12 Tracks to Live For

The blogosphere be a buzzin' with the new Desert Island CD blog-a-thon conceived by Castor over at Anomalous Material. Click the link for a list of all the participants. The rule is simple: choose twelve tracks - the only twelve songs you will have on this deserted island for who knows how long so make sure you really, really love 'em - and they have to come from a movie soundtrack.

Initially this sounded like a perfectly simple thing to do, but after careful consideration, holy potatoes, Batman, this was bloody difficult! There were a dozen and a half tracks from television shows I would add instantaneously (mostly coming from the great Bear McCreary and Michael Giacchino). Plus, it got a bit more complicated without my iTunes directory, which is stuffed on my home computer two hours away. But I shall make do! One last thing, I took considerable effort to make sure I selected tracks that don't qualify simply as ones I love, but also will be tracks I would find myself willing and happy to listen to repeatedly and (even more) repeatedly.

Can ya dig it?

[Sorry, just saw Black Dynamite for the first time recently, have sort been killing that phrase over a lot]

#1. "The Battle", Hans Zimmer, Gladiator

Swords and blood = fun! Add in a lot of Hans Zimmer, and what you have then is pretty much sheer awesomeness, as is the case here. The brutality and epic nature of the battle is beautifully and perfectly conveyed here as the track feels like it brings you right into the heart of the battle, right there with Maximus and his fellow gladiators fighting for their very lives. And in between all the sword interplay, "The Battle" also is pretty much just sublime. I'm sure not many will agree, but halfway through this track, there is just some truly outstanding, brilliant cues, unequaled in the last decade. Chilling, magnificent stuff.

#2. "Flow Like Water", James Newton Howard, The Last Airbender

Say what you will about M. Night's rubbish adaptation of the Nickelodeon television series, but the fact James Newton Howard was the movie's saving grace is irrefutable. If anyone needs convincing, listen to this track here, marvelous in its simplicity, beautiful in its power. Elegant and simply breathtaking, "Flower Like Water" is a track that cannot be heard enough. Beautiful, beautiful work and without a doubt would be on my CD.

#3. "Battle of the Heroes", John Williams, Episode III

It all comes down to this. Friends - nay, scratch that, brothers - engaged in a duel where each stroke of their saber is a emotional punch, a tearing and ripping apart of a bond years in the making, a trust and camaraderie unmatched in the Galaxy. As for the fate of the Galaxy and the star systems, that fight is being played out in the Senate Arena with Darth Sidious and Master Yoda representing the light and the dark: the more down and dirty duel taking place on Mustafar is something far more personal, far more gritty and raw, and John Williams perfectly and beautifully epitomizes this with "Battle of the Heroes", a rousing, action-y, and sad track if ever I heard one. Beautiful work.

#4. "Jai Ho", A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire

Great movie, great song. On the way to Mankato and back, the girlfriend and I blast this in the car, especially during times either one of us is getting a bit drowsy (it happens). A.R. Rahman is the man when it comes to making irresistibly addicting music, as is the case here and, to an extent, 127 Hours. Most definitely a track I couldn't see myself leaving home without.

#5. "Neodammerung", Don Davis, The Matrix Revolutions

Similar to The Last Airbender, a lot of dislike has been placed on The Matrix sequels, which I feel to be inappropriately so, but one thing is clear: Don Davis was most definitely up for the challenge with Reloaded and Revolutions, offering scores that are nothing short of extraordinary. The first Matrix set the groundwork for Davis' musical template: the sequels, and especially Revolutions, take what has already been established, runs with it tenfold, and creates something new and just as magical. "Neodammerung" feels Apocalyptic, where everything in the universe hinges on the outcome of Neo fighting Agent Smith, and there is a genuine uncertainty that our protagonist will win. Complimented by Latin chants, "Neodammerung" is electrifying, eerie, and one of the best pieces of music in the last decade.

#7. "Roar!", Michael Giacchino, Cloverfield

The first of two Giacchino tracks on my playlist; if I can't have LOST, I'm sure as hell going to include "Roar!" and the next track below. "Roar!" is a beautiful piece -and yep, I know I use 'beautiful' a lot, apologies - that sums up monster movies, pays homage to the classics of the 50's, and is bloody freaky as hell and amazing all at the same time. The iTunes track I downloaded awhile back is 12 mins., but the above upload doesn't seem to be missing anything vital: all the ingredients of Giacchino's magnificent score is right there. So why would I want to have this gorgeous thing on my CD? Quite simply, it's beautiful, and it's a reminder of a genre I deeply, personally love.

#8. "Labor of Love", Michael Giacchino, Star Trek

One word: beautiful. Yep, used it again. But frankly, there is no other way to describe "Labor of Love", one of the most brilliant compositions in recent memory. I defy any human being not to get somehow emotionally invested in the death and birth happening here. This track cements Giacchino as The Master, a man we can look forward to deliver brilliant scores time after time like the equally fantastic John Williams. When I want to think about beauty, when I want to think about love, "Labor of Love" is that track.

#9. "Introduce a Little Anarchy", James Newton Howard/Hans Zimmer, The Dark Knight

I've seen "Molossus" from Batman Begins on many lists, and I applaud you all for including that. Hoping to do something a little bit differently, I chose this track near the climax of The Dark Knight, and it's a track that never fails to send chills up my spine, excite me, and get me super amped, not to forget mentioning instantly making me want to throw the DVD in.

