Sunday, November 21, 2010

AllMoPs 14

All Manner of Plugs: Issue 14 (11.21.2010)
a weekly informing and recommending email

Written by J.S. Lewis

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I'm home this weekend (and next) for Thanksgiving and feel I'm entitled to a sort of vacation. That doesn't mean I'm taking two weeks off from AllMoPs, no siree! Just that I'm giving you a little morsel this time and we'll just have to see about Thanksgiving weekend.

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MVOTW


O the fruits of YouTube searches! I think "And I'm thankful! Are your thankful?" will be rotating like a broken record in my mind forever more. Tis the season boys! Props to their choreographer, I'm thankful.

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RANDOMONIA

Here are some interesting compilations of the "Luckiest Guys in the World." One and then another.

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THE FILM TOME REPORT

THE TRAILER ROUND-UP

Consider "Born To Be Wild" my MONKEY DO this week. A nature doc about an orphan elephant and an orphan chimp. Look gorgeously photographed. Who would you get to narrate? Morgan Freeman, number one answer.

Pixar has now released a trailer that actually tells us something about "Cars 2." It looks very nice, but I'm actually not all that excited for it.

"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" is one of my most beloved film. Well, now Walt Disney Animation Studios is reviving the property with the simply named "Winnie the Pooh." The animation is almost too clean, the voice changes are jarring, and, aside from a nice montage of possible new tails for Eeyore, I was pretty uninterested. Still, gotta be hopeful for something so cherished eh?

The special effects in "Green Lantern" are worth seeing. I know nothing about this superhero, but I'm willing to give it a chance next summer.

My mother and sister ever ask about "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader." It's hard to pick a favorite of the brilliant "Chronicles" series penned by C.S. Lewis, but this one would definitely be considered. Here's the latest trailer! It comes out in less than a month (Dec. 10th).

The "Okay...": Can you count all the similarities "Red Riding Hood" has with "Twilight"? Good grief. I'll say no thank you now, but predict I'll somehow someday get caught up with this one.

Toss of the Week: Vampires, zombies and aliens! Oh my! Yes... these three are all the rage these days. I've got yet another alien flick to make you aware of, but this time I couldn't be happier. Based on a comic book (of course!) of the same name, "Cowboys & Aliens" looks possibly too cool. Last month Rockstar proved that adding zombies to the Western genre was a stroke of brilliance with the "Undead Nightmare" expansion to this year's best video game, "Red Dead Redemption". To me, inserting aliens instead could be just as good. An impressive and exciting preview to say the least! Next summer can't come soon enough now. It is a wonderful sight to see Harrison Ford don a cowboy hat again.

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Peevish armadillo! If you have any comments, questions, requests, complaints or threats please let your voice be heard by allmops@gmail.com. If you wish to be removed from the AllMoPs send-list, let me know. If you wish to add someone, let me know. Remember, all previous AllMoPs are available at my blog, All Manner of Posts. Be thankful and thanks for plugging in!

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Sunday, November 14, 2010

AllMoPs 13

All Manner of Plugs: Issue 13 (11.14.2010)
a weekly informing and recommending email

Written by J.S. Lewis

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Thirteen has long been my lucky number. Perhaps it is because it has been cast off by the masses, left alone to earn a following. Was it out of pity I embraced what many label "unlucky"? Either way, I've claimed it. It has been a friend to me. It's a dozen and then one (bakers alert). I am primarily drawn by even and sturdy numbers (usually those divisible by five), so it is curious how my relationship with 13 even began. Truth be told, I know not from whence it came.

Welcome to Issue 13 today. November 13th was yesterday. Someone somewhere is turning 13 tomorrow. That's all I got. Merrymake!

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MVOTW

"Wasting My Life" - The Hippos

So, he falls in love with an amoeba? This is a fine piece from one of the few ska bands I know (ska: punk with a trumpet?). Definitely not making my Music Video Hall of Fame or anything, but it is a decent vision of a to-the-point song.

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RANDOMONIA

The time for reckoning has come! There are those who have seen "Battle at Kruger" and those who have not. Now is the chance to make sure you fall in the former camp. This is one of the greatest things a camera has ever captured.

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GAMERAIN

On Monday IGN posted "The Top 25 Wii Games." I personally haven't spent near as much time with Nintendo's darling as I would like, but have mixed feelings concerning the system as a whole (mainly dealing with the pros and cons of the WiiMote and how such a method of gaming can either delight or infuriate). I've had a lot of fun with the Wii and "Epic Mickey" (coming out November 30th) looks to be the killer app in my mind.

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THE FILM TOME REPORT

THE TRAILER ROUND-UP

Earlier this year I put the UFO spotlight on two alien films. "Skyline" just came out and is only fairing so-so at the box office. Not sure if "Monsters" is going to get a wide release. Well, TWO MORE alien films are now landing! "Seres: Genesis" is a Mexican invasion film. It looks disturbingly cool. "Battle: Los Angeles," Hollywood's entry, looks just plain cool. (Count how many times we see a spacecraft zoom by overhead.) This film further proves at least one thing: If you need a macho female marine you have to cast Michelle Rodriguez (of "Lost" fame).

