing, and all the disgusting antics from the republicans that went on through the process, will show people that the government can change and actually achieve something great for our benefit. It should also show people the real faces of their republican politicians. The fact that they will vote No for no other reason than to spite the democrats. That's not what they are supposed to be there for. Elections are not supposed to be the reason for a congressmans actions. It seems as though they can't simply think on their own and do what they feel is right for the people they represent. Instead they do as they are told by the petty men who want their way and want do whatever they can to undermine the other party, even if it goes against something they themselves actually stand for. Where's the common sense in that. This is not high school. These are peoples lives they are messing around with and I hope those people realize it's time to put some fresh faces into those seats, even if they are still republican. I have to believe there are some good, smart and reasonable republican politicians out there. I know plenty of republicans and they aren't irrational people, they don't hate democrats and they are not opposed to every single liberal idea just because it's liberal.
I'm very excited about health care reform. I think it's definitely a step in the right direction to protecting people's rights to health care. If someone is willing to pay for insurance, then let them. They shouldn't be denied because they beat cancer five years ago. Every child should be covered. A parent shouldn't have to worry about whether they'll go broke if their child get sick or in an accident.
I can only hope that people will see how beneficial this will be to them and stop being so divisive. I'm tired of seeing the ugly things that people will do to get their point of view across. It's unneccessary and only makes you even more wrong when you attack people, verbally or physically.
This was a big win and now it's time to move on to the next issue. The republicans need to get over it and move forward to work on something new. And no, trying to repeal this bill is not something new.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Graphic Novel review: Emily the Strange The Lost Days
I love the artwork for Emily the Strange. I've always loved checking out the products with the character and her cats and bats and things. I have not had the chance to read any of the comics though. They've been on my, and I've quickly skimmed through some of the collections. I wanted to start at the beginning and work my way through, but it just hadn't happened yet.
I was in the bookstore the other day looking at the new releases and what do I see, an Emily the Strange novel. I picked it up skimmed through, read the back, saw the cheap price of $8.99, and took it straight to the register. For some reason the novel appealed to me in a way te comic never did. It's weird because I read comics all the time.
The book was very good. A quick, fun, easy read. The artwork throughout the book is very cool. The cats and characters that Emily encounters are brought to life through her eyes. The writing is great. Basically, Emily has amnesia and you are reading her journal as she goes through her adventure of trying to figure out who she is and why she's in a small, desolate town called Blackrock. Her perception of the world is interesting. She's obviously not a normal 13 year old girl. Belgium! She's quite funny as well.
Emily is a very interesting character. I will defintely read the next couple of novels that are slated for release this year.
I'd recommend these books for any young adult reader. I think a lot of girls can relate to not feeling as though they belong, as well as knowing that strange can be a lot more interesting than normal. I'd also recommend this for any current fans of the comic or any similar comics like Dead @ 17. This is very relatable for any age group.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I was in the bookstore the other day looking at the new releases and what do I see, an Emily the Strange novel. I picked it up skimmed through, read the back, saw the cheap price of $8.99, and took it straight to the register. For some reason the novel appealed to me in a way te comic never did. It's weird because I read comics all the time.
The book was very good. A quick, fun, easy read. The artwork throughout the book is very cool. The cats and characters that Emily encounters are brought to life through her eyes. The writing is great. Basically, Emily has amnesia and you are reading her journal as she goes through her adventure of trying to figure out who she is and why she's in a small, desolate town called Blackrock. Her perception of the world is interesting. She's obviously not a normal 13 year old girl. Belgium! She's quite funny as well.
Emily is a very interesting character. I will defintely read the next couple of novels that are slated for release this year.
I'd recommend these books for any young adult reader. I think a lot of girls can relate to not feeling as though they belong, as well as knowing that strange can be a lot more interesting than normal. I'd also recommend this for any current fans of the comic or any similar comics like Dead @ 17. This is very relatable for any age group.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, February 19, 2010
FemGeek reviews The Good Guy
"The movie was cute."
That's the line I kept using all night whenever anyone asked what I thought about the movie at the after party. That's the best I can do. There's nothing special about this movie.
