You have to wonder about things--especially films--that are given away for free. You'd think that either the film is terrible, or the filmmaker is crazy, or both. Nina Paley is doing just that. While I rented her flick, Sita Sings the Blues, through Netflix, you can watch the entire thing for free online. And if you don't want to stream it, Paley gives you permission to download the film.
I don't honestly think I could ever do such a thing--put my welfare in the hands of my fans--but I think it's awesome that Paley has taken this leap of faith and let her audience send whatever support they can. And support it they will, as SStB is a great watch. While the animation isn't groundbreaking or very dynamic, Paley recognizes this and works with what she has, using shadow puppets (a throwback to The Adventures of Prince Achmed, I'm sure), cut-out style animation, and what look to be traditional Indian paintings. And these are animated in such a way that we can overlook the lack of movement for sake of content. Paley proves that you don't need something to look as gorgeous as Kung Fu Panda to make for an interesting animated film. Really, it's only about 80 minutes, and it is more than worth your time.
In the weekend time, I hope to enjoy both District 9 and Ponyo. I'm sure I'll be talking about them next week. Until then...
Showing posts with label kung fu panda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kung fu panda. Show all posts
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monsters vs Aliens
With Kung Fu Panda being one of the best films of last year, and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa not even being worth my time, I'd expected more from Monsters vs. Aliens. And while MvA isn't eye-gougingly terrible--as 2007's Bee Movie was--it needed some help to bring it to the goodness status of films like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.
For once, I was really rooting for the film to work too, as many of the voice actors in the film are some of my faviorites. Plus, I like the film's basic idea: Monsters versus aliens, what more do you need? In MvA's case, it needs some originality.
I realize that the directors, Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon, were giving throwbacks to the sci-fi films of yesteryear--which is fine, if not necessary, but they didn't have to use such cheap tricks as low-brow humor and shots that were set up specifically for the 3D experience. (This is precisely what I feared with the new rise of 3D, directors framing/using shots for gimmicky thrills and producing rather ugly shots, but that is a rant for another time.)
Really, with the exception of Seth Rogen, the film wasn't funny. Again, this bothered me, as I find Will Arnett and Stephen Colbert, usually, very funny. The biggest problem was the poor dialogue written for the both of them. Arnett's Missing Link was a weak character, and anything remotely amusing that Colbert had to say showed up in the trailers. It's never good when the moments that garner the most laughs in a film are the same moments the trailers highlight. Plus, where the film might have suceeded in playing with the sci-fi stereotypes, MvA only turns the genre on it's head once--in one of the better scenes where the "couple parked in the middle of nowhere" scene has a refreshing twist. Had more of this humor been present, the film might've appealed to more than the 10 and under crowd. Unlike some of the previous Dreamworks flicks, MvA didn't have enough to offer the older audience. One or two double entandres, but it never tapped into the true essence of humor, opting out for stereotypes, cliches, and genrally silliness as its backbone.
This one is more for the kids than the adults, which is fine, it's just a shame that Dreamworks keeps fluctuating between great films and bad ones--though now we're one for three, a ratio I REALLY hope improves. My biggest fear is that this one, like Madagascar, will garner a sequel--even though it doesn't deserve, or need, one.
See it if you have kids, and in 3D if possible, however older animation fans can steer clear without missing much: just a few chuckles and a hot digi-babe (but this is the internet, and hot digi-babes are a dime a dozen.)
For once, I was really rooting for the film to work too, as many of the voice actors in the film are some of my faviorites. Plus, I like the film's basic idea: Monsters versus aliens, what more do you need? In MvA's case, it needs some originality.
I realize that the directors, Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon, were giving throwbacks to the sci-fi films of yesteryear--which is fine, if not necessary, but they didn't have to use such cheap tricks as low-brow humor and shots that were set up specifically for the 3D experience. (This is precisely what I feared with the new rise of 3D, directors framing/using shots for gimmicky thrills and producing rather ugly shots, but that is a rant for another time.)