#10. "All Along the Watchtower", Jimi Hendrix, Watchmen

Originally heard "All Along the Watchtower" in the season three finale of Battlestar Galactica, and lo and behold, not too long after it's used in Zack Snyder's awesome Watchmen movie, and achieving as awesome a effect! Upbeat, fun, and infectious to my mood, great song to have during a long time of loneliness and frustration.

#11. "Brand New Day", Joss Whedon, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

It's mostly a movie, innit? Every morning without any sort of rescue on the horizon, I could just throw on "Brand New Day" and be happy without contemplation of going utterly mad or gleefully running into the jaws of a shark...or Smoke Monster. Great music, great lyrics, and a reminder of the awesome man I left behind: Joss Whedon. Or, er, um, yea, that one guy...Neil Patrick Harris, 'course.



#12. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", Santa Esmeralda, Kill Bill Vol. 1

The Bride vs. O-Ren. It's snowing. The two opponents look at each other from a small distance. They're waiting to strike. The moment arrives. Quickly, like a flash, they engage in battle, and just as instantaneously, everything is still as The Bride looks to the sky victorious, and O-Ren's last moments brings realization as to the true maker of The Bride's blade. That alone could be a pretty nifty scene, but add in "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", one of the damnest most addicting and replay-y songs out there, and you got yourself dynamite awesomeness. On the island, I'd play this while practicing my kung fu or something, just to keep me in shape and pumped up in case a ship comes by and decides to rescue me slow-motion like.


Well, this was fun, mates! Again, check out the link above for a full coverage list of bloggers who participated, and I encourage y'all to try it out, as well. Cheers!

20 Questions Meme: Star Wars Edition

While ignoring homework and surfing through Cultural Compulsive Disorder, I came across a cool meme from early December 2010. Not one to let a STAR WARS questionnaire go unturned, here are my answers. Obviously, I encourage any STAR WARS fans to do this as well. Considering that I'm more of a Prequel Trilogy guy myself, a statement I know will probably have me exiled as a friend to many (even my coworkers aren't too pleased), some of my answers may not be to many peoples liking.

01. Who is your favorite character from the original trilogy?

Luke Skywalker, particularly in Empire Strikes Back. In New Hope, he still had that whole naive boy thing going on, full of wonder and awe. Which is, y'know, understandable, it being the first time he ever traveled in space and, for that matter, got in a super cool spacefight. In Empire, I really dug the more layered, complex, and somewhat rash individual Luke became. Return made him a badass champion of good, and his conviction is admirable. I'm basing my answer off what character I immediately get engulfed in when the scene shifts, and Luke it is.

02. How would you rank the original trilogy, in order from favorite to least favorite?

A New Hope
Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi

03. What are two of your favorite action scenes from the original trilogy?

- ROTJ: On Tatooine, Luke initiates his plan to save Han Solo and Leia Organa as he gives the signal to R2 who then blasts Luke's lightsaber into the air for him to catch, save himself from being Sarlac soup, and then getting down to business with the day saving.

- TESB: Luke and Darth Vader square off at Cloud City, eventually resulting in a severed hand for poor ol' Luke from the roboticy man who then reveals that he is, in fact, Luke's father. Tough day for the Jedi-in-training.

04. What do you consider the most emotional scene from the original trilogy?

- ROTJ: In the final moments of the Darth vs. Luke battle in the dark, Vader threatens that if Luke won't join the dark side, maybe "she [Leia] will." In a burst of defiance, Luke screams "NO!" and spares with his father for the last time, letting go of all reason and intent on one thing: not allowing Vader to win. It's a chilling scene with a great yell on Mark Hamill's part, and John Williams' stellar music doesn't hurt a bit.

05. Do you have any favorite toys or collectibles based off the original trilogy?

My favorite collectible is one of those $100 lightsabers from Master Replica, this specific item a replica of the ROTJ green Luke Skywalker lightsaber. Oh, so beautiful.

06. Which character had the most unsatisfying death in the original trilogy?

Common argument, but Boba Fett, especially after watching the Prequel Trilogy. Here's a character that received massive fan loving to the point Lucas back-tracked and incorporated the Fett clan in the saga's history, and still, several "special editions" later, gets a major let down of a death. Lame. However, I have heard that there's a comic book series that features Fett alive inside the Sarlac pit shooting his way out. That sounds brilliant.

07. What’s your favorite ship or vehicle from the original trilogy?

Duh! The Millennium Falcon! I absolutely love the design of the ship, and it's presentation in the films does full justice to its awesomeness. My only regret when it comes to Star Wars collectibles is that I don't have a Millennium Falcon hanging around anywhere, or even displayed on my desk or whatnot. Hell, I have a bloody U.S.S. Enterprise, why on earth don't I have a Millennium Falcon? Only reason I can think of is price range. Anywho, yep - Falcon: awesomeness.

08. Who is your favorite character from the prequel trilogy?

From a awesome standpoint, I'd say Qui-Gon Jinn, but if I were to pick a character I think most about and contemplate frequently, I'd go with Anakin Skywalker. With Qui-Gon, we got Liam Neeson, and how can anyone on this earth not love Liam Neeson? But favorite character is Anakin, all the way. When one tosses aside the horrendous acting on Hayden's part or the stilted dialogue he was forced to regurgitate, Anakin becomes one hell of a fascinating - and really freakin' cool - character. Here's a dude who is one hell of a master swordsman, and has an connection to the Force that no other Jedi master can boast. Spiffy outfit, awesome lightsaber skills, and a

09. How would you rank the prequel trilogy, in order from favorite to least favorite?

Revenge of the Sith
The Phantom Menace
Attack of the Clones

10. What are two of your favorite action scenes from the prequel trilogy?

(1) The Anakin vs. Obi-Wan duel on Mustafar. It was the one thing I was looking forward to more than any other character moment or plot element in the Prequel Trilogy. Pure awesomeness. If you, too, are a fan of this scene and want to read more, I direct you to my Scenes I Like A Lot entry about the Mustafar duel. More proof I need a life.

