I rented "Blood" on pay per view earlier this week to fill the post Christmas TV void. I didn't have high expectations for the plot or acting, so I wasn't disappointed. It was pretty typical vampire fighting fare.
What set "Blood" apart was the ballet fighting action. The influence of "Crouching Tiger" is evident.
It was definitely worth the $4 and filled a night of of reruns.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda is not my favorite Dreamworks release. In fact, it is one of my least favorite. The animation is fine. The story is fine, if a little predictable. The characters are fine. That's it - just fine.
The one thing I did really like about the movie was the message: There is no secret ingredient. Things are special because people believe they are special. I know this message is supposed to teach kids that they can be what ever they want to be and help bolster their self-esteem, but that I like the message because it reminds people not to take things so seriously. Most "special" things are only special because we endow them with "specialness."
There are something that are special because they posses rare qualities, but those things are few and far between.
Kung Fu Panda is not one of those things. It is just fine.
The one thing I did really like about the movie was the message: There is no secret ingredient. Things are special because people believe they are special. I know this message is supposed to teach kids that they can be what ever they want to be and help bolster their self-esteem, but that I like the message because it reminds people not to take things so seriously. Most "special" things are only special because we endow them with "specialness."
There are something that are special because they posses rare qualities, but those things are few and far between.
Kung Fu Panda is not one of those things. It is just fine.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Avatar
Like the big nerd that I am, I rushed out to see Avatar on opening day. I saw it in the full glory of IMAX 3D and am glad I did. It is a movie that deserves a huge screen and a big sound system. I'm sure it would look great on a smaller screen and in 2D, but it was meant for the full treatment.
Like the original Star Wars, Avatar moves the bar up for what is possible using special effects. Cameron's new world looks as real as any set I've ever seen. The creatures also look real. They don't look "sort of" real like allot of CGI creatures. They look like flesh and blood. The facial expressions, the body movements, the skin, everything. It is hard to distinguish between what is CGI and what isn't even when humans and creatures are interacting. The 3D makes it all the more engrossing. However, there were a few times when the 3D effects fuzzed things out.
The story is nothing special. It is Ferngully in space. The trailer gives the whole plot away and there are no surprises. The script is clunky in places, but not as bad as the scripts for the last three Star Wars films. The acting was top notch considering that half of the time you are watching CGI and could still feel the characters.
At nearly three hours, the movie could use a bit of trimming. A lot of screen time is taken up showing off the fancy effects and the lushness of the world. There is also a little too much exposition. Overall, though, I didn't notice the long running time because I was so engrossed in the visual spectacle.
It is not the best sci-fi movie of the year, but it is top three. I highly recommend going for the full IMAX treatment. The seating is better, the sound is better, the visuals deserve the bigger screen, and the price difference is nominal. I paid 14 bucks - the extra $2 is worth it.
Like the original Star Wars, Avatar moves the bar up for what is possible using special effects. Cameron's new world looks as real as any set I've ever seen. The creatures also look real. They don't look "sort of" real like allot of CGI creatures. They look like flesh and blood. The facial expressions, the body movements, the skin, everything. It is hard to distinguish between what is CGI and what isn't even when humans and creatures are interacting. The 3D makes it all the more engrossing. However, there were a few times when the 3D effects fuzzed things out.
The story is nothing special. It is Ferngully in space. The trailer gives the whole plot away and there are no surprises. The script is clunky in places, but not as bad as the scripts for the last three Star Wars films. The acting was top notch considering that half of the time you are watching CGI and could still feel the characters.
At nearly three hours, the movie could use a bit of trimming. A lot of screen time is taken up showing off the fancy effects and the lushness of the world. There is also a little too much exposition. Overall, though, I didn't notice the long running time because I was so engrossed in the visual spectacle.
It is not the best sci-fi movie of the year, but it is top three. I highly recommend going for the full IMAX treatment. The seating is better, the sound is better, the visuals deserve the bigger screen, and the price difference is nominal. I paid 14 bucks - the extra $2 is worth it.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Union Bar and Grill
The Union Bar & Grill, located on Washington Street in Boston's south end, is an upscale brunch spot in a land of brunch spots. The decor is classy and the staff is dressed accordingly. The space is large and the table layout optimizes the space.
We all got drinks that were good. H got a pimossa which is a mimosa made with pomergranite juice. It was very good. I got the wake up call which is an odd concoction of liquors, esspreso, and juices. When it came out I was taken aback because I thought it was a coffee drink, but it is a martini with a rusty orange color. Once the surprise wore off, I enjoyed the drink.
For food H got the cod cakes. The cod cakes are a twist on eggs benedict where the English muffin and Canadian bacon is replaced by lightly breaded cod cakes. H found them interesting and tastey. I got an omlette instead of my usual steak and eggs. I immediately regretted the decision, but not because the omlette was bad. I just don't like omlettes much. Fortunately, this omlette was very good and made my bad choice bearable.
The prices were in the high range, but the Union earns them. The entire experience was high class.
We all got drinks that were good. H got a pimossa which is a mimosa made with pomergranite juice. It was very good. I got the wake up call which is an odd concoction of liquors, esspreso, and juices. When it came out I was taken aback because I thought it was a coffee drink, but it is a martini with a rusty orange color. Once the surprise wore off, I enjoyed the drink.
For food H got the cod cakes. The cod cakes are a twist on eggs benedict where the English muffin and Canadian bacon is replaced by lightly breaded cod cakes. H found them interesting and tastey. I got an omlette instead of my usual steak and eggs. I immediately regretted the decision, but not because the omlette was bad. I just don't like omlettes much. Fortunately, this omlette was very good and made my bad choice bearable.
