movies

We just got back from watching J.J. Abrams latest effort, Star Trek, and enjoyed ourselves for the most part. Casting, I thought, was particularly inspired (although I did fully expect Spock to point his finger at one of the aliens' heads, make an incision and take his super-power). The acting was also far more nuanced than that of the original series, largely due to the absence of William Shatner. And, of course, the special effects were top-notch, not surprising since the movie cost almost as much as the Republic of Kiribati's GDP (it did, look it up). However, we did have a few issues with the plot afterward. One issue in particular could destroy all science fiction as you know it. | Read more »

Almost two years to the day that I first saw the diminutive Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, I sat through his latest movie, Quantum of Solace. As an action movie, QOS was perfectly fine (although not as good as Casino Royale). Tragically, the new Bond movies are becoming indistinguishable from the equally entertaining “Transporter” series starring equally British tough guy, Jason Statham. But QOS was decidedly not a Bond flick. So once again, I feel obligated to remind the Broccoli family of exactly what is required to be a true Bond flick. | Read more »

It was bad enough that he supported Bush's black/white view of world politics. And that he supported George W. Bush's handling of Katrina. And that, in hindsight, he finally admitted that the Iraq War was/is a disaster.  | Read more »

I just saw the new movie, Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig, and enjoyed it. Too bad, it's not a Bond flick.

Yes, the lead character is named James Bond, but that alone doesn't make it a Bond flick (see Never Say Never Again). In fact, while the Broccolis think there have already been 21 or 22 Bond films, there have really only been about six: Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, and Diamonds Are Forever.

In short, the Sean Connery ones. And not because I think Sean Connery is the best Bond. Frankly, I don't care who the actor is. No, there have only been 6 real Bond flicks because most of the scripts lack the requisite Bond-ness to qualify. | Read more »

The movie studios are trying to revive the "Broadcast Flag" (which was unanimously struck down on May 6th by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals). The Broadcast Flag cripples any device capable of receiving over-the-air digital broadcasts. Worse, it gives Hollywood movie studios a permanent veto over how you use your television, computer or Tivo®, and forces tech companies to beg the FCC for permission before adding any new features. | Read more »

Saw ID4 and was impressed by the pretty pictures and big explosions. Did kinda miss having a storyline to tie it together though. The common computer language between aliens and mankind was indeed helpful. Also the fact that no one on the Mother ship questioned a lone fighter returning to base when it should have been invading the planet. And how come the virus affected the shields on the fighter ships? (I'll give them the Mother Ship and maybe it could affect the city-destroyer ships, but how come all of a sudden we could shoot down alien fighter ships with BULLETS!?) How come millions of alien fighter pilots missed three lousy jets flying into the chewy center of the city-killer ships?