Lady in the Water is M. Night Shyamalan's latest movie. I've only been waiting for this one for the past two years or so. So I had very high expectations. Plus, I actually watched this on the very first night it was released, on a Friday.
And it didn't disappoint. This was good.
In fact, I was totally engrossed in this one. The characters were real. Heck, I felt like I was in the movie, just like one of the apartment dwellers residing in Cleveland Heep's residential complex.
It reminded me of when I was a kid, when I would make up lots of stories to tell my brother. I'd have different characters, each with his or her nuances. Sometimes the stories would make sense, oftentimes they were too ambitious causing the plot to crumble (like the time I created a 'princess' in an earlier part, then totally forgot about her in the end, which prompted my brother to laugh and ask "what about the princess?"). Lady in the Water resembles a lot of my childhood imagination, stories where anything goes.
It is also a movie about my friends and acquaintances. It was like M. Night made a movie that described some of my dreams where friends and people from all places would get together in one fable. I would love to watch this film with them. Though I'm not sure if they will relate to this as much as I do.
Like Shyamalan's past films, he leads you into thinking one way, then swerves in another direction. For instance, Signs isn't really about aliens, Unbreakable isn't about invulnerability, and The Village isn't about monsters. This movie is advertised as a fairy tale. And while it does have some fairy tale parts, I believe it's really about something else.
I'm predicting that a lot of people will hate this movie. It's the type that will disappoint those looking for quick thrills or amusing diversions. You won't get that here. In fact, while I was watching in the moviehouse, I noticed a couple walk out in the middle of the film. And after it ended, I overheard one teenager proclaim "This is the worst movie I've ever seen!" M. Night's critics will bemoan the fact that he gave himself another significant acting role in his own movie. Plus, it doesn't follow the usual formula we've all been accustomed to watching. I just hope people don't hate this too much.
Some parts that I felt could be improved: I thought some of the more important details had to be emphasized and explained as the storytelling can get fast and confusing. It is easy to lose track of the characters. I also found the cookbook writer's sister to be irritating at times, and didn't contribute much to the story. The character of 'Story' could also use some work as she oftentimes slowed down the pacing of the film, breaking the momentum.
What I loved about Lady in the Water is how it creates special meaning out of commonplace people and things. How each seemingly insignificant group of characters find themselves having special significance. And how it is told with such realism, that things even fall apart, then come back together.
Rating: 5/5 * * * * *
Something special
(Minor spoilers in the comments section, where I discuss some plot details and special meanings in the movie. -rob)
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
the king of torts - john grisham
clay carter was a long time public defender who wasnt happy with his job. there was little money too little life and too much work. his long time girlfriend rebecca van horn, who works for the government, was thinking of breaking up with him, unless he gives in to the wishes of her parents. they want him to go corporate. where the money is. they dont like clay. they dont take kindly to people who dont have fortunes to spend. they hate clay and vice versa. rebecca and clay eventually broke up. much to the pressure of her parents.
one day, he was approached by french (french is a first name) who convinced him to file a mass tort case against a drug company which distributed some bad drug. the drug had a side effect of making a person who took it to commit homicide. it didnt matter when or who.
the key to making the money was to have the families of the homicide victims to settle (to keep their mouth shut). the drug company would pay them hundreds of millions. which will include the lawyer's fees.
the story now turns into a roller coaster of money making at the expense of drug companies which made mistakes. these companies are forced to settle. they pay huge huge amounts of money to settle. little of it trickle to the claimants who took their bad drug. a lot of it goes to the mass tort lawyer. the newspapers had by now picked up his scent. of having acquired enormous amounts of wealth at a short span of time. they dubbed him the "the king of torts". suddenly, he had tons of friends. assets. one very pretty model. and made enemies as well.
i would stop here as i think you too probably already know whats about to happen next ...
rating - 2 out of 5 **
too predictable
one day, he was approached by french (french is a first name) who convinced him to file a mass tort case against a drug company which distributed some bad drug. the drug had a side effect of making a person who took it to commit homicide. it didnt matter when or who.