(2) Darth Maul vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Qui-Gon Jinn on Naboo. Epic, awesome, riveting.

11. What do you consider the most emotional scene from the prequel trilogy?

I'm a bit of a softy for the speech Obi-Wan gives Anakin after slicing off the Chosen One's remaining limbs. And when Anakin simply yells back, "I hate you!" Man, chills up my spine, it does. Secondly, I would say the execution of Order 66; that was some pretty heavy stuff, if I dare say so myself.

12. Do you have any favorite toys or collectibles based off the prequel trilogy?

Oh, do I ever! It helps being alive and young when the movies are released, it means you're able to purchase more merchandise. In this case, I have a super awesome Anakin Skywalker lightsaber from Master Replicas - one of my most prized possessions. I have a vast assortment of action figures from Episode I and Episode II, in addition to behind-the-scenes books, magazines, trading cards, soundtracks, and even puzzles (more for my mom than myself). Although nothing giant or nearly as complete as true collectors, I'm quite proud of my Prequel Trilogy collection. Plus, it's just awesome to gawk at and think about the fun days walking through Toys 'R Us and seeing the giganto display they had up. Great memories come with those action figures and memorabilia.

13. Which character had the most unsatisfying death in the prequel trilogy?

Hmmm...Darth Maul, I rather think. Here's this character that had been hyped up like crazy before the film's summer 1999 release to the point one would think Maul would be all over the film. But nah, Darth Maul shows up here or there, very sporadically and with very little screentime, and then shows up for the obligatory lightsaber duel. Not saying the duel wasn't sweet - it oh so completely was - but how Darth Maul was eventually defeated with such ease after appearing seemingly impenetrable the last seven minutes of fight before it...well, just didn't really flow well with me. Plus, Maul had ample opportunity to slice himself some Obi-Wan when Obi flew up from the pit and Forced Qui-Gon's saber to his hand. Just sayin'.

14. What’s your favorite ship or vehicle from the prequel trilogy?

The Podracers from Episode I are definitely very, very cool. However, for some reason or another, Padme's ship from Episode I and Episode II is my favorite. Instead of a manly way of saying, 'Oh, it's so awesome cos it has a 10,056 megaton wat petrolitate trolium helium class 390B gaxtroid', I will outright say it's my favorite ship because it's a cool, simple design that just looks all shiny and appropriate for the SW universe. So...there.

15. If you could get a personalized Star Wars themed license plate for your car, what would it say?

Sith Rulz
Chosen 1

16. Do you have a favorite Star Wars based video game?

Truth be told, I don't play video games, so I can't very well comment on this.

17. Have you read any of the Star Wars books (expanded universe), and if so, what are your favorites?

Sorta. Mostly my experience is with the novelizations of the Prequel Trilogy, but a few eons ago I did read the Jude Watson Jedi Apprentice and The Last of the Jedi young adult series. I did try reading some Expanded Universe of the more adult fare, but frankly, I got more irritated trying to figure out how to pronounce some alien name than actually enjoying the book, so I gave up and didn't bother finishing them, or at least get engaged. Oh! I did read Labyrinth of Evil, the tie-in prequel to Revenge of the Sith, mostly because anything that had a dark Anakin edging closer to the Dark Side is very, very interesting...

18. Are you a fan of the “Clone Wars” cartoon series?

Actually, yes. At the time of this writing, I've only had the pleasure of watching season one, none of two or three...yet. I like the animation style, and I like some of the more epic stories that are being told. And from the sounds of it concerning season three, the writers are delving more into the dark side of Anakin, and that is quite appealing to me, so it seems like I'm going to quite like the show in the subsequent seasons. If there is one complaint I have about it - one I'm sure many other fans share - is this use of Asoka, who comes out of nowhere and doesn't really serve much point in the overall story than appeal to the youngsters watching the show. And I'm also a bit on the fence about the newsreel 'updates' in the opening minute. I get its use in the context of the show, but I'm just not a huge fan of it.

19. What (or who) do you hope to see in upcoming Star Wars TV series?

I don't really care about what characters we get, all I really want to see is a frank portrayal of the darkness permeating over the Galaxy with the newly formed Empire. I want to see the ramifications of Order 66, of the Jedi allegedly turning against the Galaxy and their need to be stopped. I want that crowd reaction, and I want to see a Jedi here or there (if not Obi-Wan, fine) that survived Order 66 and whatever methods they're utilizing to stay alive. In the end, I just want a honest and realistic portrayal of the post-Revenge world and not a hokey, sorry to say, Clone Wars-type atmosphere.

