Lots to do today. Here is a list of movies that could have been on the list any other given day:
-(500) Days of Summer
-Inception
-American History x
-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
-Donnie Darko
-The Big Lebowski
-No Country for Old Men
-Moon
-Batman (original)
-Requiem for a Dream
-City of God
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
2/27
In Honor of the academy awards, in which James Franco reprised his 'Pineapple Express' role, here is a list of my top 10 favorite movies. These are not in any order, since they are constantly changing.
-The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The perfect movie? It's got everything from fantastic performances, a twisting plot, and the most evil villain of all time (yes, it was voted on). And it was shot in Pittsburgh. This is the only clear number 1 on my list, the rest is just gravy.
-The Graduate (1967)
Also a good book, 'The Graduate,' would probably be considered creepy and stalker-ish these days, but Dustin Hoffman turns in a very relatable performance that always seemed to strike a chord with me. I really always enjoyed the fact that it was about a college graduate trying to find his way. I can't name one other movie off the top of my head that solely deals with that topic. Oh yeah, Simon & Garfunkel composed the soundtrack which remains a classic.
-Armageddon (1998)
Guilty pleasure pick. There are countless reasons why I should hate this movie. I've hated almost everything Michael Bay and co. touch, it's not even a remotely plausible situation, end-of-the-world mumbo jumbo, etc.
But...it never ceases to be awesome. It has a great ensemble cast. Ben Affleck was last likeable in this movie. The special effects still rock. It had an epic Aerosmith love-ballad. If you don't like this movie you have no soul.
-Friday Night Lights (2004)
Being a colossal sports fans, it surprises even myself that this is the only movie of that nature to grace this list. The reason? Every single other sports related movie glosses over the details and ugly nature of the game. Rudy was carried off the field as a sarcastic gesture (look it up), The real titans of T.C. Williams were nothing like the ones portrayed in the movie and the racism was much more extreme, and I could go on but I don't want to burst any more bubbles.
'Friday Night Lights,' is great because it is adapted pretty faithfully from the novel in which the team was followed intensely by a journalist throughout their season. The movie tackles real teen drinking (sorry skins), racism, and the extraordinary pressure bestowed upon the team by it's do-or-die locals. Lucas Black as Mike Winchell should have been nominated for an oscar. As is the common theme throughout this list, Explosions in the Sky composed the best soundtrack for a movie in the past ten years.
-The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003)
Harry Potter can't even compare to this trilogy. These movies set the standard for any fantasy that came before or that has been released since. None have even come close. Excited for 'The Hobbit,' to start shooting soon.
-Pulp Fiction (1994)
Too young to remember this movie in theaters or even what all the fuss was about. I just remember ordering it from netflix about eight years ago and wondering, 'why can't other movies do (insert word here: action, violence, dialogue, everything) as good as Pulp Fiction?'
The answer was because Pulp fiction is as close to a perfect movie as we'll ever get. It re-booted the careers of Bruce Willis and John Travolta and catapulted Samuel L. Jackson into a superstar.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Batman is hands down my favorite superhero. I like things rooted in reality--which is what Christopher Nolan did with his Batman franchise. All of his gadgets and cars could actually (and do actually) work in real life. Combine a spectacular ensemble cast, a great soundtrack, and Heath Ledger's joker, and what you have is one awesome movie.
Into the Wild (2007)
I'm of the opinion that all of Jon Krakauer's books would translate well to the big screen. They also wouldn't make a lot of money, which is probably why 'Into the Wild,' is the only one that made it. It follows a smart young man who, after graduating college, decides to journey off into the unknown.
This true story of Chris McCandless has split people into two camps. One -- he was a visionary who wasn't afraid to follow his dreams. Two -- he was an idiot who could have saved himself with a simple map or knowledge of the land.
I'm split between the two opinions, but respect the man and the movie for tackling the simple subject matter of fleeing from society. Eddie Vedder composed to soundtrack too!
Fight Club (1999)
Rules 1 & 2.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Despite hardly anyone seeing it in theaters, this movie is tops on the IMDB top 250. Not an easy feat given teenage twilight and harry potter fans endlessly flooding their movies with votes.
One of many Stephen King adaptations to the big screen, 'Redemption,' hits all the right notes. King may be the greatest horror writer ever, but between this and 'The Green Mile,' its clear to see that he has heart as well.
-The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The perfect movie? It's got everything from fantastic performances, a twisting plot, and the most evil villain of all time (yes, it was voted on). And it was shot in Pittsburgh. This is the only clear number 1 on my list, the rest is just gravy.
