..I would bid on this eBay auction.
Or maybe this one. But that would probably be pushing the Tobey Maguire obsession a little too far.
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Thursday, July 29, 2004
muzing # 036: one review, one recommendation
review
The Stepford Wives
It's copped some harsh criticism, this latest version. Much of the criticism stems from those who have seen the original, and as I have not (yet), I can't comment on how this remake compares. What I can comment on is what an entertaining 90 minutes I had while watching this film. True, unlike the wives of its title, the movie is not perfect and does have some glaring plot holes, but if you can overlook those, there is much to be enjoyed.
I've heard the original movie falls into the thriller genre. While there are a few suitably creepy and eerie moments in this remake, a thriller it ain't. I'd slap it right into the comedy genre. In all honesty, I haven't laughed out loud so frequently during a movie in quite some time. Admittedly there were times I was the only person in the cinema laughing (references to actors from The Lord of the Rings and a particularly chuckle-worthy AOL quip are two instances that spring to mind), but I challenge anyone to not be at least somewhat amused by the film.
Performances are solid across the board. Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick are both adequate in their roles, though there was little if any chemistry between them. Sometimes it works for the film, at other times it's a bit disappointing. Bette Midler does her typical Bette Midler thing (which is perfect for her role), Christopher Walken is also his usual vaguely eccentric self, but it is Glenn Close who is most engaging as Stepford wife extraordinaire.
At a mere 90 minutes, the film fairly barrels along. Time enough, though things do seem to happen perhaps a little too quickly. I felt there was room for further exploration of the Stepford lifestyle, but the filmmakers may have feared boring the audience in redundant detail.
Good entertainment - my Mum enjoyed it too. :-)
recommendation
Forgotten Silver
If you've never seen this 50 minute, 1995 effort from New Zealanders Peter Jackson and Costa Botes, seek out a copy. I can't say much about it because it really is best viewed without prior knowledge, but I watched it in a uni class earlier this week and was obviously suitably impressed to blog about it. And even if you have heard about it but never watched it, give it a look in - I doubt you'll be disappointed. Brilliant!
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The Stepford Wives
It's copped some harsh criticism, this latest version. Much of the criticism stems from those who have seen the original, and as I have not (yet), I can't comment on how this remake compares. What I can comment on is what an entertaining 90 minutes I had while watching this film. True, unlike the wives of its title, the movie is not perfect and does have some glaring plot holes, but if you can overlook those, there is much to be enjoyed.
I've heard the original movie falls into the thriller genre. While there are a few suitably creepy and eerie moments in this remake, a thriller it ain't. I'd slap it right into the comedy genre. In all honesty, I haven't laughed out loud so frequently during a movie in quite some time. Admittedly there were times I was the only person in the cinema laughing (references to actors from The Lord of the Rings and a particularly chuckle-worthy AOL quip are two instances that spring to mind), but I challenge anyone to not be at least somewhat amused by the film.
Performances are solid across the board. Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick are both adequate in their roles, though there was little if any chemistry between them. Sometimes it works for the film, at other times it's a bit disappointing. Bette Midler does her typical Bette Midler thing (which is perfect for her role), Christopher Walken is also his usual vaguely eccentric self, but it is Glenn Close who is most engaging as Stepford wife extraordinaire.
At a mere 90 minutes, the film fairly barrels along. Time enough, though things do seem to happen perhaps a little too quickly. I felt there was room for further exploration of the Stepford lifestyle, but the filmmakers may have feared boring the audience in redundant detail.
Good entertainment - my Mum enjoyed it too. :-)
recommendation
Forgotten Silver
If you've never seen this 50 minute, 1995 effort from New Zealanders Peter Jackson and Costa Botes, seek out a copy. I can't say much about it because it really is best viewed without prior knowledge, but I watched it in a uni class earlier this week and was obviously suitably impressed to blog about it. And even if you have heard about it but never watched it, give it a look in - I doubt you'll be disappointed. Brilliant!