That's the same way I feel about the characters and the actors who play them. It's impossible to take Alexis Bledel seriously as a mid-twenties manhattanite. She still looks like the fifteen year old on the Gilmore Girls. She might be able to get away with playing a college student, possibly a recent college grad, but an established twenty-something with enough job experience to be asked to head a major not-for-profit in San Francisco is just not viable for her.
The guy in her life ends up perpetuating the major Wall Street dirt bag stereotype of a major player juggling multiple women at once and lying to them all completely and without remorse.
The good guy ends up not being able to make it on Wall Street simply because he isn't that douche bag they are trying to turn him into.
There's a little surprise in the end, which I don't want to call a twist because it doesn't qualify, but is pretty good nonetheless. There are a few good laugh out loud moments.
Overall, I would recommend waiting for the DVD on this one, it'll be there quickly, I'm sure. And please don't drag the boyfriend there with you for this. You should pick your battles wisely and this should not be one of them.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
That's the line I kept using all night whenever anyone asked what I thought about the movie at the after party. That's the best I can do. There's nothing special about this movie.
That's the same way I feel about the characters and the actors who play them. It's impossible to take Alexis Bledel seriously as a mid-twenties manhattanite. She still looks like the fifteen year old on the Gilmore Girls. She might be able to get away with playing a college student, possibly a recent college grad, but an established twenty-something with enough job experience to be asked to head a major not-for-profit in San Francisco is just not viable for her.
The guy in her life ends up perpetuating the major Wall Street dirt bag stereotype of a major player juggling multiple women at once and lying to them all completely and without remorse.
The good guy ends up not being able to make it on Wall Street simply because he isn't that douche bag they are trying to turn him into.
There's a little surprise in the end, which I don't want to call a twist because it doesn't qualify, but is pretty good nonetheless. There are a few good laugh out loud moments.
Overall, I would recommend waiting for the DVD on this one, it'll be there quickly, I'm sure. And please don't drag the boyfriend there with you for this. You should pick your battles wisely and this should not be one of them.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, January 15, 2010
Planet Hulk - New Animated Movie
I attended a screening of the, soon to be released straight to Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital Download, Planet Hulk movie. They had a bi-coastal event in conjunction with the Paley Media Center in NYC and LA.
There weren't any big names doing the voices for this movie, but the actors did a good job. It starts off with Iron Man and crew sending Hulk off planet Earth because he's uncontrollable, that's the sane as the comic. He goes off course and ends up on a planet that is waiting for a savior. They're technology and weapons are advanced, but bear a striking resemblance to the Roman empire at it's peak. The story then take a very unoriginal turn, Hulk becomes a slave/gladiator and must work with the others to fight for their freedom as well as kill the Red King.
It's a forgettable movie at best. The animation is nothing special and I felt like I watching an old cartoon instead of a new movie. I don't expect Pixar quality, I enjoy gritty animation, but DC does a much better job with this type of project than Marvel. The Wonder Woman movie from last year was much better than this, and nothing beats The Justice League.
I'm not sure I would recommend this movie for purchase. If you're a major Hulk fan, you'll probably get it anyway, but try not to get your hopes up expecting a great story. It's just not there.
There was a Q&A session after the movie. I did not stay around for it though. Seeing Quesada walk in with Mickey Mouse Tshirt wad enough for me.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
There weren't any big names doing the voices for this movie, but the actors did a good job. It starts off with Iron Man and crew sending Hulk off planet Earth because he's uncontrollable, that's the sane as the comic. He goes off course and ends up on a planet that is waiting for a savior. They're technology and weapons are advanced, but bear a striking resemblance to the Roman empire at it's peak. The story then take a very unoriginal turn, Hulk becomes a slave/gladiator and must work with the others to fight for their freedom as well as kill the Red King.
It's a forgettable movie at best. The animation is nothing special and I felt like I watching an old cartoon instead of a new movie. I don't expect Pixar quality, I enjoy gritty animation, but DC does a much better job with this type of project than Marvel. The Wonder Woman movie from last year was much better than this, and nothing beats The Justice League.
I'm not sure I would recommend this movie for purchase. If you're a major Hulk fan, you'll probably get it anyway, but try not to get your hopes up expecting a great story. It's just not there.
There was a Q&A session after the movie. I did not stay around for it though. Seeing Quesada walk in with Mickey Mouse Tshirt wad enough for me.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Addicted to Dragon Age: Origins
I just finished my first pass through Dragon Age last night. I have been playing for weeks, a couple of hours a nights, and for way too long on Saturdays. When I like a game I want to play all the time. It's like a compulsion.