-The Graduate (1967)
Also a good book, 'The Graduate,' would probably be considered creepy and stalker-ish these days, but Dustin Hoffman turns in a very relatable performance that always seemed to strike a chord with me. I really always enjoyed the fact that it was about a college graduate trying to find his way. I can't name one other movie off the top of my head that solely deals with that topic. Oh yeah, Simon & Garfunkel composed the soundtrack which remains a classic.
-Armageddon (1998)
Guilty pleasure pick. There are countless reasons why I should hate this movie. I've hated almost everything Michael Bay and co. touch, it's not even a remotely plausible situation, end-of-the-world mumbo jumbo, etc.
But...it never ceases to be awesome. It has a great ensemble cast. Ben Affleck was last likeable in this movie. The special effects still rock. It had an epic Aerosmith love-ballad. If you don't like this movie you have no soul.
-Friday Night Lights (2004)
Being a colossal sports fans, it surprises even myself that this is the only movie of that nature to grace this list. The reason? Every single other sports related movie glosses over the details and ugly nature of the game. Rudy was carried off the field as a sarcastic gesture (look it up), The real titans of T.C. Williams were nothing like the ones portrayed in the movie and the racism was much more extreme, and I could go on but I don't want to burst any more bubbles.
'Friday Night Lights,' is great because it is adapted pretty faithfully from the novel in which the team was followed intensely by a journalist throughout their season. The movie tackles real teen drinking (sorry skins), racism, and the extraordinary pressure bestowed upon the team by it's do-or-die locals. Lucas Black as Mike Winchell should have been nominated for an oscar. As is the common theme throughout this list, Explosions in the Sky composed the best soundtrack for a movie in the past ten years.
-The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003)
Harry Potter can't even compare to this trilogy. These movies set the standard for any fantasy that came before or that has been released since. None have even come close. Excited for 'The Hobbit,' to start shooting soon.
-Pulp Fiction (1994)
Too young to remember this movie in theaters or even what all the fuss was about. I just remember ordering it from netflix about eight years ago and wondering, 'why can't other movies do (insert word here: action, violence, dialogue, everything) as good as Pulp Fiction?'
The answer was because Pulp fiction is as close to a perfect movie as we'll ever get. It re-booted the careers of Bruce Willis and John Travolta and catapulted Samuel L. Jackson into a superstar.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Batman is hands down my favorite superhero. I like things rooted in reality--which is what Christopher Nolan did with his Batman franchise. All of his gadgets and cars could actually (and do actually) work in real life. Combine a spectacular ensemble cast, a great soundtrack, and Heath Ledger's joker, and what you have is one awesome movie.
Into the Wild (2007)
I'm of the opinion that all of Jon Krakauer's books would translate well to the big screen. They also wouldn't make a lot of money, which is probably why 'Into the Wild,' is the only one that made it. It follows a smart young man who, after graduating college, decides to journey off into the unknown.
This true story of Chris McCandless has split people into two camps. One -- he was a visionary who wasn't afraid to follow his dreams. Two -- he was an idiot who could have saved himself with a simple map or knowledge of the land.
I'm split between the two opinions, but respect the man and the movie for tackling the simple subject matter of fleeing from society. Eddie Vedder composed to soundtrack too!
Fight Club (1999)
Rules 1 & 2.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Despite hardly anyone seeing it in theaters, this movie is tops on the IMDB top 250. Not an easy feat given teenage twilight and harry potter fans endlessly flooding their movies with votes.
One of many Stephen King adaptations to the big screen, 'Redemption,' hits all the right notes. King may be the greatest horror writer ever, but between this and 'The Green Mile,' its clear to see that he has heart as well.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
2/24
Welp,
I finished 'Born to Run' in blazing time and the ending did not disappoint. If you are into any kind of physical fitness or sport whatsoever do yourself a favor and pick this book up. The story itself is great and even taught me some fantastic running tips. Well...fantastic to me -- keeping my body upright, making sure my feet point down, and taking smaller strides.
The book also delves into barefoot running and it's advantages (see: preventing almost any running-related injury). I think once $100 appears in front of me I'm going to order a pair of five-fingered shoes. Check them out, they are awesome.
I suppose the pens bringing back Alexei Kovalev can't do any harm. The guy just turned 38, and although he won't be half (or even a quarter) the leader Billy Guerin was, he can score. And they got him for peanuts. Coming to the Penguins from a team with no hope of the playoffs has to be at least a little motivating. It was for all the other recent acquisitions the Pens have picked up off the deadline in the past few years with the lone exception being Alexei Ponikarovsky.
I can't say I remember Kovalev that much as a kid, but then again, anyone my age or younger who says they do is lying or watched a lot of hockey as a youngster. The only Pittsburgh athlete I remember consitantly was Jerome Bettis.