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Monday, July 26, 2004
muzing # 035: public transport adventures
It's been a while since I've used much public transport, so I decided to try out a new bus service from my uni to Chermside, where I needed to visit the Transport Dept to renew my license. (How ironic that I took public transport to get to the place to renew my driving license.) So that all worked out just fine, except that I now have a new license with an absolutely hideous photograph that I'm stuck with for the next FIVE years. :-(
Anyway, the problem arose when I attempted to catch a bus from Chermside to home. I used to do this on a regular basis but since the last time I did so, the bus stop has moved. Well technically the bus stop is still there, only now the bus I needed to catch no longer stops there. There are five stops at this particular bus interchange, so I investigated them all till I found the bus number I was looking for.
Along comes the bus, it's the right number, I jump on, flash my ticket, and away we go. I notice that the bus is travelling in a different direction to that which I wish to be travelling in! Panic! Not really, I actually waited patiently for it to stop. Thankfully it wasn't too far before we reached a stop, so I only had to walk a couple of blocks back to the interchange.
Turns out I had caught the outbound bus, when I had wanted the inbound. What a dope! Problem was, I couldn't find where to catch the inbound. So I called for a lift home.
I never did feel comfortable using public transport..
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feeling:
groovin' to: "In The Air Tonight" - Phil Collins
last movie viewing: "The Stepford Wives" [cinema]
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Anyway, the problem arose when I attempted to catch a bus from Chermside to home. I used to do this on a regular basis but since the last time I did so, the bus stop has moved. Well technically the bus stop is still there, only now the bus I needed to catch no longer stops there. There are five stops at this particular bus interchange, so I investigated them all till I found the bus number I was looking for.
Along comes the bus, it's the right number, I jump on, flash my ticket, and away we go. I notice that the bus is travelling in a different direction to that which I wish to be travelling in! Panic! Not really, I actually waited patiently for it to stop. Thankfully it wasn't too far before we reached a stop, so I only had to walk a couple of blocks back to the interchange.
Turns out I had caught the outbound bus, when I had wanted the inbound. What a dope! Problem was, I couldn't find where to catch the inbound. So I called for a lift home.
I never did feel comfortable using public transport..
-----
feeling:
groovin' to: "In The Air Tonight" - Phil Collins
last movie viewing: "The Stepford Wives" [cinema]
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Thursday, July 22, 2004
muzing # 034: reads, reviews 'n' random bits
reads
Yesterday I finished up book 3 of Eric Van Lustbader's Pearl Saga. I had thought it was the final of the series (as epic fantasy often comes in threes) but upon completing it I found that I was mistaken. Most assuredly, there is more to come. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I really enjoyed the first two books and am enjoying the ongoing story arc. However, the third book read almost like it had been written by two different authors! Parts of it were filled with numerous sentence fragments, which I found incredibly off-putting. Not only did they not read well, but such a style wasn't evident throughout the earlier books. Hmmmm. Hopefully Mr Lustbader will drop that quirky style in the subsequent volumes.
reviews
Finally, I have remembered to write up some brief reviews of some of the movies I've rented recently.
The Core
A movie of two halves - the good half and the bad half. It started out with such promise. The setup had me intrigued and I was impressed with a number of casting decisions. There's a great pigeon panic scene (though if you're a pigeon breeder it would probably bother you) and for the most part it's interesting, but it all fell away in the second half as the intrepid crew ventured deep into earth to jumpstart its core. What should have been the best part of the movie was rather dull, hampered by average FX, and cursed with redundant death scenes that failed to move me.
Big Fish
I missed this quirky offering from Tim Burton during its cinema run, but it holds up well on a small screen. It wasn't quite as engaging as I had hoped, but it certainly wasn't lacking in entertainment value and charm. Visually stunning, it's a feast for the eyes, most definitely. I loved the story, and there were no weak players in the cast, so there is much to recommend it. It seemed to be missing something though, I just can't put my finger on it.
In America
Loved this drama about an Irish family struggling to cope with the loss of their youngest member, starting a new life (with new struggles) in America. The story is told through the eyes of eldest daughter Christy, who I suppose is really the glue that keeps the family together. It's a beautifully moving film, and the performances are spot on, particularly from the delightful Bolger sisters, and also Samantha Morton who plays the mother. Most definitely worth a look.