20. If you were stranded on a desert island with one Star Wars character, who would you want it to be and why?

Haha! Of course the concluding question would be something like this. Well, frankly, that's a tough one, but in the end, I'd go with Obi-Wan Kenobi, preferably the still alive and quite corporeal version. Obi-Wan would have the right sense to knock calmness and some thinking into my noggin', and together, we would formulate a clever way to either survive on the island or, at the very least, become one with the Force and meditate a whole bunch and be all super powerful and in-tuned with nature. Can't be more awesome than that, yes? Plus, I get to use a lightsaber to chop down some trees. Fun, yea? Yes! Okay, lame, I know. But at least with Obi-Wan, there's a very real chance of survival and intelligent thinking that may just save our collective arses.

31 Movie Days: 31

Day 31 - Stand Up and Cheer Scene

Similar to most folks, I haven't stood up and cheered for a movie basically ever. Though, gotta admit, I quite agree with Rachel: I will definitely be one of the dudes in the audience during the midnight screening clapping, whistling, and going all bonkers when the final credits roll on HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS next year. But as far as past experiences go, when the final credits rolled in May 2005 on STAR WARS - EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH - man, was it a experience. I didn't necessarily get up and clap and whistle with everyone (bad me), but it was amazing to be in that movie theater experiencing this mass hysteria and major amount of love being thrown at the movie by these hardcore fans. So when on this blog you read me going all goo-goo ga-ga over SITH, it's much, much more than just me loving the movie - EPISODE III was the first time I truly felt I was part of this history-making experience, where everything cinema is supposed to be clicked. We were all fans, and we all just saw the proper conclusion of the STAR WARS SAGA. It was amazing, and most likely gonna be one of the best nights of my life. And that includes my future wedding. .. ... ... sorry, honey.

31 Movie Days: 30

Day 30 - Saddest Death Scene

Super honestly? The very first image in my mind when I thought of this came from THE DARK KNIGHT. Rachel's death scene. Now in the first movie, I wouldn't give a shit. But Rachel was helping by two things in the second flick: 1) the casting of Maggie, a actress who is simply phenomenal in about everything she does. That still won't make me go see the second NANNY MCPHEE movie, but nonetheless, I have nothing but respect for her. Plus, she's quite pretty, so that works in her favor. 2) The Nolans and Goyer wrote this character a bit better in DARK KNIGHT. To clarify, she was already a strong female role in BEGINS, but she seems to have a bit more...spunk [?] in KNIGHT, and Maggie can pull of spunk like nobody's business - just watch STRANGER THAN FICTION. Anyhow, those two elements helped elevate the emotion of Rachel's death sequence plenty. Additionally, the cinematography, the tight editing as Gordon and Batman are racing to save Rachel and Harvey, and the spine-chilling music by Zimmer and Howard - it's the perfect marriage of elements to make the entire sequence, from beginning to end, a chilling and thrilling death.

31 Movie Days: 29

Day 29 - Movie Watched More Than 10 Times

Nearly everything in my DVD collection I've had repeated viewings of. I'd say there's about half of them that I've watched about ten times, and perhaps about fifteen I've watched over ten times. First and foremost is, of course, STAR WARS - EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH. After all, what type of fan would I be if I hadn't watched this gorgeous movie repeatedly? At last count, I saw it seven times theatrically, and hell if I know how many times on DVD. Another one: THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, a sci-fi flick with Vin Diesel that doesn't get the proper love it deserves, frankly. There's just something so immensely enjoyable about that production, and boasts enormous rewatch value. The Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg combo HOT FUZZ has been watched ten times over, and I have no doubt in my mind the five-time-theatrical experience of SCOTT PILGRIM will be added on with a good fifty more viewings on home video. Christopher Nolan's masterpiece THE DARK KNIGHT was seen five times in theaters, and many, many more times on DVD/Blu-Ray. Same goes for David Yates' HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, a movie that flies by thanks to the fantastic screenplay and precise editing. Oh, and let's not forget the AMERICAN PIE series, with each film having at minimum ten viewings, not counting commentaries, 'course.

..............


Wow, I need a life.

31 Movie Days: 28

Day 28 - Most Over Hyped Movie

Dude, take your pick:

• The Wizard of Oz
• No Country for Old Men
• Napoleon Dynamite
• The Big Lebowski
• Avatar
• Adventureland
• Twilight
• Interview with a Vampire
• The Godfather
  

I'm sorry to piss anyone off - I know some of these movies many bloggers I visit hold dear. But all those movies - I just don't understand the like. With BIG LEBOWSKI, perhaps I just wasn't the right audience member, but there was not one enjoyable moment in its entirety. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN was a good movie, I agree, but did it warrant the hype and awards it got thrown with? Nope. TWILIGHT - self explanatory. ADVENTURELAND did nothing to show some acting chops in Kristen Stewart. None. THE GODFATHER, nothing compared to the far more enjoyable and briskly-paced sequel. INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE...I see ugly sets, ugly outfits, over-acting, and poor direction. NAPOLEON DYNAMITE I saw for free, and I still felt cheated and ripped off, and I can't understand the mega hype associated to this movie. Oh, and lest I forget: AVATAR. Pretty much way over-hyped. The dictionary definition of over-hyped.

31 Movie Days: 27

Day 27 - Best Villain

Yep, score another movie blogger going the traditional Heath Ledger Joker route. For awhile there, I was thinking of going the Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith route, but decided against that at the last second. I find Darth to be much more of a tragic figure moreso than a villain. Yeah, sure, I know I'm crazy, nonetheless...

