Women Love the Rollerskates...

Mermaids



AND finally, one of my most favorites of all:

Ladies of the World

Conchords Week Continues!

Inner City Pressure



AND

Jemaine's (mumble) rap from "Leggie Blonde"

WHAT?

Bret's the "Boom King"!



AND

"Albi the Racist Dragon"

It's "Flight of the Conchords" Week!

This week I will be celebrating Bret and Jemaine and Flight of the Conchords.
In appreciation for my two favorite Kiwis, I will be posting a few different music video each day. I am going to post ones I have not posted yet, so laugh, sing along and enjoy!

First up: "Foux de Fafa"



AND "Prince of Parties"

"How odd that it should end this way for us after so many stimulating encounters. I almost regret it."

Quote from Belloq, Raiders of the Lost Ark

As I had said, I refuse to include the recent mischiva called Indy 4 as part of the Indiana Jones universe. A bad dream? (Please let it be a bad dream!) George Lucas' messy acid trip flashback? (Perhaps.) Bad Dates? DEFINITELY.

Oh how ye have failed me. Let me count the ways:

1. Sets: Cheap and fake. The real Indy movies were 20+ years older and their sets were more believable!


2. Green screen: OBVIOUS!! Sloppy. And Speilberg said the best people were working on this movie...yeah...let me guess..."TOP MEN"??? I think I've heard that bedtime story before.


3. Stealing from the Mummy: A curse be upon your family! The ants (while random and completely unrelated) reminded me of a certain dung beetle from The Mummy movies. Oh yea, and that fat bastard who was supposedly Indy's friend but was a double, no, a triple agent? Reminded me of Benny who dies at the end of The Mummy trying to load up on treasure.


4. Harrison really IS too old for this shit. Sorry Harrison. I just wasn't getting Indy from you. You were flat, and I could see in your eyes that you just weren't into it. It was sort of a "Well, I guess I HAVE to do this so people will stop bugging me about it". You had said in an interview that you would never reprise your role as Han Solo because you had "grown out of the character". I wish you had had that insight when it came time to don that fedora as Indy. You chose...poorly.


5. The Acting in general SUCKED. Harrison wasn't into it, Marion has been too busy knitting to brush up on her stale acting shops and Shia, well, you may have lost this time kid, but that doesn't mean you have to like it.


6. Aliens? WTF? If there is one MAJOR pet peeve of mine it is the belief that ancient civilizations are not able to thrive and create without help from extraterrestrial beings!!!! Are you kidding me? Yeah, humans are not able to build large structures or create amazing civilizations without the experience and guidance from ET. george Lucas and Steven Spielberg need to stop being Sci-fi obsessed little boys and give the human race credit for coming this far, without any cheat sheet from outer space. I could write a thesis on this topic. It has been a thorn in my side for EVER. Thanks for making it a root problem in Indy 4.


7. The atomic blast was uncalled for and too linked to reality. That shit really happened and having Indy survive it makes light of the gravity of that time in our history. I could go into how unlikely his survival would have been, and how ridiculous the scene was, but I think leaving it with the thought that I was literally SICK TO MY STOMACH gives you insight into how disgusted I was to see that scene.


8. Since when does Indiana Jones fold his clothes when he packs?


9. Plot development: Where was it? Let's take two seconds to explain what has been happening for the last 20 years. Let's solve an ancient riddle 5 seconds after we look at it for the first time. When they arrive at the grave site, Indy knows exactly where to go and where to look. "You call this Archaeology?


10. Character development and relationship building (with the audience as well as between characters): MIA. "Who are these Russian people and why do we care? Who is that fat bastard who claims to be Indy's friend and then double and triple crosses him and why should I (Or Indy) for that matter, care? (A side note on that BTW, Indy would NEVER have fallen for that twice... more evidence of #4 above)


11. Cate Blanchet's talents were wasted in a part that was poorly developed and poorly written.


12. The Ark finally found, but left carelessly in the middle of the warehouse, possibly damaged in a cracked open box? Good Lord. ("That's just what the Hebrews thought")


13. We all know how I love a good musical score. John Williams has written some amazing stuff in his career so obviously I was hoping for a slam dunk on this one. What did I hear? A few rehashes of Raiders and Last Crusade, and NO NEW THEME. I can't blame him really. he didn't have any thing to work with.