Really, with the exception of Seth Rogen, the film wasn't funny. Again, this bothered me, as I find Will Arnett and Stephen Colbert, usually, very funny. The biggest problem was the poor dialogue written for the both of them. Arnett's Missing Link was a weak character, and anything remotely amusing that Colbert had to say showed up in the trailers. It's never good when the moments that garner the most laughs in a film are the same moments the trailers highlight. Plus, where the film might have suceeded in playing with the sci-fi stereotypes, MvA only turns the genre on it's head once--in one of the better scenes where the "couple parked in the middle of nowhere" scene has a refreshing twist. Had more of this humor been present, the film might've appealed to more than the 10 and under crowd. Unlike some of the previous Dreamworks flicks, MvA didn't have enough to offer the older audience. One or two double entandres, but it never tapped into the true essence of humor, opting out for stereotypes, cliches, and genrally silliness as its backbone.
This one is more for the kids than the adults, which is fine, it's just a shame that Dreamworks keeps fluctuating between great films and bad ones--though now we're one for three, a ratio I REALLY hope improves. My biggest fear is that this one, like Madagascar, will garner a sequel--even though it doesn't deserve, or need, one.
See it if you have kids, and in 3D if possible, however older animation fans can steer clear without missing much: just a few chuckles and a hot digi-babe (but this is the internet, and hot digi-babes are a dime a dozen.)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ready...Set...
As of today, my life is officially ridiculously busy. Officially. I have yet to start on my final packet for school--a packet that is due on this upcoming Saturday. Also, there are meetings here at work that will last through the rest of the week and basically make my life all hullabaloo. This will not be a fun five days.
In other news though, my friend and I had a good visit. We played through Gears of War 2, which was fun enough but much much easier than the first. We also watched quite the selection of movies and shows, including Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which was much much funnier than I expected), Quantum of Solace (which was better than other Bond films but not as good as Casino Royale), Pushing Daisies (which is one of the first shows in a long time that I'm quite into), and Kung Fu Panda (which I consider to be the best of the animated films this year--yes, even against WALL-E). We also ate at a number of tasty restaurants around the Lincoln area... and that's about it. Nothing too eventful but fun nevertheless.
And that about sums everything up for the last few days. More Gibberish tomorrow.
In other news though, my friend and I had a good visit. We played through Gears of War 2, which was fun enough but much much easier than the first. We also watched quite the selection of movies and shows, including Forgetting Sarah Marshall (which was much much funnier than I expected), Quantum of Solace (which was better than other Bond films but not as good as Casino Royale), Pushing Daisies (which is one of the first shows in a long time that I'm quite into), and Kung Fu Panda (which I consider to be the best of the animated films this year--yes, even against WALL-E). We also ate at a number of tasty restaurants around the Lincoln area... and that's about it. Nothing too eventful but fun nevertheless.
And that about sums everything up for the last few days. More Gibberish tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Solitude of Someone Else's Addiction
My wife is completely and utterly addicted to World of Warcraft, and the odd thing is, I don't mind. Maybe it stems from the fact that most video game/film/comic/book nerds dream about having girlfriends and wives that are into the same nerdy things. Maybe it's the fact that she is just plain gorgeous. But most likely, it's all because I'm a selfish person and like to be able to do whatever the crap I want, without having to worry about someone else.
Take last night, for example, I wanted to watch my netflix that I was almost sure she wouldn't enjoy. What happened? She played Warcraft and I watched Eagle Vs Shark. I suppose I can see how that Gor-Ram game might ruin lives and marriages, but when combined with a guy that was the youngest of three and often had to entertain himself, the alone/neglection time is a good thing.
Besides being spoiled, only childs, get so used to fending for/entertaining themselves that it screws up relationship mechanics. You get used to doing things solo and not having to worry about someone else's wants. I might not be an only child, but when your brother is out the door and you've still got six or seven years at home alone, the dynamics change, quick. I've learned to live hermit-style. Though, on the flip-side, if it wasn't for my wife, I'd probably never have much of any human contact, because I get SO used to being alone. Weird how things balance out. I get to boggart all my time and still have human contact. Hooray for Warcraft.
(I did play the game off and on for a few months, but all of my other projects conflicted with the all-consuming nature of the Craft.)
As for Lego Indiana Jones, I'm a little disappointed. I'd heard it was even better than Lego Star Wars, but there are too many ledges to fall off of and lose all those hard earned pieces. Pisses me off. It's still a fun co-op game though, but it will need to be played in smaller doses, at least until the ledges become less cliff-like and more wall-like.
In other news, Kung Fu Panda review can be found here and a new comic here.