The Sin Eater
Apparently sins taste like salted bread. Known in other parts of the world as The Order, I freely admit the main reason I rented this was because it teamed A Knight's Tale writer/producer/director Brian Helgeland with some of his cast from that film (a favourite of mine). I was interested to see how they all fared in such a different genre. Not quite as well, but I didn't mind this film. Unfortunately, a fascinating idea wasn't as well explored as it should have been, but there were some suitably creepy moments and a great bleak and moody look to the whole thing. Performances were good, though nothing remarkable.
random bits
Week 1 of semester 2 complete; prospects are good, this should be a worthwhile, challenging and interesting semester. Let's see how long my enthusiasm lasts - anyone like to make a prediction, go right ahead!
-----
feeling:
groovin' to: "Beautiful" - Christina Aguilera
bookworm currently enjoying: "Mission" - Patrick Tilley
-----
Yesterday I finished up book 3 of Eric Van Lustbader's Pearl Saga. I had thought it was the final of the series (as epic fantasy often comes in threes) but upon completing it I found that I was mistaken. Most assuredly, there is more to come. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I really enjoyed the first two books and am enjoying the ongoing story arc. However, the third book read almost like it had been written by two different authors! Parts of it were filled with numerous sentence fragments, which I found incredibly off-putting. Not only did they not read well, but such a style wasn't evident throughout the earlier books. Hmmmm. Hopefully Mr Lustbader will drop that quirky style in the subsequent volumes.
reviews
Finally, I have remembered to write up some brief reviews of some of the movies I've rented recently.
The Core
A movie of two halves - the good half and the bad half. It started out with such promise. The setup had me intrigued and I was impressed with a number of casting decisions. There's a great pigeon panic scene (though if you're a pigeon breeder it would probably bother you) and for the most part it's interesting, but it all fell away in the second half as the intrepid crew ventured deep into earth to jumpstart its core. What should have been the best part of the movie was rather dull, hampered by average FX, and cursed with redundant death scenes that failed to move me.
Big Fish
I missed this quirky offering from Tim Burton during its cinema run, but it holds up well on a small screen. It wasn't quite as engaging as I had hoped, but it certainly wasn't lacking in entertainment value and charm. Visually stunning, it's a feast for the eyes, most definitely. I loved the story, and there were no weak players in the cast, so there is much to recommend it. It seemed to be missing something though, I just can't put my finger on it.
In America
Loved this drama about an Irish family struggling to cope with the loss of their youngest member, starting a new life (with new struggles) in America. The story is told through the eyes of eldest daughter Christy, who I suppose is really the glue that keeps the family together. It's a beautifully moving film, and the performances are spot on, particularly from the delightful Bolger sisters, and also Samantha Morton who plays the mother. Most definitely worth a look.
The Sin Eater
Apparently sins taste like salted bread. Known in other parts of the world as The Order, I freely admit the main reason I rented this was because it teamed A Knight's Tale writer/producer/director Brian Helgeland with some of his cast from that film (a favourite of mine). I was interested to see how they all fared in such a different genre. Not quite as well, but I didn't mind this film. Unfortunately, a fascinating idea wasn't as well explored as it should have been, but there were some suitably creepy moments and a great bleak and moody look to the whole thing. Performances were good, though nothing remarkable.
random bits
Week 1 of semester 2 complete; prospects are good, this should be a worthwhile, challenging and interesting semester. Let's see how long my enthusiasm lasts - anyone like to make a prediction, go right ahead!
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feeling:
groovin' to: "Beautiful" - Christina Aguilera
bookworm currently enjoying: "Mission" - Patrick Tilley
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muzing # 033: i was born in a small town
Yesterday, after my late morning lecture, I ventured into the City. It's so long since I was last in the City that I can't even remember when that was, but we're talking at least over a year. (I don't count my recent trip to the Museum and Art Gallery as they're on the other side of the river.)
Now, the trip itself was fun. I met up with my brother for lunch and a discount shopping expedition at Borders. Borders is brilliant, if I had more disposable income, I could happily spend a few hours shopping there! After that, I got a tour of my brother's place of employment, figured it was about time I saw where he worked considering he's been there for.. several years now. :-) I then had a brief wander through the Queen Street Mall before venturing a couple of blocks to my mother's place of employment for a surprise visit, which went over well.
