The Strangers?

Remarkably, unlike most Horror, Terror, or Torture Porn labeled films that have been released in the past ten years, The Strangers was actually a breath of fresh air. I certainly had my critical eye weighing heavy on the details of the film, but over all was surprisingly more satisfied with the outcome than I had originally anticipated. The slow tension build made for a more suspenseful pace. I liken it to the movie High Tension, which would fit into a similar style of film. The movie didn't really offer anything new in terms of terror. The storyline was familiar and carried on until the tension wore off. It became predictable, however the ending was a nice change and was a palatable end to the tale. The most outlandish part of the movie is the fact you have these "Strangers" creating an atmosphere of terror with the constant pounding of the door, windows, and other objects around, yet they are making way through the yard and house without a trace, like a soft summer wind. They have the silent creeping skills of a master ninja, as they terrorize their victims. I really don't get the silent movement of any creature, or psychopath who isn't a Shinobi.

Warning...Send in the Clowns!

I don't know whether it is some sort of government conspiracy or aliens have come down and systematically drained a large segment of the population of their humor, but it is quite uncanny. From profiles to interviews, the consensus is that a sense of humor is a very important human trait to have, whether it be in romantic or business relationships, or in friendships. However, I fail to find many people with a truly open sense of humor. It has all become so stagnant and predictable. All force fed by these PC ideals that have dulled our humorous senses. Never to laugh at something controversial or off color again. Where even sarcasm has been made into a negative rather than in good fun. Our last ditch effort if comedians fail us is to simply send in the clowns to smash our lobotomized brains with cream pies and spray our faces with humorless liquids out of their giant lapel flowers. We will all soon be androids. Lifeless and humorless.

A back in the day cafe

What a genius idea. So simple, and so obvious. I am sure I am not the only one kicking myself asking, "Why didn't I think of that?" Cereality is a cereal bar and cafe where you can virtually have any combination of your favorite morning meal, cereal. Hot or cold, with banana, almonds, or any of their added toppings, the combos are endless. I am a Peanut Butter Captain Crunch man myself, but also like Cinnamon Life Cereal and Honey Nut Cheerios. Morning, noon, and night you can be snacking on great treats, as well as on the go with their take out container and take home cereal box. I am hoping that they make one of their new homes here in Denver, instead of the three hour trip I would have to make into the mountains. If you have visited a Cereality, tell me what you think and if it lives up to the genius concept.

Oh Joy for Soy

Recently, I indulged myself with a new treat. Surprisingly, the SoyJoy bars were actually quite palatable. I've tested the Apple, Berry, and Peanut Chocolate Chip, but have yet to taste the Mango Coconut, Raisin Almond, or Strawberry. So far I'm quite pleased.

Hooked on snacks

I tend to go through phases with foods that I snack on. Currently I am in the Nabisco Triscuit phase. I have had the various flavors: Rosmary & Olive Oil, Garden Herb, Roasted Garlic, and Original. As we speak I am snacking on the Thin Crisps: Parmesan Garlic. I have also had the Quattro Formaggio. I would have to say that the Parm Garlic and the Roasted Garlic are quite delectable. I suppose helping my heart by snacking on these treats can't be all bad.

What Happened....????

The suspense continued to build, relentlessly, in true M. Night Shyamalan fashion, as the movie progressed. Unfortunately, to no avail. I was left with a tremendous sense of unfulfillment, like I just hit triple 7's on the five dollar slots and to my dismay there is no payout. I didn't quite get the reasoning for an R rating. There were maybe a few instances where the scenes were a bit graphic, but nothing that were relevant to the story line. I suppose much was left up to the viewer to determine their own uneasiness to the possibilities of such an event. The ideas were inventive, but never quite got up to full steam and simply fell short. If you want all the build up of something potentially devastating, inevitably ending with no pay off, just go out on a blind date with someone from the local church personals.

Giant smackdown

Reflecting back over the weekends events and I would have to say that I am quite pleased with the unexpected start to the football season the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants have had. Despite, what looks to be a softer schedule than most they are still collecting W's. Not only winning, but this past weekend, at home against the Seattle Seahawks, they simply smacked them down into submission without one of their key star players Plaxico Burress who was serving a suspension in regards to an incident relating to an infraction with the team. Look out Cleveland, the big NY blue so steamrolling your town next.

Eagle Eye yi yi

A conspiracists paranoia should create a reasonable amount of interest in indulging themselves with the technological apocalypse that we find ourselves on the verge of. We are always monitored in some way shape or form by those shadowy figures that claim to only do so to keep us safe. Safe from what? Ourselves? Or as we find out, inevitably the ones who wield all of the power. The most interesting as well as terrifying aspects of the movie revolve around the ease that an entity can invade our everyday lives, anywhere, through the means of our abundance in technological surroundings. You really don't want to believe it as did the characters in the movie, however, you find out quickly there isn't much escape. So with a promising premise, we unfortunately take a ridiculously common and predicable turn. With movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Event Horizon, War Games, etc. we find that we become the victims of our self-indulgent creations. Overshadowed by the action sequences and the insertions of scare tactics in regards to our lack of control of our private lives, we still boil this movie down to a super-computer gone wild. Ok now that is a trademarked term, and I thank you not to steal it. I implore Hollywood to deliver on the promises they make vis a vis the movie trailers. The movie is for the most part palatable, but becomes a bit redundant toward the end. It may not influence you to turn your cell phone off, but it will make you think twice about crossing that giant super-computer who can destroy your life. Wait for Eagle Eye as a dollar rental.

Who's afraid of the big black bat?