Alright, so why the Joker? It's not just the popular choice. Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan, David S. Goyer, and Heath Ledger were really onto something when they created this...thing. It's been captured before in the graphic novels, most notably Alan Moore's acclaimed THE KILLING JOKE, but on film - nope, never. See what this Joker is..well, he's a uncaged animal. A pure representation of actions without consequences, of simply making the choice of doing something, of a human being doing everything in their power to upset the establishment and cause discord and chaos. This Joker is something far, far greater than anything Jack Nicholson was able to make - perhaps a unfair statement considering the sheer differences between the two Jokers, but it's a commonly made comparison, so there it is. Nicholson's Joker, and much of the Animated Series, was really a dude who laughed a bunch, made up hilariously bad puns, and had a hard-on for Batman. Mind you, I'm not dissing those incarnations at all - nay, I'm just pointing out the differences. Here the title "the Joker" is more of a cruel ironic expression; sure, the Joker giggles and laughs at the actions made by Batman and the GCPD to stop what he's already set in motion, but this Joker is a fairly deadly serious dude. Don't frak with this clown.

The Joker is the best villain because he doesn't have some grand scheme, some finite purpose in his life. He doesn't exist to follow the Emperor and corrupt his son; he doesn't exist to exact vengeance on the people who murdered his parents or raped him as a kid, etc. The Joker exists, simple as that. The Joker does what he does because he enjoys doing it - it's fun. Frak up the world, mess with the minds of the tainted populace, just create, to use his word, "chaos." These are just a few of the many, many, many reasons why Heath Ledger and Christopher Nolan's The Joker is something so profoundly powerful and beautifully rendered.

Plus, how can one not love that voice? Inspired! Brilliant! Frakkin' nightmarish!

31 Movie Days: 26

Day 26 - Freakishly Weird Movie Ending

I fear death, and I hate it. The whole being dead thing is not something I'm especially keen on experiencing, so I'm fully able to respond to characters in literary and feature films who spend the entirety of the time trying to figure out how to cheat death. Finding the Fountain of Youth - sure, totally doable. Cloning your body and transplanting your consciousness into a fully functional and brand spankin' new entity - coolness, if you have the money and resources to pull it off. Writer/director Darren Aronofsky (THE WRESTLER) crafted this mega epic that spanned three different timelines with Hugh Jackman starring as the man seeking the path to immortality. Before heading into the movie, I was aware that it was going to be a mind frak, so I paid especially close attention. But then again, I was 16 or 17, so I doubt my brilliance at that age is as super awesome as it is now. Anyway, I followed the film fine enough until about the last two minutes, and all I remember is that suddenly Hugh Jackman is out in the snow standing above a grave, and everything I thought I knew and understood went out the window. I was left puzzled and a tad irritated, like I missed some grand thingy.

I fully intend on watching THE FOUNTAIN again, not only to see if I can understand the ending that for all I know isn't actually all that complicated, but also for sheer entertainment value. Aronofsky made one hell of a beautiful picture, and the creativity and imagination imbued in every frame is unmistakable. But for right now, THE FOUNTAIN has left me befuddled since I saw it, and therefore it's the most freakish movie ending I've seen....yet.

31 Movie Days: 25

Day 25 - A Movie you plan on watching [Old/New]

Um, like, a lot. I have multiple DVDs that are due on Monday that I need to watch: WALL STREET, THE FULL MONTY, and VERSUS, not to mention finishing MAD MEN: SEASON ONE. Theatrical viewing-wise, I still really want to see THE NIGHT CHRONICLES: DEVIL, THE TOWN, WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS, and RESIDENT EVIL:AFTERLIFE [2-D]. So sure, there's plenty I plan on watching, but with the load of junk I got to get done by Tuesday, it's rather in the doubtful category that I will indeed watch 'em. I need to at least finish MAD MEN; I've already renewed the item once, and the Mankato library doesn't really allow a second renewal. And, next month, I plan on doing that whole OMENS thing, so my load of movies will primarily be Netflix Instant Streaming-related. So, here's hoping I survive that, eh?

31 Movie Days: 24

Day 24 - Quote You Use Most Often

"Why, Mr. Anderson, why?"

Out of context, no apparent reason, dunno why I do it, I just say it. A lot. Girlfriend gets all 'ugh' when I say it, and I get all 'ugh' when I say it. It just sorta comes out, y'know? More often than not, I quote television material, like DOCTOR WHO. However, the Wachowski Siblings (as they're now called) are very gifted writers, so whenever I quote a movie, it's typically something associated with them. I quite often quote the V FOR VENDETTA monologue which I memorized by heart in high school - turns out, chicks didn't quite dig that as much as I did. I also quote the speech from MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, such as that one line above but in the full form. Basically, those two movies I quote - a lot. Here and there I quote some AMERICAN WEDDING, but only when I'm in a rather foul mood and I channel my inner Stifler. So, yeah...

31 Movie Days: 23

Day 23 - Favorite Explosion or Action Scene

At this point it's almost a cliche to choose this one, but I blame it entirely on Christopher Nolan for crafting the most original, most invigorating, most 'Holy shit!' action scene in recent memory [sorry Anakin vs. Obi-Wan, I still love you, honestly]. Don't know what I'm talking about yet? Well, it's still somehow on the Top 10 box office charts thanks to good word of mouth and repeated screenings, and is one of the top five best ticketsellers of the year. I speak of Nolan's INCEPTION, the "Hamster Wheel Hallway Fight" [is that what it's really called?].


