Monday, July 21, 2008

• Let's bullet this sucka

  Currently Listening The Ringing Bell By Derek Webb see related

  • Well, I survived Monday. And it's actually looking like it's going to be a busy, interesting and fun week. Several screenings, my parents are going out of town and another Hollywood actor interview. So, as the kids say these days, W00T.
  • Let's hear it for "The Dark Knight's" record-breaking $155 million opening weekend. I'm not suprised that it smashed any previous records (especially since the previous record-holder was the ultra-lame 'Spider-man 3'). But I'm pleasantly surprised at the love people are walking away from this movie with. I don't know that I've ever seen a movie where, at the end of opening weekend, several people had already gone to see it two or three times. I've seen it twice myself and wouldn't turn down a chance at a third viewing.
  • So now the Oscar debate will begin, and I'm as guilty as the next guy about proclaiming Oscar love for a movie released only 7 months into the year. Let's remember that last year about this time we thought that "Zodiac" and "Ratatouille" were shoo-ins for Best Picture nominations. And what happened? We had the strongest Fall in movie history that (rightfully) dominated the awards. So let's just wait this out. If "Dark Knight" gets awards, awesome. . . and if not, it means we've got a heck of a fall waiting for us.
  • But right now, if I were writing my best-of list, "The Dark Knight" would be up there as one of the year's best. I still believe that "WALL-E" is the film to beat, as it's thought-provoking, beautiful and a true treasure. After that, it would be a tough battle between Batman and the wonderful "The Visitor." But just the fact that a Batman film could even be considered award-worthy is a great accomplishment.
  • And, of course, now comes the thought about a sequel. Those who have seen the movie already (which I assume is every person in America aside from the Amish) know that the film really doesn't set up a sequel but more of an attitude where we know we NEED one. Problem is, I don't know that I want a sequel to this as I have no idea how they can top themselves. Heath Ledger's Joker is absolutely perfect. What villain could you bring in to further develop the moral themes the series has developed thus far? Would you have to resort to bringing in Robin? I could maybe see Catwoman as a way of seducing Bruce Wayne to the other side, but I don't even know that that would work. And there are possibilities of bringing back one of the film's bad guys (I'm not going to spoil who survives) but...how could they do it justice?
  • Anyway, let's get off the Bat-topic. Have you noticed how this summer's comedies have pretty much sucked? I heard "Love Guru" was awful and I've seen the cinematic travesty that is "The Rocker". I enjoyed "Get Smart," but admit it was a mere diversion, nothing memorable. And this summer's requisite Will Ferrell entry, "Step Brothers" made me chuckle but it's definitely not a classic. Where's this summer's "Knocked Up" or "Superbad"?
  • Well, thankfully tonight I had the answer. I checked out a screening of the stoner action-comedy "Pineapple Express." I'm not normally a fan of stoner movies, but I will say I enjoyed this one immensely. Seth Rogen is great as always, but it's James Franco as the pot dealer who is absolutely hysterical. And Danny McBride is awesome as well. And tomorrow afternoon I view "Tropic Thunder," which I think also has promise.
  • The big celebrity interview this week is actually with one of the leads of "Tropic Thunder," Brandon T. Jackson. He's a Detroit native, which is why I jumped at the interview. Plus, he's the "other" black character in the movie and I'm dying to know a black actor's impression of Robert Downey Jr.'s role in the movie.
  • I cannot wait to move out. Only a little over a month away!
  • Been journaling through the Sermon on the Mount lately. It's been a humbling experience; the demand for righteousness is so high that I'm broken every time I walk away by the reminder of my need for a savior. I'll share some entries later, perhaps. We'll see.
  • So I may be taking salsa dancing lessons this Wednesday night as part of my "one new things" column. That should be interesting.
  • Purchased the cds "DC Talk" and "Nu Thang" this weekend. Guess what? Things you thought were awesome when you were a kid?? Not so awesome at 29.
  • I've started a habit of not turning the TV on on Sunday afternoons or evening. I started it a few weeks ago and I've actuallly surprised myself that I stick to it. But it's been so nice to have a day where I just consciously shut off the TV and don't turn on the DVD player and sit with a book or take a walk or enjoy time with my family. Last night my parents were babysitting my niece Briana, so that was really cool.
  • That might be all.

  Cdubbs

  • 10:51 PM
  • 34 views
  • 2 eprops
  • 4 comments