There was an enormous amount of hype surrounding The Dark Knight, elevated by the bizarre and unfortunate happenstance of actor Heath Ledgers' accidental death. Much was said about the relationship he had with prescription drugs in connection to the rigorous emotional and mental toll taken by his portrayal of the infamous Joker. With that said I think the movie lived up to a certain amount of the hype. Maybe I am just jaded by the praise of the critics on Ledgers Academy Award worthy performance, but I don't believe I can genuinely offer the same sentiments. I, unfortunately was not gripped by the movie in a way that would satisfy my indulgences. Despite the long two and a half hours of run-time I would say that The Dark Knight delivered an entertainment value far exceeding most superhero franchises. Though, for me, the acting didn't blow my wig clean off my skull, The Dark Knight is worth taking the time to view.

Mental Note

Mental note: In order to become a proper superhero, one must use a ridiculously deep, gravely voice. It makes all the difference in the world.

Where do these memories come from?

Who's memories are these? I feel like Jason Bourne, as a shock wave of memories flood into my rain from nowhere. I see visions of 19th century England, a character called the Thwacker, and torturous little children. None of this seemed to make any sense until I realized that these were snippets of the book: The Shroud of the Thwacker by Chris Elliott. Anyhow, for some reason I had misplaced this memory of ever reading this book. What a shame. I thoroughly enjoyed the bizaar story line that unravels in this Sherlock Holmesesk tale. If you simply like off the wall, inventive stories that will question your own sanity, then you should definitely give this book a whirl. It's a pretty quick read and will mentally warp your once rational mind.

Most Important Vote of our Lifetime?

Over the past eight years during election time all I have heard was, "This is the most important vote of our lifetime." I mean come on really? I am no activist, nor am I politically involved in any significant capacity. All I know is where are those voices the majority of the time when the major elections are not in the forefront of the media? Rock the Vote, Vote or Die, I suppose are all good ways of promoting yourself in a way that makes it seem like you are involved. And when I say involved I mean according to your own agenda and ideology. Spare me the desperate attempts at convincing me that this election is going to be the benchmark of ultimate change. If I remember right, there are still only two major parties, both seem to be on very opposite ends of the spectrum, and they are career politicians. The ideology may shift, but no significant change will envelope the country. It's about their agenda, and power. In the face of economic collapse, these elected officials still, and I mean with no hesitation. continue to add incentives and pork for their own causes to a bill that is poorly drafted to help right our economic ship. What's good for the country? Hell no. What's good for my constituents and my party. And a vote is supposed to clean this government mess? Now I still will vote, as it is my duty as an American, (who by the way is registered as unaffiliated) but do not, and I mean DO NOT feed me this false utopian ideal that my vote will make a difference. Most people follow only the corrupt media outlets, as well as Hollywood entertainment outlets to gain access to snippets of tainted news stories. Even idiots have the right to vote. Real change is more than a promise and an overused political word.

Who to vote for

Tonight we have the VP debate. I can't say that I am going to watch it in any capacity, however I might tune in briefly for the tail end of the debate. I wouldn't consider Palin and Biden to be master debaters, so it might serve for interesting viewing. I suppose amateur debating is just as if not more so entertaining as master debating.

Review: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

For those of you not familiar with the film I will provide a brief synopsis. Famed actress Sarah Marshall and long time boyfriend, Peter, who also is a working composer, coincidentally on her T.V. Crime Drama show, appear on the surface to have the makings of a wonderful relationship. Tragically it all is but a facade. The all to familiar, "We need to talk." Break-ups are always difficult, especially when your famous ex-girlfriend is everywhere you turn, and also in the arms of another man. Who by the way is a famous rock-star. So Peter goes on holiday to Hawaii to wipe clean the scarred memory that is his once happy relationship. I'm with it so far, minus the pathetic whining. Relatable right? You all ready know what happens next. Who could it be that just happens to be staying at the same hotel, the infamous Sarah Marshall. There are a number of characters that materialize throughout the remainder of the movie, but they are only good for a few pot shot one liners here and there. The only character of note for me was Rachel, Peters' new love interest. (On a side note, Mila Kunis is absolutely stunning in this movie. Ok I think I have wiped the drool from my chin. That was unprofessional, I mean to add that right in the middle of a movie review? Ok stop typing now...) Back to the story. The usual hi-jinx take place over the course of their stay in Hawaii. An over abundance of uncomfortable meetings, which over the two or so hours of film, just became a bit repetitive. The humor seems to taper off and the moments become all too predicable as well as forgettable. In one last ditch effort to reclaim what prosperous relationship they once had, Sarah, of all people made her play on Peter. Of course this was only after relationship altering decision began to back fire on her. I really haven't given the ending away with this dramatic build up because well all know what happens. I will repeat. Boy loses girl. Boy meets new girl. Boy screws up. Boy is eventually forgiven. Happily ever after. If it only worked that way outside of Hollywood. Without an obsessive tone I will reiterate that the most striking character was Rachel. Full of spit and vinegar. I guess that is where I was drawn. The movie fell apart in the middle and just seemed to drag on like Ricky Steamboat. This could have easily been wrapped up in a nice tight little bow in about an hour and a half, much like this review. If you have time on the weekend, and are looking for a few laughs, check it out. It will be fun for most. "I'd rent that for a dollar."

Movie Addiction

As much as I try I am unable to kick my addiction. I have a compulsion for Redbox dollar movie rentals. I cannot simply walk past one of those machines without at least checking to see what new releases they have available. Fortunately, if it is not new, I will typically not choose to pursue any further renting options. I was only able to last but one day this week. Currently in my possession is the movie: Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Tonight I will indulge my fix and relay my review.