Alright, so now that I've chosen that, why exactly did I? Well, we, the movie bloggers, go to the movies to experience something, so watch a film that will hopefully move us and have us fall in love with it. More often than not, we're greeted with movies that are either extremely lackluster or simply "yeah, that was good." INCEPTION is original, INCEPTION is beautiful, not only in the aspect of cinematography but as well as in the script department. And then this scene happens, this hallway fight sequence, and my jaw drops. I'm floored. I can't process the awesomeness of what I am watching, of the sheer technical skill, brilliance of execution, and lack of computer generated effects utilized in this very real, very powerful scene that also brings some [sorta] real jeopardy to the situation. And when you have a scene as brilliant as that inter-cut with the first dream state's car flipping all around, and master Hans Zimmer's pounding, profoundly epic music pushing the boundaries of suspense and amazement simultaneously - well, that's solid cinematic gold. Forget the fact that this is a fight scene, the fact is that the four or five minutes that that truck is flipping over is pure cinema gold, and I am so, so, so thankful for it.

RUNNER-UP: The Moscow car chase in THE BOURNE SUPREMACY. I so nearly, nearly did that one.

31 Movie Days: 22

Day 22 - Favorite Final Scene/Line

Honestly, I'm not too enthusiastic about this category. Initially, I was thinking the resurrection of Barbossa, revealed at the closing seconds of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST, but then sorta concluded that I think I like that scene more because of the audience reaction which was hysterical [listening to everyone cheer, whistle, and call Geoffrey Rush 'hot', utter greatness]. And although I do like BACK TO THE FUTURE and PRINCESS BRIDE, I can't say their endings really won me over with anything like fellow bloggers. And as far as lines go, not too many final lines that I can honestly say I like, let alone remember enough to include 'em.

Anyhow, there is, however, one particular scene that I nearly skip the ENTIRE movie to watch, and it's the final sequence. A few short years ago, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez teamed up to present audiences with a true grindhouse experience with a three hour-plus movie appropriately titled GRINDHOUSE. When the DVD hit markets, the two features were separated a month apart, DEATH PROOF then PLANET TERROR. Out of the two, I'm more of a PLANET TERROR fan, but Tarantino sure delivered one hell of a final reel to his 'crazy driver' storyline. Kurt Russell played a dude who loved to stalk and kill him some pretty ladies [sexual satisfaction?], but on this particular occasion, he picked the wrong gals. SPOILER ALERT for those who haven't seen DEATH PROOF.

Also, apologies for the crappy screencap. It's difficult to find a shot of the DEATH PROOF final scene online. Now I dunno if it's my own sick, twisted mind that finds this scene so damn funny and bloody fantastic to watch, but similar to the AMERICAN WEDDING scene that never fails to make me happy after a pissy day, this three minute punch-kicking-beatdown gives me such joy and giddiness. Here's Russell's character, a hard motherfrakker who cavalierly kills without mercy or compassion, and his pretty car gets beat up quite a bit and he's bleeding a tad, and the three gorgeous girls make their way to him, finding the dude crying his little hearts out. The irony there is enough to make me smile writing this. What follows for the next two minutes are our three female leads beating the living bonkers out of the poor dude, all the way to the killing blow. DEATH PROOF itself may not exactly be Tarantino's masterpiece [still better than JACKIE BROWN; don't kill me], but he sure as hell knows how to craft some stellar car chases and action scenes.

Anyway, there's my pick for Favorite Final Scene. For all I know, this will change rather quickly, but as it stands, DEATH PROOF's closing moments are freakin' hilarious, ironic, uncompromising, nicely directed and edited, and just simply fun. If you haven't done yourself the pleasure of seeing GRINDHOUSE yet [which hits Blu-Ray next month in a special edition 3-Disc set], I'd very much give the recommendation to do so.

31 Movie Days: 21

Day 21 - Favorite Romantic Couple

Kevin Smith is first and foremost a writer before a director, so feel free to say shit about his directing style, although I personally don't mind it. Smith is mostly known for his dick and fart jokes from his first directorial feature CLERKS up to ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO, and yeah, he had a fanbase, and he wrote accordingly. But unlike a lot of writers in town, he crafts perhaps some of the most honest, realistic, and heart-tugging characters, scenes, conversations and relationships on film. Sure, I have no doubt a lot of folks will disagree - after all, I'm a young chap who still has a lot of movies to experience, but right now, when I think of a great couple that completely gets me absorbed into a movie, the will they? won't they? chemistry between Dante Hicks and Becky Scott is mesmerizing.

Dante is scheduled [yep, right word] to get married in the very immediate future, and if there's one person who could possibly talk him out of it, it's Becky. Randal could try, but Dante and Randal don't exactly have that type of relationship. Becky and Dante have about two scenes together without anyone else, but those two scenes are masterpieces. The screencap above is from their first solo scene, where they just have a conversation about the connotations of 'love' and the romantic form of 'love'. Technically speaking, although they do have a sort of past, they aren't a official romantic couple through the majority of the movie - it's more like a courtship that's being wrestled with in Dante's heart and mind. And Becky, played by Rosario Dawson, damn if she's not one of the most perfect women ever made on this earth...

Oh, and that second scene. Dante's a tad worried about the whole dancing at the wedding thing, so Becky brings him to the building rooftop to teach him some moves to the Jackson Five's "ABC." [FYI: At this second as I'm writing this, the music used for the CLERKS II opening theme is playing in my University's computer lab. Oh, yeah, this is so a sign from Those Up High]. The relationship these two had grabbed me immediately, and if those two hadn't had some sort of resolution, I would have been freakin' pissed, and I can't really make that claim about a lot of will they?/won't they? couples on film. And that's a great part of Kevin Smith's writing abilities, but I'll say that glamorous article for another time.