Bringing back former players worked out O.K. for the Steelers this past season, but I liken this transaction to bringing Randle-El back. The guy made a few nice catches and stepped up nicely in the Superbowl, but he won't be the same player he was years ago.
Random movie of the day that you've (probably) never heard of, but should see: Moon. Moon somehow got hugely overlooked come awards season last year. It stars Sam Rockwell as the lone astronaut manning a moon base and the voice of Kevin Spacey as his eerie robot. Sam Rockwell is growing to be one of my favorite actors and he knocks it out of the park. If you have a netflix subscription, you can stream it for free. If not, I'm sure it can be found easily enough. Check it out.
I finished 'Born to Run' in blazing time and the ending did not disappoint. If you are into any kind of physical fitness or sport whatsoever do yourself a favor and pick this book up. The story itself is great and even taught me some fantastic running tips. Well...fantastic to me -- keeping my body upright, making sure my feet point down, and taking smaller strides.
The book also delves into barefoot running and it's advantages (see: preventing almost any running-related injury). I think once $100 appears in front of me I'm going to order a pair of five-fingered shoes. Check them out, they are awesome.
I suppose the pens bringing back Alexei Kovalev can't do any harm. The guy just turned 38, and although he won't be half (or even a quarter) the leader Billy Guerin was, he can score. And they got him for peanuts. Coming to the Penguins from a team with no hope of the playoffs has to be at least a little motivating. It was for all the other recent acquisitions the Pens have picked up off the deadline in the past few years with the lone exception being Alexei Ponikarovsky.
I can't say I remember Kovalev that much as a kid, but then again, anyone my age or younger who says they do is lying or watched a lot of hockey as a youngster. The only Pittsburgh athlete I remember consitantly was Jerome Bettis.
Bringing back former players worked out O.K. for the Steelers this past season, but I liken this transaction to bringing Randle-El back. The guy made a few nice catches and stepped up nicely in the Superbowl, but he won't be the same player he was years ago.
Random movie of the day that you've (probably) never heard of, but should see: Moon. Moon somehow got hugely overlooked come awards season last year. It stars Sam Rockwell as the lone astronaut manning a moon base and the voice of Kevin Spacey as his eerie robot. Sam Rockwell is growing to be one of my favorite actors and he knocks it out of the park. If you have a netflix subscription, you can stream it for free. If not, I'm sure it can be found easily enough. Check it out.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Quick hitters 2/23
Things that interested me today
-Started reading the book 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall. About halfway through, but already far and away the best book I've read this year. The basis of the story revolves around a mythical Mexican tribe named the Tarahumara who can run upwards of hundreds of miles per day in rubber sandals and robes.
-Penguins: James Neal. Didn't blow anyone's socks off in his Penguin debut, but looks solid. Matt Niskanen had some ugly turnovers, but those looked like they could be chalked up to the new system he was playing in.
-Gatorade Recover. Could taste better, but since I hate shakes and protein bars, it did the trick.
Nope
-Nope, did not like the fact that it took upwards of 15 minutes to turn on the lights (for the second game in a row!) at Consol Energy Center. It was just dead air while the commentators were scraping off the bottom for topics to talk about.
-When did I suddenly become disgusted with The Dave Matthews Band? Is it some sort late-high-school-underclassman-college sort of phase? Sure, their music is O.K. but hours and hours of 'jamming' and a frontman who mumbles his way through the english language. Nope, give me Counting Crows or 90's Hootie and the Blowfish.
-Might have to see the CD's for pennies...no bites yet. At least someone wants my high-school mountain bike. Craigslist is a decent way to get money for crap I don't want anymore, but if I dont find a job soon I maybe have to start selling myself under the casual encounters.
-Started reading the book 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall. About halfway through, but already far and away the best book I've read this year. The basis of the story revolves around a mythical Mexican tribe named the Tarahumara who can run upwards of hundreds of miles per day in rubber sandals and robes.
- Apparently their fuel is composed mainly from the chia plant. It's like their version of red-bull but really does give them wings, allowing them to run their greuling miles no problem. GNC sells some version of this that you can sprinkle on your food. I must have it. (photo from GNC)
- They would crush at the olympics; one guy a few decades ago entered them into 100-mile races and they demolished all the records, in consecutive years. Instead of prepping they smoked a few cigarretes and cracked jokes the whole time.
- The story then centers on a man who decided to take the 'Dances with Wolves' route and live amongst them. He is over 50 and could be considered superhuman after spending one year with them.
