Coming in 2009 I'll finally be graduating from college. I will begin a new chapter in my life with face the true world. No one to help me, all on my own. I think I'm ready for that task. I can only hope things go in my favor.
Here's to hoping for another great year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sitting on a bed with no sheets
Currently, as I'm typing this, I am sitting on a bed without sheets. Why you may ask? Well, they needed a good cleaning today. Now I feel like a bum, cause I really don't have the will-power to put the sheets on. Instead I write this: the blog no one reads. Am I feeling sorry for myself? Well kinda, but I think it is well deserved self pity.
Anyway, what is there to write about. I can talk about my adulation for my Arkansas Razorback basketball team in taking down #4 ranked University of Oklahoma. When hearing that we were to play OU and UT (University of Texas), I was like "that's unfair, no other team in our conference has to play them, why do we?" But with the win, it will most likely give us a ranking in the NCAA and #1 spot in our conference, YEAH! Also I get the chance to play at the Texas game next Tuesday.
You may be thinking, "wait, what? You're a basketball player?" And I would response, "oh no, play in the band that attends the games" We're very important to the spirit of the game. Also it is a free pass into the game. Especially being that this one with be a big one now.
-Currently listening to: Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Op.46: 4. in the Hall of the Mountain King
Now that is the music that you'd listen to, to really get into putting on bed sheets!
Later, to no one
Anyway, what is there to write about. I can talk about my adulation for my Arkansas Razorback basketball team in taking down #4 ranked University of Oklahoma. When hearing that we were to play OU and UT (University of Texas), I was like "that's unfair, no other team in our conference has to play them, why do we?" But with the win, it will most likely give us a ranking in the NCAA and #1 spot in our conference, YEAH! Also I get the chance to play at the Texas game next Tuesday.
You may be thinking, "wait, what? You're a basketball player?" And I would response, "oh no, play in the band that attends the games" We're very important to the spirit of the game. Also it is a free pass into the game. Especially being that this one with be a big one now.
-Currently listening to: Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Op.46: 4. in the Hall of the Mountain King
Now that is the music that you'd listen to, to really get into putting on bed sheets!
Later, to no one
Sunday, December 28, 2008
HELLO!?!
Is this pointless? Have I really no one reading this blog? Seriously, I've sent out messages on my facebook, my last post on xanga.com, and on twitter. Of course I don't think anyone really read my twitter account.
I am in fact talking to myself right now, aren't I?
Screw it, I'm going to keep going for my own enjoyment. TAKE THAT WORLD, you can't bring me down! I'm a star that will always fly high!
If you are reading my blog, please at least say something to let me know I'm not alone.
I am in fact talking to myself right now, aren't I?
Screw it, I'm going to keep going for my own enjoyment. TAKE THAT WORLD, you can't bring me down! I'm a star that will always fly high!
If you are reading my blog, please at least say something to let me know I'm not alone.
Friday, December 26, 2008
"Life can only be understood backwards, but lived forwards"
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Directed by David Fincher
Summary:
The story, based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells the life story of Benjamin Button, played by Brad Pitt. His life isn't like most people's, because he ages backwards. Born on 1918 as an old man, as time progresses he grows younger and younger. Raised my a lady that discovered him abandoned at the steps of a retirement home, Benjamin lives with death happening all around him. He soon meets Daisy, a red-haired, blue-eyed child, that he soon grows a connection with. Through a series of events, Benjamin decides to leave his home and adventure off with a tug boat in the 1930's.
As time progresses, Benjamin gets younger, and everyone he knows gets older including Daisy. The story talks about the understanding of who you are, and that you should follow that no matter who tells you different. The story also talks about how death is inevitable, and that it is as much part of life. Things never last, but we can always hope.