I'm not much of a romantic, and I don't respond all that deeply to a lot of cinematic courtships, but Dante and Becky is sure as hell at the very top.

31 Movie Days: 20

Day 20 - Favorite Kiss

I recognize that THE PRINCESS BRIDE is perhaps the most logical choice, but what I take away from that movie is the awesome sword fights, the hilarious script, and the overall funness of the film. I don't care about the romantic element of the film at all. In fact, I've pondered this topic for a long, long, long time, and I still don't have a solid, completely honest answer. So I'm going with a rather gut reaction. Here's a kiss that I always turn my attention to whenever the film is playing at work. A kiss that I can't help but root for. This kiss is when Harry Potter finally caves into his hormones and kisses Cho Chang in HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX. Thank the Gods, Harry Potter finally snogged a gal!

The setting is a sweet and comedic one. Cho is reminiscing about her vampire boyfriend Edward and how Voldemort cursed him to drink from human blood for the rest of eternity, and for some stupid reason glow in sunlight. Perhaps Voldey was hoping some jealous boyfriend would stake the poor sod. Anyhow, Harry, being the kind bloke he is, offers sympathetic statements about Edward, saying he knew all this wizardy stuff and Voldemort just knows more. Cho recognizes this niceness on Harry's part, and then her hormones and desires cave, and the two embrace in a kiss. The comedic part? The Room of Requirement creating a mistletoe for the two, providing a avenue for them to smooch. And Harry's "no idea" he quickly throws out before he tilts his head forward. I pretty much love this scene, and I, like so many in the theater during that midnight showing, were vocally rooting for our dear Harry. Now 'cuz I'm a Harry/Ginny shipper, if that scene in HALF-BLOOD was done one tenth as good, you can bet that'd be here instead of this.

31 Movie Days: 19

Day 19 - Favorite Cast

This one is sort of a cheat because the entire cast worked together in a prior TV series, but my initial gut reaction was the folks on Joss Whedon's SERENITY. Aside from being a all-around perfect movie, the fact is that Whedon assembled the ideal cast - every single one of them have their own distinct personality, and much to Whedon's luck, they all have amazing chemistry with one another. Their dialogue, their relationships, the overall dynamic - it feels truly natural, like the director was sneaking in on the ship Serenity and offering lines of dialogue for these true-to-life ship dudes to say. The dynamite cast features such recognize blokes like Nathan Fillion (CASTLE), Gina Torres (HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS), Alan Tudyk (DOLLHOUSE), Summer Glau (TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES), Adam Baldwin (INDEPENDENCE DAY, CHUCK), Jewel Staite (STARGATE ATLANTIS), Morena Baccarin (V), Sean Maher (WAREHOUSE 13), Ron Glass (DEATH AT A FUNERAL), and Chiwetel Ejiofor (SALT). If that ensemble isn't enough to wet your appetite, I implore you to take a journey over to that invaluable device known as YouTube and watch a clip or two from the movie or show; not only is this a great cast together, but I would go so far as to say these folks are perhaps some of the top actors in the field today. Want proof to back up my claim? Watch SERENITY. Then come back to me.

31 Movie Days: 18

Day 18 - Favorite Title Sequence

I don't know why, I don't know how, but this has become my favorite title sequence. It just punps you up, man.

31 Movie Days: 17

Day 17 - Favorite Series

It'd be far too obvious and far too simple to say the STAR WARS saga. So I'm not. And it would be far too obvious to say the GODZILLA series, as well. So I'm not. Therefore, I'm going to choose a series that had just come out within the decade, a series spanning two different directors and one very awesome action star.

The Bourne Trilogy

Matt Damon as a action hero. Guess I never really pictured that. Silly me. Under the guidance of Doug Liman, Matt Damon played the titular hero Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity in 2002, a man who lost his memory but somehow knows how to fight and kill better than your usual everyday Joe. By the films conclusion, he gets a good idea of the man he used to be, and why exactly he doesn't remember a single damn thing from before waking up in the sea. The central question of who he is and how he became who he became is the crux of the trilogy. Bourne Identity is a all around splendid film, with some great chase sequences and brilliant casting - Chris Cooper, Julia Stiles, and Clive Owen among them. But it was 2004's The Bourne Supremacy, directed by Paul Greengrass (United 93), that sold me on the series. Many have criticized Greengrass for his extensive use of hand held camera to throw the audience into reality, but I loved it, and it completely threw me into the story, the action, the characters, and the conspiracy. Supremacy was the creative team firing at all cylinders, making a exhilarating movie that was relentless with the action and the Damon awesomeness. The film also introduced Joan Allen in a pivotal role that would run into the third story as well, crafting a immensely likable character that is doing her damnest to find out who Bourne is and stop him. Julia Stiles even gets a cameo, but her presence greatly increases in The Bourne Ultimatum. As with the previous installments, Ultimatum is hardly faithful to the Ludlum source material, instead branching in its own direction. Bourne is on the run again, but forces beyond his control calls his hand, resulting in a raid in New York meant to finish everything once and for all. Breathtaking, brilliant, and just as breathtaking as Supremacy, Ultimatum was utterly fantastic, and quite the satisfying culmination of the series - depending if a fourth one never moves forward into production.