- I felt like running through a wall after reading the first half, but settled for the usual 1 mile on the treadmill and p90x with gatorade. Next time I'll atempt the 100 miles with chia. (yes the same plant as chia pets)
-Penguins: James Neal. Didn't blow anyone's socks off in his Penguin debut, but looks solid. Matt Niskanen had some ugly turnovers, but those looked like they could be chalked up to the new system he was playing in.
-Gatorade Recover. Could taste better, but since I hate shakes and protein bars, it did the trick.
Nope
-Nope, did not like the fact that it took upwards of 15 minutes to turn on the lights (for the second game in a row!) at Consol Energy Center. It was just dead air while the commentators were scraping off the bottom for topics to talk about.
-When did I suddenly become disgusted with The Dave Matthews Band? Is it some sort late-high-school-underclassman-college sort of phase? Sure, their music is O.K. but hours and hours of 'jamming' and a frontman who mumbles his way through the english language. Nope, give me Counting Crows or 90's Hootie and the Blowfish.
-Might have to see the CD's for pennies...no bites yet. At least someone wants my high-school mountain bike. Craigslist is a decent way to get money for crap I don't want anymore, but if I dont find a job soon I maybe have to start selling myself under the casual encounters.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Quick hitters 2/22
Things That Are Good
-The new Radiohead CD, 'King of Limbs.'
While only running 8 tracks, 2 or 3 of them are spectacular (see: Lotus Flower, Codex). Pay them their $9 guilt free with the knowledge no greedy record label will prosper from it.
-While on the topic, Thom Yorke's dance for the 'Lotus Flower' music video trended worldwide on Twitter for about 3 straight days. Check it out here.
-The Pens acquisitions of James Neal & Matt Niskanen for Alex Goligoski.
Goligoski was decent offensively, but never seemed to exude or execute with the confidence Letang finally grew into. Neal is only 23, and if he can score goals for dallas, he can certainly do it for the Pens. Niskanen seems solid, the jury is still out on him. Stats for Neal here.
-Putting my teenage CD collection up for sale.
I can't remember the last time I paid money for a CD, but it has been at least 2-3 years. I don't think that people of this day and age will hold the same nostalgia for CDs that they did for records, and I gotta get rid of these puppies while I can.
For a good laugh, check out the list of them. Please buy them.
-Pamelas.
Any of the multiple locations around Pittsburgh. No-nonesense, awesome food. Would be Ron Swanson's kind of place.
Things That Are Not Good
-Pittsburgh's idea of snow removal.
Apparently it took over four hours for some people to get home from the Pens game. Was this storm really that sudden?
-The fact that Justin Bieber trends on twitter as often as revolutions in Egypt, The 'Threat Level Midnight Episode of The Office,' and national news. Do jaded pre-teen girls really take it personally that some things might take priority over a canadian she-male pop sensation?
-Borders going out of business.
Catch 22: Quality store being put out by other things I love. See: The Kindle, Amazon.com. Another cause: The public's startling lack of interest in reading.
-No 'Mad Men' anytime soon?
-The new Radiohead CD, 'King of Limbs.'
While only running 8 tracks, 2 or 3 of them are spectacular (see: Lotus Flower, Codex). Pay them their $9 guilt free with the knowledge no greedy record label will prosper from it.
-While on the topic, Thom Yorke's dance for the 'Lotus Flower' music video trended worldwide on Twitter for about 3 straight days. Check it out here.
-The Pens acquisitions of James Neal & Matt Niskanen for Alex Goligoski.
Goligoski was decent offensively, but never seemed to exude or execute with the confidence Letang finally grew into. Neal is only 23, and if he can score goals for dallas, he can certainly do it for the Pens. Niskanen seems solid, the jury is still out on him. Stats for Neal here.
-Putting my teenage CD collection up for sale.
I can't remember the last time I paid money for a CD, but it has been at least 2-3 years. I don't think that people of this day and age will hold the same nostalgia for CDs that they did for records, and I gotta get rid of these puppies while I can.
For a good laugh, check out the list of them. Please buy them.
-Pamelas.
Any of the multiple locations around Pittsburgh. No-nonesense, awesome food. Would be Ron Swanson's kind of place.
Things That Are Not Good
-Pittsburgh's idea of snow removal.
Apparently it took over four hours for some people to get home from the Pens game. Was this storm really that sudden?
-The fact that Justin Bieber trends on twitter as often as revolutions in Egypt, The 'Threat Level Midnight Episode of The Office,' and national news. Do jaded pre-teen girls really take it personally that some things might take priority over a canadian she-male pop sensation?
-Borders going out of business.
Catch 22: Quality store being put out by other things I love. See: The Kindle, Amazon.com. Another cause: The public's startling lack of interest in reading.
-No 'Mad Men' anytime soon?
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