Review:
Story: 27/30
As this was based on a short story only 32 pages long, it was quite impressive that the screenwriter was able to expand the story into a 2 hour and 32 minute film. There are many themes spread throughout the story, and much of the story is laid heavily on the city of New Orleans, where the story takes place. Using hurricane Katrina to set the present day story, and flashing back to the early 1900s, New Orleans is used a great deal.
What caused the aging backwards is never explained, and Benjamin is never confronted on his unusual situation. It is only treated as though he had a illness when he was young. He is the only one like this, and it appears to be a contained situation.
Acting: 24/25
Overall the acting is great. The best of the group is Cate Blanchett, playing Daisy from the age of 23 to the characters death. The supporting actors are convincing in there parts as well. Two negatives to the acting would be Julia Ormond's character Caroline seemed rather one dimensional. As well, Brad Pitt plays Benjamin with minimum expression. In a sense, Benjamin is a dull person. However, this may be because of he constant contact with death has left him without much emotion for life.
Directing: 14/15
Directed with a fairy tale like feel, David Fincher has been able to create an environment where Benjamin's case isn't uncommon. Visually it is stunning. Also the recreation of New Orleans of the past is spot on.
Soundtrack/Score: 10/10
The score is my personal favorite of the year. It is sorrowful at times, as well as magical. Dispersed throughout are the sounds of classic jazz and classical pieces that allow the viewer to feel as though they are there.
Affective Response: 14/15
Unlike Slumdog Millionaire, tCCoBB pulled at my heart strings greatly. I cared for Benjamin and Daisy. As well as all the other characters Benjamin met along the way. And at the end, if I wasn't trying to be manly, I would have definitely been bawling my eyes out. It really was an emotional ending.
Extra: 4/5
The extra given here is to the amazing makeup and graphic arts done on the characters. They could have really mess the entire film up, if the make-up on the actors weren't done correctly. Expecially when Benjamin is a young man by age, but in appearance looks quite old. I won't be suprised with a oscar win for make-up.
Final Score: 93/100
I may be in the minority in believing that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was a much better film than Slumdog Millionaire. Some may fault on the very long running time, or even the depressing feel of the movie. But to me, it is all necessary to tell the right story. I'm putting this down as may favorite film of the year.
Directed by David Fincher
Summary:
The story, based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells the life story of Benjamin Button, played by Brad Pitt. His life isn't like most people's, because he ages backwards. Born on 1918 as an old man, as time progresses he grows younger and younger. Raised my a lady that discovered him abandoned at the steps of a retirement home, Benjamin lives with death happening all around him. He soon meets Daisy, a red-haired, blue-eyed child, that he soon grows a connection with. Through a series of events, Benjamin decides to leave his home and adventure off with a tug boat in the 1930's.
As time progresses, Benjamin gets younger, and everyone he knows gets older including Daisy. The story talks about the understanding of who you are, and that you should follow that no matter who tells you different. The story also talks about how death is inevitable, and that it is as much part of life. Things never last, but we can always hope.
Review:
Story: 27/30
As this was based on a short story only 32 pages long, it was quite impressive that the screenwriter was able to expand the story into a 2 hour and 32 minute film. There are many themes spread throughout the story, and much of the story is laid heavily on the city of New Orleans, where the story takes place. Using hurricane Katrina to set the present day story, and flashing back to the early 1900s, New Orleans is used a great deal.
What caused the aging backwards is never explained, and Benjamin is never confronted on his unusual situation. It is only treated as though he had a illness when he was young. He is the only one like this, and it appears to be a contained situation.
Acting: 24/25
Overall the acting is great. The best of the group is Cate Blanchett, playing Daisy from the age of 23 to the characters death. The supporting actors are convincing in there parts as well. Two negatives to the acting would be Julia Ormond's character Caroline seemed rather one dimensional. As well, Brad Pitt plays Benjamin with minimum expression. In a sense, Benjamin is a dull person. However, this may be because of he constant contact with death has left him without much emotion for life.
