He Just Not That Into You

I need to thank my sister for picking this movie for our sibling time, otherwise I would have dismissed it as another silly romantic comedy, but the mixed cast of all-stars and oh-I-have-seen-them-somewheres (like Justin Long from the Mac ads) comes together with some fast paced, intelligent writing to craft an entertaining look at relationships in the modern world. More importantly it picks apart the dramas we create for ourselves as we meet new people and the chasms we create in our own happiness as we try to hold together what we already have. I challenge you to look at yourself as you laugh at the characters' neurotic flailing and try to admit you haven't committed at least one of the same mistakes of over-analysis or misplaced expectations.

Shaking Out the Rust With Some Music

I haven't thought about this blog in months, and I just noticed that facebook (probably because of all the strange changes they have been making) was not displaying the link properly. So neither I or anybody else have tracked over these pages for months. I am making a concerted effort to keep the writing muscles from total atrophy, so lets see if I can keep some regular writing going here.

To kick things off, some recent new music discoveries:

Cosmic Dancer, by T. Rex

Never knew that the same musician responsible for Bang The Gong (Get it On) would be capable of a song with such subtlety and grace. If you find Bang the Gong over the top, or even distasteful, that would actually be reason enough to check out this song.

New York is Killing Me, by Gil Scott-Heron

A gravely blues singer and a rapper lay it down over some sweet beats. This song would have saved Stella all the trouble of trying to get her groove back.

Go Do, by Jonsi

The Sigur Ros frontman keeps the same vibe going in his solo work that the band made famous togethe. I instantly loved the song because that mesmerizing falsetto and entrancing music is to a rainy Seattle day what blues music is to a breaking heart.

If Wes Anderson directed Spider-Man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5KfHEoZDKI&feature=player_embedded

This is a funny-because-it's-true parody trailer. It does make me think hard about what a director like Anderson could do with a superhero premise that focused more on the shortcomings, internal struggles, and troubled relationships of the characters. Just because you have superpowers doesn't mean you are above being petty and selfish. Just because you are invincible doesn't mean you can't have your heart broken.

Something to get started

Recent Films

Funny People -

A comedic film with powerfully serious moments. Director Judd Apatow poses some hard questions about relationships and how to find a smile when you suddenly realize you have no more reasons to laugh. Fans of Apatow/Sandler/Rogen will have a good time, but people who have not liked their movies should not summarily dismiss this one.

Avatar - Just see it. Do it. I am not saying it is the best movie ever made, or the most original, but Cameron has made something fresh and engaging. It is quickly becoming a full-blown cultural event, and it is a fine way to usher out the old decade, and welcome the new.

Recent Books

Pirate Latitudes by: Michael Crichton

The manuscript was found by his assistant and published posthumously, so no one can know if he ever intended to share this story with the world. With a different flavor than any of his other novels, Crichton still displays the talent for tale-weaving that propelled him to the top of his profession. If you hunger for a fast moving, swashbuckling adventure, then by all means, feast.

From Russia With Love by: Ian Fleming

The author paints a rich world for the now quintessential international problem solver. If you love James Bond, but have only ever watched him, it is well worth your time to explore the words that gave the films the foundation to become the stalwart franchise they are today.

The Beginning

Over the past few months I have started posting mini reviews and recommendations on my facebook profile, based on what I have been reading, watching, or listening to lately. I finally realized that I have essentially been blogging, but at the same time eradicating my writing as I updated my facebook page each time. With a sad salute at the words I can never get back, I resolve to preserve my media musings from this day forward. Thanks to Matthew Koenig for helping me realize that people out there are actually reading what I am writing.