But the day reminded me why I tend to avoid the City. It's so incredibly busy and bustling and crowded and noisy, and much too open-air, resulting in me inhaling far too much cigarette smoke for my liking. *cough splutter*
I'm definitely a small town girl. I've been living in Brisbane now for eight years, but I grew up in a small town and I can imagine the time will come when I'll retreat to small town life again.
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Now, the trip itself was fun. I met up with my brother for lunch and a discount shopping expedition at Borders. Borders is brilliant, if I had more disposable income, I could happily spend a few hours shopping there! After that, I got a tour of my brother's place of employment, figured it was about time I saw where he worked considering he's been there for.. several years now. :-) I then had a brief wander through the Queen Street Mall before venturing a couple of blocks to my mother's place of employment for a surprise visit, which went over well.
But the day reminded me why I tend to avoid the City. It's so incredibly busy and bustling and crowded and noisy, and much too open-air, resulting in me inhaling far too much cigarette smoke for my liking. *cough splutter*
I'm definitely a small town girl. I've been living in Brisbane now for eight years, but I grew up in a small town and I can imagine the time will come when I'll retreat to small town life again.
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Monday, July 19, 2004
muzing # 032: back to the grind
Day 1 of Semester 2. I'm killing time at uni. From next week I will have a tutorial to fill the two hour gap between lectures on Monday but today I have to sit here and twiddle my thumbs. Or type. Because typing is better exercise for the fingers.
I hate how it has only taken one 50 minute lecture to convince me that, no, I in fact have never been away from uni and have not just enjoyed five weeks of blissful slothdom. *sigh* At least now that the semester has started I can comfort myself with the thought that in only 13 weeks I will enjoy more holidays. Gee, what an enthusiastic start to the semester!
Actually, first lecture wasn't too bad. The lecturer looks similar to Billy Connolly and has a broad Scottish accent, so if I squint a little I can convince myself that I'm actually enjoying a session of stand-up comedy! Except it's not especially funny stand-up comedy.
I'm just babbling. Still an hour and 40 minutes to kill. Why can't they install some arcade games at the uni? Back in my days at Gardens Point campus there was a room full of arcade games, I wonder if it's still there. Kelvin Grove campus is lousy. I'm bored - dance monkeys, dance!
Yeah. So I imagine my muzings will gradually become more irregular as the semester progresses, possibly stopping altogether if I get behind with assignments. Talking about study isn't very interesting. Maybe a rat will dash across the floor in one of my lectures and I can jump on my chair and start squealing. That would make for an exciting blog entry! Maybe I could just pretend that I saw a rat dash across the floor..
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I hate how it has only taken one 50 minute lecture to convince me that, no, I in fact have never been away from uni and have not just enjoyed five weeks of blissful slothdom. *sigh* At least now that the semester has started I can comfort myself with the thought that in only 13 weeks I will enjoy more holidays. Gee, what an enthusiastic start to the semester!
Actually, first lecture wasn't too bad. The lecturer looks similar to Billy Connolly and has a broad Scottish accent, so if I squint a little I can convince myself that I'm actually enjoying a session of stand-up comedy! Except it's not especially funny stand-up comedy.
I'm just babbling. Still an hour and 40 minutes to kill. Why can't they install some arcade games at the uni? Back in my days at Gardens Point campus there was a room full of arcade games, I wonder if it's still there. Kelvin Grove campus is lousy. I'm bored - dance monkeys, dance!
Yeah. So I imagine my muzings will gradually become more irregular as the semester progresses, possibly stopping altogether if I get behind with assignments. Talking about study isn't very interesting. Maybe a rat will dash across the floor in one of my lectures and I can jump on my chair and start squealing. That would make for an exciting blog entry! Maybe I could just pretend that I saw a rat dash across the floor..
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Friday, July 16, 2004
muzing # 031: rats!
Evidently I have an alarmingly overwhelming fear of rats. I discovered this fear approximately fifteen minutes ago when, as I was seated here minding my own business cruising through other people's blogs, a rat ran across the floor right by my slippered feet.
Yes, not some cute little grey mouse but a BIG UGLY BROWN RAT!!!
Now, I'm not one for swearing but I let one rip as the rat scuttled under my bookshelf. Luckily my folks arrived home not two minutes later from their evening out to be welcomed by me with the words "I found the rat!"