Directing: 14/15
Directed with a fairy tale like feel, David Fincher has been able to create an environment where Benjamin's case isn't uncommon. Visually it is stunning. Also the recreation of New Orleans of the past is spot on.
Soundtrack/Score: 10/10
The score is my personal favorite of the year. It is sorrowful at times, as well as magical. Dispersed throughout are the sounds of classic jazz and classical pieces that allow the viewer to feel as though they are there.
Affective Response: 14/15
Unlike Slumdog Millionaire, tCCoBB pulled at my heart strings greatly. I cared for Benjamin and Daisy. As well as all the other characters Benjamin met along the way. And at the end, if I wasn't trying to be manly, I would have definitely been bawling my eyes out. It really was an emotional ending.
Extra: 4/5
The extra given here is to the amazing makeup and graphic arts done on the characters. They could have really mess the entire film up, if the make-up on the actors weren't done correctly. Expecially when Benjamin is a young man by age, but in appearance looks quite old. I won't be suprised with a oscar win for make-up.
Final Score: 93/100
I may be in the minority in believing that The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was a much better film than Slumdog Millionaire. Some may fault on the very long running time, or even the depressing feel of the movie. But to me, it is all necessary to tell the right story. I'm putting this down as may favorite film of the year.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
"What can a Slumdog like you do in life?"
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Directed: Danny Boyle
Summary:
Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of an Indian boy, Jamal, from the slums that gotten on India's most popular game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?". Arriving to the final question, the 20 million rupee question, he is taken into custody in suspect of cheating. As the police interrogate him, Jamal explains that he isn't a genius, but destiny that he got those questions. From there we go on a journey of Jamal's life from young age to present. Jumping back and forth from the gameshow to Jamal's life, we understand how he was able to get these questions.
During Jamal's life we are introduced to his brother Salim and he love intrest Latika. Throughout his life, Jamal has lost and regained his connection to Latika, and finally loses her again to gangs in Mumbai as well as his brother. We then find that the reason he is on the gameshow is to somehow get connected to Latika again. Will he win the prize money? Will he be reunited with Latika? You have to find out.
Review:
Story: 25/30
The story has the classic love story theme, as well as the idea that destiny decides the outcome of one life. Almost like a fairy tale, the story's ending has somewhat of a too-good-to-be-true type of ending. This can be the only part I felt hurt the story.
Acting: 25/25
The three characters, Jamal, Latika, and Salim have three actors protraying them in there life. Each I felt show the same quality in acting, and showed a great deal of pain and anguish during the rough parts of the story. The gameshow host was a great addition as well as the two police officers interagating Jamal. I found nothing wrong with any of the acting, and therefore gave the perfect score.
Directing: 14/15
Danny Boyle has a different style with each of his films, and this film isn't any different. The camera movement wasn't too jerky nor stail. The editing of the story is a great way of telling this tale, as well as understanding what Jamal is feeling at that moment.
Soundtrack/Score: 9/10
The soundtrack has a destinct sound of the Indian culture. With AR Rahman as composer, there is penty of India music stylings, as well as some western theme music. In one scene the song Paper Planes by M.I.A is featured, the only thing is that the scene turns into a music video with almost every word of the song being visualized in the scene. Now with the history of Indian films, and the love of musical-type films, including this scene wasn't as annoying to include, if it had been featured in say an American film.
Affective Response: 13/15
For the most part, I think this is where the film hurts the worst. I didn't have much connect with Jamal nor Latika and Salim. I could see where the film was going around halfway into the story. Neverless, when it needed to be tense, it was tense. When he answers the final question, there was a large explosion of emotion. That is the only scene I could think of that was impactful. But besided that moment. Nothing else.
Extra: 5/5
The lasting appeal of the film, as well as giving me the desire to visit India gives this movie the full extra points.
Final Score: 91/100
Overall the film is a very good one. To decide that this is the best film of the year, is something I cannot agree upon at the moment. Only because of my lack of viewing award nominee films. If this is the best film of the year, I will give you an update. But until then, we can only hope "it is written in the stars".