The prices were in the high range, but the Union earns them. The entire experience was high class.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Alice
SyFy's reimagining of Alice in Wonderland makes me wonder if SciFy's writing team couldn't use a bit more therapy to work out their family issues. Like the Oz reimagining they did with Zoey Daschenel, Alice revolves around a young girl who is the key to saving a magical land and the key to her power lies in resolving a deep family rift. In Alice, she must overcome her distrust of men caused by the disappearence of her father.
This is a mild criticism. I prefer my sci-fi to be more social commentary than the modern mopy dysfunctional family stuff. I'm probably also older than the target audience who digs Twilight and sensitive emo-pires who lust after their own angst.
Alice does have some strengths. The story is well paced if a bit predictable. The CGI set work is lush. The acting is good. There are some gags that elicited a titter.
For what it is, a long SyFy movie, it is good. Unlike the attrocious Prisoner redo on AMC, it delivered what it promised: a few hours of escape.
This is a mild criticism. I prefer my sci-fi to be more social commentary than the modern mopy dysfunctional family stuff. I'm probably also older than the target audience who digs Twilight and sensitive emo-pires who lust after their own angst.
Alice does have some strengths. The story is well paced if a bit predictable. The CGI set work is lush. The acting is good. There are some gags that elicited a titter.
For what it is, a long SyFy movie, it is good. Unlike the attrocious Prisoner redo on AMC, it delivered what it promised: a few hours of escape.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
On our way home from RI Sunday H and I stopped at the new Five Guys Burgers & Fries place in Norwood. The chain is well known as a premium burger joint with good prices and fast service.
They score well on both counts. The burgers are tastey and huge. The small is a "normal" size burger. My large was a double decker. The large Cajun fries were enough for a family of four.
The gamut of burger toppings are available. I got jalapenos, cheese, and BBQ sauce.
The burgers were better than average but not great. I personally like the burgers at Wild Willy's in Watertown better. The Cajun fries were also above average. One nice thing is that all of the ingredients are fresh. The fries are cut each day and the meat is never frozen.
Our meal came in at around $20 with two drinks. While not cheap, the price is good for the quality of the food.
The only part of the experience I found lacking was the atmosphere. Most McDonalds have more charm than Five Guys. The food comes in a brown bag perfect for take out. Unless you enjoy eating at formica tables in uncomfortable chairs, I'd take the hint. Eat the burgers at home or in the comfort of your car.
They score well on both counts. The burgers are tastey and huge. The small is a "normal" size burger. My large was a double decker. The large Cajun fries were enough for a family of four.
The gamut of burger toppings are available. I got jalapenos, cheese, and BBQ sauce.
The burgers were better than average but not great. I personally like the burgers at Wild Willy's in Watertown better. The Cajun fries were also above average. One nice thing is that all of the ingredients are fresh. The fries are cut each day and the meat is never frozen.
Our meal came in at around $20 with two drinks. While not cheap, the price is good for the quality of the food.
The only part of the experience I found lacking was the atmosphere. Most McDonalds have more charm than Five Guys. The food comes in a brown bag perfect for take out. Unless you enjoy eating at formica tables in uncomfortable chairs, I'd take the hint. Eat the burgers at home or in the comfort of your car.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tower House B&B
This past weekend H and I traveled down to Narragansett for a birthday party. Since it was a night time event and the possibility of drinking, we thought it would be nice to stay nearby. Always thinking about an hour-plus drive home takes some of the fun out of a party.
H found the Tower House B&B online. This is their first season, but you wouldn't have known it. They family running it do an excellent job.
We stayed in the Caldwell suite. It is a large bed room, a sitting room, and a large bath. The bedroom was well apointed. The queen size bed was a little soft for me, but I'm comfortable sleeping on packed dirt. The bathroom was large. There was a full tub with a shower head. The water pressure was good and the multi-setting shower head worked wonders.
In the evening they have a beer and wine happy hour in the common area. The only beer served is Narragansett. The new Narragansett is a step up from the Narragansett I enjoyed in college, but it is still a basement beer.
Breakfast consisted of a french toast casserole, eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage, and fruit. I enjoyed the meats and the casserole. H loved the eggs.
From what we saw of them under the snow, the grounds looked nice. The Inn is set back off of the street and has a good sized back yard.
The location is perfect for people to enjoy the ocean. It is one block from the Narragansett town pier. The town beach is a reasonable walk if you are not hauling too much stuff.
H found the Tower House B&B online. This is their first season, but you wouldn't have known it. They family running it do an excellent job.
We stayed in the Caldwell suite. It is a large bed room, a sitting room, and a large bath. The bedroom was well apointed. The queen size bed was a little soft for me, but I'm comfortable sleeping on packed dirt. The bathroom was large. There was a full tub with a shower head. The water pressure was good and the multi-setting shower head worked wonders.
In the evening they have a beer and wine happy hour in the common area. The only beer served is Narragansett. The new Narragansett is a step up from the Narragansett I enjoyed in college, but it is still a basement beer.
Breakfast consisted of a french toast casserole, eggs Benedict, bacon, sausage, and fruit. I enjoyed the meats and the casserole. H loved the eggs.
From what we saw of them under the snow, the grounds looked nice. The Inn is set back off of the street and has a good sized back yard.
The location is perfect for people to enjoy the ocean. It is one block from the Narragansett town pier. The town beach is a reasonable walk if you are not hauling too much stuff.
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