14. The crystal skull looked like a cheap molded plastic with plastic bags from the local grocery store shoved inside. I think they also shoved the electric static lightning ball from The Goonies inside so it could light up at times too. The actors even handled it like it was all of 6 ounces and made of cheap plastic! Thanks for taking the time to make even the smallest details look like the toys you get at the Burger Kind Drive thru!


15. What was the deal with tarzan Shia and the monkeys? I can't even say anything about that. I mean that was a MAJOR WTF?!


16. The Soda shop scene: I was half expecting McFly to come in, look at Indy and say "Your my density!" Seriously guys, ripping off the Back to the Future soda shop set? Knock it off!!!


17. Ridiculous plot inconsistancies: 1. If Indy blew the dart back at the native from the end of the dart shoot, the poision point would have been facing the wrond way and wouldn't have knocked out the native. 2. The natives laying in wait...what was that? Who are they? Are we supposed to know who they are? Are they spirits? Are they real? Did I miss an important piece of information about them earlier because I was so in shock by the crap I was watching? 3...well, I could go on but I have more to bitch about...


18. Killing all of the natives who lay in wait was uncalled for. Again, another truth that needn't be explored. Reference #7 above.


19. Indy's son is named Henry Jones JR the 3rd. His mother sent him looking for Dr. Henry Jones but he didn't realize that Indy was his father based on the name? Mutt picked his own name like Indy who prefered Indiana: the Dog's name. He chose Mutt...like someone would name a dog in the 50's... LAME


20. A space ship out of the temple?????? WTF? I knew this was coming, it was transparent to me, I just still couldn't believe it was ACTUALLY HAPPENING.


21. The Alien taking form and gazing into the screen??? OMG. Why Lucas/Spielberg? Why?

The best parts, which were few and far between, are as follows:

1. Indy stunt running and climbing along the boxes in the warehouse was classic Indy.


2. The motorcycle chase thru campus was fairly well done. Indy sliding through the car back out the toher window onto the motorcycle and the crash inthe library were an extension of the classic Indy chases mentioned above. The BEST (and only) Line to remember too: "If you want to be a good archaeologist, you have to get out of the library!"


3. The nod to Marcus and Henry Jones with pictures on the desk was appreciated. I am still torn about the Marcus Statue head falling off...I don't know how I feel about that yet.

In a 2 hour and 4 minute movie, probably 4 minutes was entertaining and the rest was a painful reminder that some things are better left to nostalgia.

Anotherwards, Don't waste your time, money and gas on traveling to a theater to see this movie. Like the opening of the Ark, "No matter what happens, DON'T LOOK AT IT!"

"That's for Blasphemy"

"Steven Spielberg and George Lucas should be shot!"

That's what my friend Jess turned and said to me as the credit began to roll on The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls.

She's right. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING????

Look, I was excited to see it, but I expected it to be mediocre. I was disappointed. It SUCKED.

I have so many things I want to say, but being that it is after 1:30 a.m. I will post tomorrow or Monday. I feel a WTF post coming on.

I prefer to forget I saw it, AND I will not be considering that crap to be part of the Indiana Jones "collection". There is only an Indiana Jones TRILOGY in my book. This mess of a movie was just a bad dream.

Ahh...Venice

Last night was the viewing of The Last Crusade. I have to admit that I have never watched all three movies back to back like that. It really was interesting to compare and contrast them all. It definitely was fun seeing them all together this week!

Nate made an interesting point that I hadn't noticed before. Raiders took place in 1936, Temple took place in 1935: 1 year before Raiders tho it was the second movie, and Last Crusade was in 1912 (when Indy was young) and then 1938 for the remainder of the film. Interesting timeline huh?

On the subject of nostalgia:

I was 5 1/2 when I went to see Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Although I was little, I was so taken by this adventure movie that I feel that it set the stage for other movies I would fall in love with through the years.

