The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

I really like this movie. For me it is somewhat similar to Napoleon Dynamite in that the director does not feel rushed all the time. I for one can definitely approve of realistic portrayals of life, even if it means you have to sit through some awkward moments.

The Life Aquatic is about a washed up Jaq Cousteau type figure who loses his best friend while filming a documentary. He boldly proclaims that after being a drunkard for one day that he will embark on this quest to kill the thing that got his friend. His oddball team ends up following along with some new members including his recently reunited son, a pack of interns seeking school credit and a pregnant report. Hilarity ensues soon after of course.

There are a lot of mini-memorable moments that I’m sure I’ll be reliving with Parr for the next few days. Plus the Ping Island/Lightning Strike Rescue Op tune by Mark Mothersbough is so infectious I think it will stay with me eternally.

The Life Aquatic is one of those movies that I can see myself championing although I think it would be folly to think that everyone would like it.

It can be slow, demented and awkward but it is very amusing none the less. I give it 4 out of 5 smegs, which um… in this case should be considered good.

Don’t forget to check out The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou site for previews, wallpapers and other goodies. It’s quite the perfect use of flash, video and other yummy technologies.

An hour of searching online for the song turned up nothing but preview clips. Ten seconds (literally!) of searching on DC++ found this audible gem.


Dyno-Might!

I saw a wonderful quirky movie yesterday titled Napoleon Dynamite. Napoleon goes to highschool, is misunderstood by most people and generally thought of as a spaz. The movie takesyou through his life at a slow cruise speed. I found it quite refreshing thatthe directors were not obsessed with cutting out the little things that make up the seldomshown moments of life. This mature perspective made me the movie all the more real and helpedforge a tighter emotional attachment to all the characters.

Is every interaction you have with someone a rehearsed, moving speech of monumental emotionconsequences? No. So why should all movies be the same? They shouldn’t and with that said Ihave to proclaim that this movie is not for everyone. Hate everything shown on the IFC channel?Perhaps Die Hard 12 “Christmas Coupons” would be more up your alley. If however you like a movie that makes you think a little bit a feel good then check out NapoleonDynamite.

Somewhere in between Lost in Translation (awesome) and Sky Captain (awesome in a different way) liesNapoleon Dynamite. But don’t take my word for it. *Reading Rainbow SFX* *ba dum bump*


Hello from Texas

I’m currently stationed in Texas for Interface Engine training (don’t ask, it’s not exciting at all) so I’ve had a chance to live like a bachelor again. Some men may favor this lifestyle but I truly miss my wife and our wonderful relationship. I’m more than halfway through this journey so I’m sure it will be no time before we are reunited again. :)

I’ve been exploring the local area a bit, got lost pretty bad at one point but otherwise its been an enjoyable experience. Went clothes shopping, picked up DDR Extreme (can’t wait to get home for another reason now), been eating out a lot and saw a few movies.

One of the movies I had the pleasure of seeing is Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. It’s truly a fun and entertaining film and I would gladly purchase he DVD of it when available.

The style of the movie is retro futuristic. Robots, lasers, flying aircraft carriers and hi-tech electronics. Only… assembled from heavy gauge steel and other seemingly crude components. Another thing you’ll notice is that the film has a soft filter on it, similar to the Prince of Persia game but tailored for another universe. I found it quite pleasing although I did wish I could examine some of the beautiful textures in more detail at times.

Textures? That’s right. Almost everything in the movie was rendered, modeled or painted. Quite impressive considering there were only a few times I consciously noticed something not looking quite right. The cast spent a relatively short time filming the whole movie in front of green/blue screen and the end result is very convincing.

The story of Sky Captain can probably be summed up as an exploration adventure. Travel to new places, fight bad guys, repeat. It’s quite fun a the occasion comedy is refreshing so I say the formula works.

Bottom line is if you like adventure, sci-fi or B movies then you’ll not be disappointed by… SKY CAPTAIN *echoes*… AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW!

In an unrelated topic…

Two girls were walking toward the movie theatre giggling. One of them said “Arrowed” and they both laughed. I waited a second till I passed them and shouted, “homestarrunner.com!”. They paused for a second, then continued to laugh.

Nice to know there are hidden Strong Bad / Teen Girl Squad fans out there. ;)

Getting my hair dyed black again tomorrow. Now if I can just get a nice gothic outfit. Bet I can talk Parr into getting me a fluffy cuffed vampire looking artisan shirt. Hehe.