"All Good Things" come to an end? Starts off quite chill, but gets quite intense. Again, a reveal I wished I didn't know until I was in the theater. Regardless, this one looks quite effective. Hooray for the under appreciated and largely unknown Philip Baker Hall (he's seen in the trailer for a split second).

"Season of the Witch" is a pleasant surprise. From what I could dig up, this is an original IP and I consider that absolutely marvelous. Hollywood is becoming infamous for its remakes (Their thinking is such: "If it was made here over 25 years ago, it needs an update. If it was made in another country last year and was any good, it needs an American version so we don't have to read subtitles.") and franchises (Their thinking is such: "If the first was any good and made bank, make another."), so it is like unto seeing sunlight through darkening clouds when a novel idea comes around. Besides that, it's a little known fact that I am a sucker for the medieval-era fantasy flings. A CGI bombast to be sure, but I have high hopes for this one. Oh yeah, this stars Nick Cage.

More olden-timed drama and warfare for my queue! "The Eagle" is yet another example of how key plot twists are so often spoiled in trailers (see "All Good Things"). Still, looks like nothing narratively innovative here. A plus for some good-looking battle scenes.

Is this a documentary? That I even have to seriously ask is a huge measure of success for "You Won't Miss Me." Naturalistic filmmaking has always had a lasting effect on me. Perhaps it will on you too. Taking a stab at real life and aiming to touch each of us in one way or another... these types of projects are bold.

"Kung Fu Panda 2" of course. It even sounds great! I was amazed when the ending credits began to roll on the first "Kung Fu Panda." Amazed that I finally finished watching it after several attempts. Amazed how much I genuinely liked an American, non-Pixar, CG-animated feature film. And amazed at the celebrity ensemble involved for delivering the voices. Jack Black was certainly clear, but I had no idea the likes of Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan and Seth Rogen. Sure, it's fun, but not at all necessary. I can't help but think how much of the budget was spent on voices of the famous. Anyways, I'm all for another fun-filled adventure with Po and the gang (what grand action scenes the first one had!).

"The Way Back" is the latest from one of the greatest, Peter Weir. Another POW-escape adventure! (I highly recommend Herzog's "Rescue Dawn.") It seems we've struck a definite theme of "trailers that give away the story" today. Y'know, I think most are like that... I'm just particularly sensitive to the offense today. In truth, I stopped watching this one just over halfway through because I didn't want to know any more. I look forward to seeing this one!

Another trailer for "Little Fockers" has emerged. Notice the lack of a link. Notice my disapproval. Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman are amazing actors, but this is an insult to them. "Meet the Parents" was good enough, but should not have received any return (especially not a second time).

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Departing jaguars! If you have any comments, questions, requests, complaints or threats please let your voice be heard by allmops@gmail.com. If you wish to be removed from the AllMoPs send-list, let me know. If you wish to add someone, let me know. Remember, all previous AllMoPs are available on my blog, All Manner of Posts. Have a lucky day and thanks for plugging in!

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Sunday, November 7, 2010

AllMoPs 12

All Manner of Plugs: Issue 12 (11.4.2010)
a weekly recommendations and information email

Written by J.S. Lewis

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PLUG IN

Feelin' good? Feelin' great? Another condensed yet hearty helping in the Film Tome Report this week. In Gamerain we shine the spotlight on Kinect, which hit store shelves today (though they may be all sold out). And then some of the usual chords... rock on!

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MVOTW


I love this song and am ecstatic about the artsy and creative treatment it has received in music video form. It is youthful in it aspirations and imagination. Check it.


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NEWS TO ME

You've heard the dangers of texting and driving... well, this guy is just a menace to society!

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MONKEY DO

Jackson is a mandrill and some people think he's impolite, though he really is not. Read why here.

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RANDOMONIA

Imagine you live in a costal community and some beached whale carcass is stinking up the joint. Some of the townspeople get together and toss around ideas for removing the blubbery thing. As an anxious conversation takes place you lean behind someone's back and shout, "Let's blow it up!" You were just having a spot of fun of course, but the council immediately goes silent. The next minute is filled with excited chatter and nodding heads. They've taken your brilliant idea seriously! You try to explain it was just a joke, but it's no use. Someone has already ran off to get the dynamite! The only thing you can do now is watch.

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GAMERAIN

Microsoft's Kinect came out today. For those who haven't the foggiest, this is Xbox 360's answer to the Wii (on a similar note Playstation 3 is getting its Move on, I didn't even know it was already out... don't care though, yes, I'm biased), meaning a retro innovation of how gameplay is controlled. However, Microsoft was not just thinking of how to copy the WiiMote (unlike Sony, which may or may not prove to be a wise choice), they wanted to take gameplay to the next level. Why renovate the controller when the technology is available to scrap the controller all together? You use your body (mainly your hands) and your voice to interact with software. It's been announced for years and ever since then tech and game demos have been leaking out.