I remember coming out of the theater and telling my parents that I wanted to be an Archaeologist...and as far fetched as it was portrayed to be, that was when my passion for antiquities (especially Egyptian) began. As corny as it seems, my first memories of my love for archaeology began the moment I stepped out of that theater that night.

From then on I spent time pouring over the encyclopedia brittanicas in our home, I even talked a teacher into allowing me to do one of my first elementary school papers on Egypt! I never feel so comfortable and fufilled as when I am reading, learning and exploring ancient civilizations and times. The passion would wax and wane in high school, but never leave me completely. It has grown stronger over the years, leading me to declare a second major in college in Anthropology, something that love for Archaeology had opened my eyes to.

As ridiculous as it seems, watching these movies (especially Raiders) has reminded me of my true love of history and antiquities. I also realized that perhaps Raiders began my infatuation with Movie music as well, since John William's score (and not the popular parts everyone knows by heart)is some of the earliest music I remember that moved me.

So, I guess what I am trying to say is:

Thank you Indiana Jones. Your unbelieveable adventures around the globe sparked something inside of me when I was so young and I am proud to say that I still have that spark today. It's a feeling that keeps me young at heart, passionate for a hobby I adore and allows me to look back on many fond memories.

That being said, "The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls" better not SUCK!

Indy Week Continues...

Last night was Temple of Doom night! This movie has always been my least favorite, although each time I watch it I have more appreciation for it. Willie is obnoxious, but that is how she was written. "The biggest trouble with her is the noise."

Short round is adorable "I'm very little! You cheat very big!".

Indy proves once again to be a great iconic hero and John Williams hits another home run with the score.

A bit dark and going too far with the "eww" factor at times, it is still an enjoyable ride and memorable adventure.

And just to tie in some Temple of Doom with my recent "WTF?" post about comments coming from a coworkers mouth:
"Are you developing a sense of humor, or am I going deaf?"

It's Indy Week!

Of course it is Indy week! Tonight at midnight, opening shows of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls will take place, kicking off the fourth installment of our Fedora-wearing hero!

In honor of this exciting historic cinematic moment I decided to watch all of the movies this week in preparation for the viewing of the new movie on Friday.

Tuesday (Last Night) I watched "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Can I just tell you that I have watched this movie a million times and I still get nervous that Indy won't make it through the closing door and out of the temple in time. I still get chills when he places the Staff of Ra in the floor of the map room at the Tanis dig site. And I still marvel at the amazing score by that genius John Williams.

Wednesday (Tonight) is Temple of Doom Night!

Thursday (Tomorrow) will be the third movie: "The Last Crusade".

Friday I will be traveling to Jess and Chad's place to watch the new movie. I can't imagine watching it for the first time without Jess, Chad and Nate! I am so psyched because we have been planning this since the announcement of a fourth movie.:)

Well, it is time for lunch and the morning was filled with meetings so I am off to find some sustinance!

"Here, Have a date!"

"They're dates! Ya eat 'em!"

One (Stolen) Movie Meme

Tag you're it (if you have a blog!. If not, post a comment of your answers! Just go with the first movie that comes to mind. Come on! It's a fun one!


1. One movie that made you laugh:
Monty Python and the Holy Grail

2. One movie that made you cry:
The Crow

3. One movie you loved when you were a child:
The Goonies

4. One movie you’ve seen more than once:
Batman Begins

5. One movie you loved, but were embarrassed to admit it:Labrynth

6. One movie you hated:
Dark City (the first and only movie I ever walked out of the theater on!)

7. One movie that scared you:
The Grudge

8. One movie that bored you:
The Wedding Date

9. One movie that made you happy:
Back to the Future

10. One movie that made you miserable:
The Others (It made me so uncomfortable, but I liked it)

11. One movie you weren’t brave enough to see:The Grudge 2

12. One movie character you’ve fallen in love with:
Alfred from any Batman film, although Michael Caine is now my favorite Alfred of all time (Sorry Michael Gough).

13. The last movie you saw:
P.S. I Love You

14. The next movie you hope to see:
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Friday!!!! yipeee!!

15. Your favorite movie:
Good Lord, I cannot answer this: I have too many!

Widget Week Missing Dark Knight Widget??