Take last night, for example, I wanted to watch my netflix that I was almost sure she wouldn't enjoy. What happened? She played Warcraft and I watched Eagle Vs Shark. I suppose I can see how that Gor-Ram game might ruin lives and marriages, but when combined with a guy that was the youngest of three and often had to entertain himself, the alone/neglection time is a good thing.
Besides being spoiled, only childs, get so used to fending for/entertaining themselves that it screws up relationship mechanics. You get used to doing things solo and not having to worry about someone else's wants. I might not be an only child, but when your brother is out the door and you've still got six or seven years at home alone, the dynamics change, quick. I've learned to live hermit-style. Though, on the flip-side, if it wasn't for my wife, I'd probably never have much of any human contact, because I get SO used to being alone. Weird how things balance out. I get to boggart all my time and still have human contact. Hooray for Warcraft.
(I did play the game off and on for a few months, but all of my other projects conflicted with the all-consuming nature of the Craft.)
As for Lego Indiana Jones, I'm a little disappointed. I'd heard it was even better than Lego Star Wars, but there are too many ledges to fall off of and lose all those hard earned pieces. Pisses me off. It's still a fun co-op game though, but it will need to be played in smaller doses, at least until the ledges become less cliff-like and more wall-like.
In other news, Kung Fu Panda review can be found here and a new comic here.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
What the...
I saw a dead guy's picture in a magazine today. The casket was all open and people standing behind him all sad. He had a yellowish tinge, one that did not bode well with me. Odd as it may be, when it comes to real life and real death, I'm more squeamish than a 10-year-old witnessing their first birth photos. Give me all the blood and guts you can throw at me in a film, but the minute I know it's real, I go ghost pale, and my stomach becomes a gymnast. I thought seeing this picture was a rude way to start my day--it's not like there isn't enough to screw things up, but I get to start it off with a yellow dead guy and my boss talking about how he has to put his cat down after 18 years of life, which is what brought on this whole rant to begin with.
Some of you might be returning for a Lego Indiana Jones and World of Warcraft rant; instead, you get my death musings--about pets. Seriously, I can't imagine owning a pet for 18 years, having it be one of your best friends and then putting the thing down. It's hard enough for me to even imagine parting ways with either of my two cats of seven years, let alone after 18 years. (My six month old cat though, that's another story.) The whole thing made/makes me think about the degrees of sadness, the problems we face and deal with. How if something goes missing after a small amount of time, we can let the wounds heal faster, but the longer things are around, the harder they are to let go. I think I'm going to be screwed once I'm a crotchety old man. I'll have to make sure I die before my wife. I'm selfish like that.
I don't know where I'm going with this, and I honestly don't really want to keep thinking about it. So, sorry for putting a damper on your day--if I did. On the good side of things, I should be ranting about the video game world tomorrow. Plus, a new comic will be their for your enjoyment, and Kung Fu Panda should post here soon.
Some of you might be returning for a Lego Indiana Jones and World of Warcraft rant; instead, you get my death musings--about pets. Seriously, I can't imagine owning a pet for 18 years, having it be one of your best friends and then putting the thing down. It's hard enough for me to even imagine parting ways with either of my two cats of seven years, let alone after 18 years. (My six month old cat though, that's another story.) The whole thing made/makes me think about the degrees of sadness, the problems we face and deal with. How if something goes missing after a small amount of time, we can let the wounds heal faster, but the longer things are around, the harder they are to let go. I think I'm going to be screwed once I'm a crotchety old man. I'll have to make sure I die before my wife. I'm selfish like that.
I don't know where I'm going with this, and I honestly don't really want to keep thinking about it. So, sorry for putting a damper on your day--if I did. On the good side of things, I should be ranting about the video game world tomorrow. Plus, a new comic will be their for your enjoyment, and Kung Fu Panda should post here soon.
Monday, June 9, 2008
The Funk has Lifted--Just in Time for Another One
Life has become routine again. I've readjusted to my normal, non-vacation life, plowing through the words upon words that I must copy edit to earn my keep. Though, things aren't nearly as good on the writerly front.