Up to this point the unbiased consensus among gamers has seemed to be, "Cool enough, but where is the killer app?" The original Xbox had "Halo" at launch (can any system ever beat such a way to come out of the gate?). The 360 had "Call of Duty 2," "Kameo," and "Condemned: Criminal Origins." Kinect has... "Kinectimals"? This is a horrifically cheesy and altogether misleading name for the game. It should have just been "Kats" if you ask me (for the only animals featured are those in the feline family). Regardless, that is somehow the game that looks most appealing to me. You get an adorable tiger cub to frolic and play with! Think "the next generation of Giga Pets" or just remember the underrated "Hey You Pikachu!" (a secret relish of mine). I believe the target audience for this game is little girls age 6-12. So, is that saying something about me or the choice of games available? Probably both. It is for this reason (lack of enough compelling software for this gamer) that I didn't shell out $150 to have the device on Day 1 (today). That said, I still want to get my hands on "Kinectimals"! What other "games"? There are a couple fitness titles, "Dance Central," and of course a "WiiSports"-knockoff. When you buy Kinect it comes with

Overall, the features are appealing. I think it would be radical to commandeer my 360 Dashboard just by moving and rotating my hands or to walk into my living room and say, "Xbox on. Netflix. Play 'The Office,' season 3, episode 14." Okay, I KNOW it would be killa! Remember that opening scene in "Minority Report" where Cruise cycles through menus on a monitor with his hands? That was sci-fi eight years ago, now you can buy it for your living room... There is a minus to this plus however. When utilizing this technology, especially when "playing games," you are at an incredibly high risk of looking like a buffoon. Picture a person jumping, squating and massaging the air in front of their TV for an hour straight to get an idea.

There was an embargo on journalists and video game reviewers alike, which forbade any reviews/critiques about the games or technology itself releasing until today. Another reason for adding weight on previous decision to not pre-order Kinect. So, this morning, one of the first I things I did at a computer was head over to GameSpot and watch their video review for "Kinectimals." (Watch Kevin's review and you'll see what I mean by looking like a fool.) Again, stupid name, adorable game. They gave it a 7.5/10 which they deem "Good." If Kinect greatly interests you, I recommend reading the "Gut Reactions: Kinect" from the Editors on GameSpot.

Other reception: IGN gave "Dance Central" and "Kinect Sports" 8/10s labeling them "impressive," and gave the technology itself a 7.5/10.

You can be sure Gamerain will keep you Kinect-ed to any developments.

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THE FILM TOME REPORT

THE TRAILER ROUND-UP

Gus Van Sant (director of the near-perfect "Good Will Hunting" and the pretty mess that is "Elephant") is back on the scene with"Restless." Nice enough. The guy and girl look a lot alike. Huh.

Zack Snyder is a director who you never know what to expect with. His 2004 remake of "Dawn of the Dead" is still a favorite of mine, but "300" proved to be a bitter disappointment overall. Earlier this year he unleashed "Legend of the Guardians" (AKA "that CGI-owl flick") on us. Well, Snyder will strike again in the first quarter of next year with "Sucker Punch." This looks like utter eye-candy, but sounds so lame (just listen to authoritative man tell the girl about the "five things"... are you serious?).

Tyler Perry, who I know little about and whose films I know little about, has a new thing: "For Colored Girls." Something tells me I may not be the target demographic here... This looks more in the vein of "Precious" than say the likes of "Why Did I Get Married?" The trailer came out back in September, but a new clip was released last week. I recommend the trailer, not the clip. I'm shocked to say this looks quite good! I dig the stylish introducing of the cast. Anytime I get a "magnolia"-vibe, as I did here, it should be duly noted.

I haven't seen either of the "Ong Bak"s (martial-arts extravaganzas from Thailand), but have always wanted to. "Ong Bak 3" looks like more of the same. Translation: AWESOME!

"Regresa" looks like sweet nuts! By that I mean a sentimental flick that gets a little crazy... Beware

The "Okay...": Two jolly films about old Saint Nick. "Navidad S.A." looks intriguing and befuddling. If that one isn't to your liking Santa Clause is also coming to town... on a murder spree! Some Finnish filmmakers thought this was good idea? Would you open "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" or ask your friend if he still has the receipt?

NEW IN THEATERS
  • 127 Hours* - 94%
  • Due Date - 41%
  • For Colored Girls - 33%
  • Megamind - 66%

NEW IN STORES
  • Centurion - 56%
  • Going the Distance - 52%
  • Toy Story 3 - 99%
  • Winnebago Man - 90%
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Tarnished muscular! If you have any comments, questions, requests, complaints or threats please let your voice be heard by allmops@gmail.com. If you wish to be removed from the AllMoPs send-list, let me know. If you wish to add someone, let me know. Remember, all previous AllMoPs are available at my blog, All Manner of Posts. Start making your holiday plans and thanks for plugging in!

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