With all theViral marketing going on, wouldn't you think they'd make a Dark Knight Widget Available?

Contents: Dark Knight Teaser from Fall 2007, Dark Knight Official trailers versions 1 and 2, and the Jokerized Dark Knight Trailer entitled: Dork Knight.

To fill the void, I made my own little You Tube Player: ALL Batman, All The Time! Enjoy!


BTW: The youtube user name listed on the bottom of the player? Just the person who submitted the video.

WTF? (AGAIN!)

I interupt Widget Week to vent about something that completely blows my mind.

I was part of a conversation waiting for coffee to brew that really got my blood boiling. And hell Yes, I stuck up for myself. (go me!)

A coworker (Ellen, the stick in the mud who went to Vegas with me this past January) was talking about her kids to me and another coworker who has kids and is married who was in the kitchen. She made the statement that "hopefully my girls will get married after college like normal people do".

uh-huh.

I said "Excuse me?"

Then she starts backing up verbally by saying "You know, as that was passing through my lips I realized that wasn't right."

I am thinking "as it passed through her lips she realized a "never been married" girl was standing right in front of her and she knew her stubby foot was lodged squarly in her mouth."

The exchange continued on like this:

Me: "Well, Ellen, it's not like I haven't heard that before. I am used to people saying things like that. It bothers me that so many people spew things like that."

Her: "What I meant to say was Traditional"

Me: "And what is Traditional? Tradition comes from your backgrounds and everyone has a different one, so I guess that is individualized. If you are talking about societal norms, the trend now is that people are waiting even longer to get married"

Her: Stammer, stammer stammer...

Me: "I mean people make generalizations about issues like this all the time until they KNOW someone who is normal, and unmarried, like me. Just because I didn't get married out of college doesn't mean I am not normal or that something is wrong with me."

Her: "well, I know I just shouldn't have said that...stammer, stammer, stammer"

Me: "You are right, you shouldn't have. But people make statements because they don't know what it is like...Actually Ellen, you are recently divorced and technically "on the market" again, have you had much luck finding a decent guy to date?

Her: "Well, you're right, there isn't much out there..."

Me: "Exactly! I don't have difficult criteria, I just want a guy who has teeth, has an education.."

Her: (interupting) "And that you can see yourself spending the rest of your life with"

Me: "Uh no, I'm not even worrying about that right now. Heck, if I can get through 2 hours at dinner with him, that's the first step!"

With that I walked away thinking WTF?

1 Week Until Indy 4!!!

Angie Kicks Ass Again!

"Here's My Card"

After the sightings of mail and bat pillows over the last week I figured it was time that I had a run-in with something Joker-ish. I thought it would really be funny if I found a Joker card laying on the ground someplace (kinda like the summer when I found 2 "Jacks" at different points! Pirates was big, "Jack" Sparrow...haha)

I must be psychic because after thinking this whilst getting ready for work this morning, I walked in to work and Cyndi the receptionist handed me a Joker mini comic that her kids found in a cereal box! What was on the cover? A Joker card of course! I tried to find a pic online of the promo comic, but alas, I could not find one, so I used a pic from the viral marketing campagn The card pictured above was the card found inside the Joker Cake along with cell phone and number to call in one of the first scavenger hunts.

A little sidenote about cereals and marketing ploys: I chose my last box of cereal based on the fact that it included a light up Indiana Jones SPOON!!! Thanks to my friend Nate, I now can enjoy that late night bowl of cereal in style!!!

Batman Continues

Making dinner last night and I look out my kitchen window. Something catches my eye through an open sliding glass door across the courtyard... it's yellow and black, and a better view shows me that it is a Bat Signal pillow on someone's bed!!! CRAZY!!!!

Newest trailer for the Dark Knight available at whysoserious with another great ad (click on download now to view trailer):
"Either you die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villan"

OH MY GOD!!!!! This movie is so gonna ROCK!!!! I am sorry I ever doubted Heath Ledger in the beginning...too bad he won't be around to be the Joker in any other Batman films.