The game is a lot of fun. It's a great role playing game for anyone who likes to see their characters evolve. There are multiple choices for race, classes and gender. The game is different depending on what you choose and the choices you make as a player.
The story is a classic heroic tale, you are recruited as a member of a group of Guardians called the Grey Wardens. They serve to protect the lands from the Blight, evil hordes of demons and darkspawn. They are also the ones that can defeat the Archdemon, a great demon that takes form as a dragon.
There are many places to travel through in the game. There are also tons of side quests to keep you busy for a long time if you don't want to go through the main story arc too quickly.
If you are an Xbox 360 gamer, like me, then you can gain the achievement points for this game. However, there are many that require you to play the game at least twice all the way through. If you are adamant about getting ALL of the points, then you need to play the game with each race. Don't be put off by this. I am looking forward to starting my second pass at the game with a different character. I can't wait to see how different the story will be and how differently the others in the game will react to me.
This is definitely a game I would recommend to anyone who enjoys role-playing games. If you are new to video games of this type, just play on casual and have fun.
There are, of course, game add-ons as well. One, The Stone Prisoner, you can get for free when you buy the game. A new expansion is due out later this year. I'm definitely looking forward to that!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The game is a lot of fun. It's a great role playing game for anyone who likes to see their characters evolve. There are multiple choices for race, classes and gender. The game is different depending on what you choose and the choices you make as a player.
The story is a classic heroic tale, you are recruited as a member of a group of Guardians called the Grey Wardens. They serve to protect the lands from the Blight, evil hordes of demons and darkspawn. They are also the ones that can defeat the Archdemon, a great demon that takes form as a dragon.
There are many places to travel through in the game. There are also tons of side quests to keep you busy for a long time if you don't want to go through the main story arc too quickly.
If you are an Xbox 360 gamer, like me, then you can gain the achievement points for this game. However, there are many that require you to play the game at least twice all the way through. If you are adamant about getting ALL of the points, then you need to play the game with each race. Don't be put off by this. I am looking forward to starting my second pass at the game with a different character. I can't wait to see how different the story will be and how differently the others in the game will react to me.
This is definitely a game I would recommend to anyone who enjoys role-playing games. If you are new to video games of this type, just play on casual and have fun.
There are, of course, game add-ons as well. One, The Stone Prisoner, you can get for free when you buy the game. A new expansion is due out later this year. I'm definitely looking forward to that!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Youth in Revolt
Michael Cera plays an awkward teenager who can't get laid...wait isn't that the plot of his last movie? Actually it's the plot for almost every movie he's ever made. This one however manages to put a little twist on that plot by having the girl really like him a lot. They're love is destined to be difficult when they are continuously separated by distance and circumstance.
Cera's alter ego, Francois, is a bad boy and gives him a chance to show that he can be a little more than a kinda strange geeky guy.
The movie has a great cast, including Fred Willard, Zach Galifinakis, Ray Liotta, Steve Buschemi and more. They each lend their great comedic talent to the film.
It starts to feel too long half way through, but picks up the pace and the laughs again quickly. The strained, sometimes forced sounding intelligence of the youths in the film borders on over the top, but Cera manages to pull it off because it's sort of expected from him.
I liked the movie but didn't love it. I laughed quite a bit, but it's not the funniest of movies. I'd say it's an average comedy, but if you're a Cera fan, you'll enjoy getting you're fix of his cute nerdiness.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Cera's alter ego, Francois, is a bad boy and gives him a chance to show that he can be a little more than a kinda strange geeky guy.
The movie has a great cast, including Fred Willard, Zach Galifinakis, Ray Liotta, Steve Buschemi and more. They each lend their great comedic talent to the film.
It starts to feel too long half way through, but picks up the pace and the laughs again quickly. The strained, sometimes forced sounding intelligence of the youths in the film borders on over the top, but Cera manages to pull it off because it's sort of expected from him.
I liked the movie but didn't love it. I laughed quite a bit, but it's not the funniest of movies. I'd say it's an average comedy, but if you're a Cera fan, you'll enjoy getting you're fix of his cute nerdiness.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