Jason Bourne is a great character, although I attribute my likeiness to the guy wholeheartedly to Matt Damon's fantastic performances in all three films. Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, and Brian Cox - all splendid. Direction by Greengrass is a beauty to behold, especially the cinematography of car chase sequences, as well as fight scenes. For example, the cat & mouse game in Tangiers was the single most heart-pounding, intense sequence of 2007. Worthy of respect and admiration by all critics and preferences [as in drama lovin' or comedy lovin'], the Bourne trilogy is perfect.

31 Movie Days: 16

Day 16 - Favorite Guilty Pleasure

Ugh, I hate the label 'Guilty Pleasure'. I don't have any guilty pleasures - I know what I like/love, and I'll tell the world, damnit! Hmmmm....OK, OK. Guilty pleasure. Well, not my absolute favorite, but it's a topper. Alright, y'know, I'm gonna admit it: I own all three HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL movies. Y'dig? Now I know the popular thing is to hate them, call them the biggest piece of bollocks in the known universe. But no. That's CAMP ROCK. That's Nick's SPECTACULAR. Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL movies are actually pretty decent. The first was fun, the second was so insanely stupid with a so insanely stupid message, but it was still fun, but the third is the one I watch the most. Everything was firing on all cylinders. Good music, good cinematography [a bigger budget does that], and finally some pretty good acting, with Efron showing that he gotz skillz, and Vanessa Hudgens being as hot as ever.

So go ahead, make fun of me if yee'd like. I dig the HSM movies. I find them fun. Other guilty pleasures: GOOD BURGER, CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK [it's only a guilty pleasure 'cuz I feel like I'm missing something when everyone calls it horrible beyond all reason, even though I frakkin' LOVE the movie], and LAKE PLACID. Actually, y'know what? LAKE PLACID deserves a honorable mention. It was released in the same 2000 summer of DEEP BLUE SEA [another bombastically awesome movie], and suffice to say, it's hard to think of another damn good croc movie like this one. Great one-liners, a great animatronic and not-so-great-but-still-enjoyable CGI croc, Brendan Gleeson, Bill Pullman, cow, explosion, half-eaten body, foreboding music, pretty ugly lake cinematography - the makings of a great movie is all there. So here we go: Favorite Guilty Pleasure: a split between HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 and LAKE PLACID!

31 Movie Days: 15

Day 15 - Favorite Musical

I'm not particularly a fan of musicals in general, and therefore I haven't exactly taken the opportunity to watch many. I'm pretty sure I've exposed myself to perhaps five - tops. And I don't include the reluctant endurance of GREASE for a few scenes, and then once allowed to go to my room to watch something way in the galaxy better, I ran for it. However, in that small little bin of musical flicks I've seen, I really dug Tim Burton's SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STRET.

Do be mindful, I'm not saying that TODD is remotely near the realm of a 'perfect' movie, much less a musical. I simply quite enjoy any revenge-driven narrative, and the gratuitous blood, mixed with Johnny Depp's remorseless, soulless penetrating eyes as the titular character - there's plenty to enjoy in the feature. Granted, I don't like in this dimension or any other Burton's wife Helena, with the sole exception of her Bellatrix Lestrange portrayal in the POTTER franchise, but I strangely found her sufferable. I appreciate the tragic ending for Mr. Todd, and I do appreciate Alan Rickman's excellent but thankless role as the Judge. I also appreciate Mr. Burton for putting BUFFY alumni Anthony Stewart Head into the picture, even if it was for the briefest of moments. SWEENEY TOOD is a enjoyable musical, if altogether unspectacular one. Nonetheless, it's my favorite.

Side-note: if I thought it constituted a "movie", I would most definitely have chosen Joss Whedon's DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG. But I sorta don't think it qualifies.

31 Movie Days: 14

Day 14 - Favorite Black & White Movie

Sort of a difficult one, and sorta not. I haven't had the pleasure to watch too many black & white movies. I could probably count the ones I actually sat all the way through with one hand. I know, bad me. Do be happy, though, I watched CITIZEN KANE, and just recently [as in this morning recently] the 1927 METROPOLIS (which was actually pretty good). But as a true Godzilla fan, I do feel a little bit compelled to vouch for the original radioactive masterpiece, GOJIRA [1954], the brainchild of Tomoyuki Tanaka, as brought to life by director Ishiro Honda (BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE) and SPFX director Eiji Tsuburaya (ULTRAMAN). By now, I'm sure a lot of folks are familiar not only with the big behemoth, but the analogies, metaphors, and themes inherit in the original Godzilla production. If not, I'm not telling yah. All I'm going to say is that GOJIRA is a film that is about a lot more than just "a man in a rubber suit", as the majority of America likes to look at it.

I hold no illusion that the monster scenes aren't my favorite, that instead I love the script, nuances, and storyline more. Hell, I grew up watching Godzilla rip Tokyo down through 28 movies. And a giant iguana terrorize New York whilst being nicknamed the Japanese gargantua. I love me some monster destruction scenes. But coming out of a nuclear war, Japanese director Honda wanted to accomplish something more with this movie, and he succeeded in his goal. Without further ado, I'm simply going to recommend that viewers give the original 1954 Japanese masterpiece that is GOJIRA a chance. I know a few of the movies are available through Netflix Streaming, thanks to Classic Media, but I'm not so sure if this one is. Regardless of liking it or not, you can at least say you saw the very first Godzilla movie, the beginning of a particular fandom, and sans Raymond Burr!