Directed: Danny Boyle
Summary:
Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of an Indian boy, Jamal, from the slums that gotten on India's most popular game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?". Arriving to the final question, the 20 million rupee question, he is taken into custody in suspect of cheating. As the police interrogate him, Jamal explains that he isn't a genius, but destiny that he got those questions. From there we go on a journey of Jamal's life from young age to present. Jumping back and forth from the gameshow to Jamal's life, we understand how he was able to get these questions.
During Jamal's life we are introduced to his brother Salim and he love intrest Latika. Throughout his life, Jamal has lost and regained his connection to Latika, and finally loses her again to gangs in Mumbai as well as his brother. We then find that the reason he is on the gameshow is to somehow get connected to Latika again. Will he win the prize money? Will he be reunited with Latika? You have to find out.
Review:
Story: 25/30
The story has the classic love story theme, as well as the idea that destiny decides the outcome of one life. Almost like a fairy tale, the story's ending has somewhat of a too-good-to-be-true type of ending. This can be the only part I felt hurt the story.
Acting: 25/25
The three characters, Jamal, Latika, and Salim have three actors protraying them in there life. Each I felt show the same quality in acting, and showed a great deal of pain and anguish during the rough parts of the story. The gameshow host was a great addition as well as the two police officers interagating Jamal. I found nothing wrong with any of the acting, and therefore gave the perfect score.
Directing: 14/15
Danny Boyle has a different style with each of his films, and this film isn't any different. The camera movement wasn't too jerky nor stail. The editing of the story is a great way of telling this tale, as well as understanding what Jamal is feeling at that moment.
Soundtrack/Score: 9/10
The soundtrack has a destinct sound of the Indian culture. With AR Rahman as composer, there is penty of India music stylings, as well as some western theme music. In one scene the song Paper Planes by M.I.A is featured, the only thing is that the scene turns into a music video with almost every word of the song being visualized in the scene. Now with the history of Indian films, and the love of musical-type films, including this scene wasn't as annoying to include, if it had been featured in say an American film.
Affective Response: 13/15
For the most part, I think this is where the film hurts the worst. I didn't have much connect with Jamal nor Latika and Salim. I could see where the film was going around halfway into the story. Neverless, when it needed to be tense, it was tense. When he answers the final question, there was a large explosion of emotion. That is the only scene I could think of that was impactful. But besided that moment. Nothing else.
Extra: 5/5
The lasting appeal of the film, as well as giving me the desire to visit India gives this movie the full extra points.
Final Score: 91/100
Overall the film is a very good one. To decide that this is the best film of the year, is something I cannot agree upon at the moment. Only because of my lack of viewing award nominee films. If this is the best film of the year, I will give you an update. But until then, we can only hope "it is written in the stars".
Sunday, December 14, 2008
23 Year Old Male Arrested for Killing Time
In the small town of Rockmen Lake, Idaho, 23 year old Stephen Jackson was arrested after admitting he was killing time. Officer Jack Kirkland was the one that made the arrest after what he described as pure unadulterated madness.
"I was on my patrol at 2:15 pm around the local mini mall," said Kirkland. "I then noticed Mr. Jackson in one of the local coffee shops. He appeared to be playing an online flash game. I then approached the suspect and asked what he was doing. He replied by saying he was killing time until his friend was going to pick him up."
In the admittance of killing time by Mr. Jackson, Officer Kirkland placed the boy under arrest. Currently he is on bail awaiting his trial.
Child psychologist Cynthia Brown explained that killing time has increased by over 200% in the last 10 years. She explains, "killing time has become a common trend in most young adults today." She adds, "playing games online is just one of many ways to kill time." It seems that killing time can range from checking email over and over, to writing a xanga post.
Mr. Jackson is currently being charged on 12 counts of murder in the first degree for time. More information is to come, when this report has time to kill. Oh wait...
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