I'm on the downward slide of the 2nd draft of my novel, and you'd think this would give me a boost, a second wind to push through to the goal, triumphant, arms in the air, feeling the breeze on my sweating pits. It's quite the opposite though. I'm so close to being done, and I'm so sick of looking at the thing that I just want to call it good and quit. Plus, after having my first acceptance back in April, I'm itching to polish up another of my short stories, make like a flasher and expose the thing. Normally, I'd just take a quick break, spit-shine one of them and get it in circulation, but time--as usual--complicates things. There's about a month until my next residency, which I'd like to have my 2nd draft in hand before I ever pair up with my next mentor. I'm tempted to take a complete break from the novel and just work on short stories this semester--or the newest project that has been sloshing about my noggin, but I will still need to finish my 2nd draft before starting on something else--especially since I'm so close to the end. The last thing I need to do is eject my brain from my novel's world right at the last minute. I guess I'll just do the proper thing, quit complaining (though why else does half the world even blog?), put my nose to the grindstone, and get this friggin' thing done. My social life might just go to poo.
In the meantime, my review for Kung Fu Panda should be up soon. I'll get you a link come tomorrow. Same with Don't Mess with the Zohan--I hope, depends on Logan. Either way, be sure to join me tomorrow and my further exploits, most likely revolving around Lego Indiana Jones and World of Warcraft.
I'm on the downward slide of the 2nd draft of my novel, and you'd think this would give me a boost, a second wind to push through to the goal, triumphant, arms in the air, feeling the breeze on my sweating pits. It's quite the opposite though. I'm so close to being done, and I'm so sick of looking at the thing that I just want to call it good and quit. Plus, after having my first acceptance back in April, I'm itching to polish up another of my short stories, make like a flasher and expose the thing. Normally, I'd just take a quick break, spit-shine one of them and get it in circulation, but time--as usual--complicates things. There's about a month until my next residency, which I'd like to have my 2nd draft in hand before I ever pair up with my next mentor. I'm tempted to take a complete break from the novel and just work on short stories this semester--or the newest project that has been sloshing about my noggin, but I will still need to finish my 2nd draft before starting on something else--especially since I'm so close to the end. The last thing I need to do is eject my brain from my novel's world right at the last minute. I guess I'll just do the proper thing, quit complaining (though why else does half the world even blog?), put my nose to the grindstone, and get this friggin' thing done. My social life might just go to poo.
In the meantime, my review for Kung Fu Panda should be up soon. I'll get you a link come tomorrow. Same with Don't Mess with the Zohan--I hope, depends on Logan. Either way, be sure to join me tomorrow and my further exploits, most likely revolving around Lego Indiana Jones and World of Warcraft.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Gun DAY!
So just to prove that I have some manly instincts or needs or some third man-type thing, here are some picks of me holding big guns. Perhaps I'm just trying to make up for a lack of something, but then again, maybe I just like to shoot the crap out of inanimate objects.
Me after I just plinked about six of the 10 cans with one load of the SKS.
Both my wife and I shot a rock--yes, a rock--from about two hundred yards out. Apparently the rock was only about 3 X 3, but I couldn't say for certain. All I can say is that is was friggin' teeny in the scope. Though as for anyone that says you can learn shooting from a video game, I'd say it's about right.
In other, non-shooting news, I've been thoroughly enjoying this comic called Erfworld. Funny stuff, especially if you are a bit of a nerd such as myself. I also plan on seeing Kung Fu Panda today. I don't have much hope for it, but you'll be able to read the full review come Monday. I'm more excited about You Don't Mess With the Zohan, but Logan is going to do that one instead--since I am supposed to be the animation buff after all.
Anywho, have yourselves a mighty fine weekend, and I'll catch up with you on Monday.
Me after I just plinked about six of the 10 cans with one load of the SKS.
Both my wife and I shot a rock--yes, a rock--from about two hundred yards out. Apparently the rock was only about 3 X 3, but I couldn't say for certain. All I can say is that is was friggin' teeny in the scope. Though as for anyone that says you can learn shooting from a video game, I'd say it's about right.In other, non-shooting news, I've been thoroughly enjoying this comic called Erfworld. Funny stuff, especially if you are a bit of a nerd such as myself. I also plan on seeing Kung Fu Panda today. I don't have much hope for it, but you'll be able to read the full review come Monday. I'm more excited about You Don't Mess With the Zohan, but Logan is going to do that one instead--since I am supposed to be the animation buff after all.
Anywho, have yourselves a mighty fine weekend, and I'll catch up with you on Monday.
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