See, we knew we had a rat. Or a mouse. Or some critter with lots of teeth that had tucked into a banana on our kitchen bench last night.
On our KITCHEN BENCH!
ew ew EW!!!
We managed to coax it out of hiding, at which point it took a leap off the top of the stairwell into the downstairs room. Then followed approximately ten minutes of my mother, father and I rigging traps and attempting to catch the rat. Actually, it was more like ten minutes of my mother and I standing on couches and tables, squealing "THERE IT GOES! EEEEE!" while my father grew increasingly frustrated with our lack of tangible assistance in trapping the cunning critter. (Though my screaming did send it scurrying in the opposite direction!)
This is the third rat that's been around here in the past few weeks. The first one my father and I saw lying dead in the gutter across the road, while the second was found lying dead in our garden. They're getting closer!!
I'm thinking of calling in the Pied Piper. Anyone know his number?
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feeling:
and 
-----
Yes, not some cute little grey mouse but a BIG UGLY BROWN RAT!!!
Now, I'm not one for swearing but I let one rip as the rat scuttled under my bookshelf. Luckily my folks arrived home not two minutes later from their evening out to be welcomed by me with the words "I found the rat!"
See, we knew we had a rat. Or a mouse. Or some critter with lots of teeth that had tucked into a banana on our kitchen bench last night.
On our KITCHEN BENCH!
ew ew EW!!!
We managed to coax it out of hiding, at which point it took a leap off the top of the stairwell into the downstairs room. Then followed approximately ten minutes of my mother, father and I rigging traps and attempting to catch the rat. Actually, it was more like ten minutes of my mother and I standing on couches and tables, squealing "THERE IT GOES! EEEEE!" while my father grew increasingly frustrated with our lack of tangible assistance in trapping the cunning critter. (Though my screaming did send it scurrying in the opposite direction!)
This is the third rat that's been around here in the past few weeks. The first one my father and I saw lying dead in the gutter across the road, while the second was found lying dead in our garden. They're getting closer!!
I'm thinking of calling in the Pied Piper. Anyone know his number?
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feeling:
and
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muzing # 030: i'll miss that cello theme
(side note: ooh, blogger has upgraded!)
Last night saw the show finale of Angel. I don't think it's quite hit me yet that there will be no more. After eight fantastic years of Buffy and Angel, it's just too difficult to imagine it's all over.
It's got me thinking how weird (but cool) it is to invest emotionally in a television show and its characters. It doesn't happen often that a show comes along that I look forward to watching every week. Even less does it happen that a show features characters I truly care about, and believe in, and feel like I know.
It hit me hard to witness the death of one of those characters, even though I had stumbled upon a spoiler weeks ago. Yeah, I admit, I shed a couple of tears for him. It was a moving death scene, and I've come to expect no less from this show. In fact, the 40 minute finale managed to cram in all those elements I've come to adore about the show - I cried, I laughed, I gasped in unexpected shock and I cheered (er, not outloud, it was late, others were sleeping).
For the most part it was a good wrap-up for the show, but I couldn't believe that final scene - it was like part one of a "to be continued" storyline! ARGH! :-(
Here's to five awesome seasons. Angel will be missed. (Thank goodness for DVDs.)
-----
Last night saw the show finale of Angel. I don't think it's quite hit me yet that there will be no more. After eight fantastic years of Buffy and Angel, it's just too difficult to imagine it's all over.
It's got me thinking how weird (but cool) it is to invest emotionally in a television show and its characters. It doesn't happen often that a show comes along that I look forward to watching every week. Even less does it happen that a show features characters I truly care about, and believe in, and feel like I know.
It hit me hard to witness the death of one of those characters, even though I had stumbled upon a spoiler weeks ago. Yeah, I admit, I shed a couple of tears for him. It was a moving death scene, and I've come to expect no less from this show. In fact, the 40 minute finale managed to cram in all those elements I've come to adore about the show - I cried, I laughed, I gasped in unexpected shock and I cheered (er, not outloud, it was late, others were sleeping).
For the most part it was a good wrap-up for the show, but I couldn't believe that final scene - it was like part one of a "to be continued" storyline! ARGH! :-(
Here's to five awesome seasons. Angel will be missed. (Thank goodness for DVDs.)
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