the key to making the money was to have the families of the homicide victims to settle (to keep their mouth shut). the drug company would pay them hundreds of millions. which will include the lawyer's fees.
the story now turns into a roller coaster of money making at the expense of drug companies which made mistakes. these companies are forced to settle. they pay huge huge amounts of money to settle. little of it trickle to the claimants who took their bad drug. a lot of it goes to the mass tort lawyer. the newspapers had by now picked up his scent. of having acquired enormous amounts of wealth at a short span of time. they dubbed him the "the king of torts". suddenly, he had tons of friends. assets. one very pretty model. and made enemies as well.
i would stop here as i think you too probably already know whats about to happen next ...
rating - 2 out of 5 **
too predictable
Sunday, July 09, 2006
What Not to Miss
We're more than halfway through this year and I'm a bit worried. Why? Because so far I have yet to hear a truly great and memorable song for 2006. If this trend continues I won't have a 'top 5' song list at the end of the year. We had a couple of great new songs released last year, but this year seems pretty barren.
I've also read only a handful of books, so I've got to catch up in order to have enough to make a 'best books of the year' list. This is my fault as I've been preoccupied with some urgent stuff the first half of the year. I should have more reading time this second half. I've got a huge backlog piled up and plan to order some more books soon.
Movie-wise, this has been a pretty mediocre year, just like last year. I have yet to watch a good movie and I don't want to waste any more cash on watching films that don't do it for me. I've got my hopes pinned on 'Lady in the Water', M. Night Shyamalan's first movie since 2004. This looks like a good one. Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' looks interesting too, a must-own DVD as well as book.
What makes me excited is that a couple of my favorite bands are releasing new CDs within the next few months.
Suzanne Vega released her "Live at Montreux" live concert DVD late last year, and I just got it a month ago. Haven't listened to it yet, but I will shortly. She is also reportedly working on her next album, which I am excitedly awaiting.
CAKE has a new album coming up! Alas, it's also a live concert CD, but that's good enough. They are looking for suggestions as to which live recordings should be included in the release. I'm hoping they include a live 'You Part the Waters' and 'Italian Leather Sofa' together with their staple songs. You can get all the latest CAKE news from their site (they also have an advice column, check it out).
Now for some great news, yes Barenaked Ladies, after a long three year wait, will be releasing their new album 'Barenaked Ladies Are Me' this September. The first single 'Easy' is already out. Yay!
By some coincidence, both CAKE and BNL have split from their recording studios, electing to go independent. I am both excited and fearful at the same time as it isn't easy to promote and publicize your own music. Having two of my favorite bands take this unconvential indy route gives me a greater stake in seeing independent music producers becoming successful.
What else, there's this plan for Angie Hart, former lead singer of Frente, to go solo. I read about it in her blog (yes she has a blog, and it's your typical personal journal at that). Having Ms. Hart with the angellic voice go solo would be a dream come true for many long suffering Frente fans.
Here's the best news yet. This is something I've been pulling for for a long time. Remember Sixpence None the Richer? They disbanded right? Never hear any music from them again. Hold on, because Leigh Nash is back! Yes she is recording a soon to be released album, most likely out by this year. Some samples of her new songs are also available. What a pleasant surprise.
My fantasy scenario is for CAKE, Barenaked Ladies, Suzanne Vega, Angie Hart, and Leigh Nash to all release new albums late this year. My CD player will be playing nonstop until Christmas. 2006 will go from a barren year to one of the best years for music.
I've also read only a handful of books, so I've got to catch up in order to have enough to make a 'best books of the year' list. This is my fault as I've been preoccupied with some urgent stuff the first half of the year. I should have more reading time this second half. I've got a huge backlog piled up and plan to order some more books soon.
Movie-wise, this has been a pretty mediocre year, just like last year. I have yet to watch a good movie and I don't want to waste any more cash on watching films that don't do it for me. I've got my hopes pinned on 'Lady in the Water', M. Night Shyamalan's first movie since 2004. This looks like a good one. Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' looks interesting too, a must-own DVD as well as book.
What makes me excited is that a couple of my favorite bands are releasing new CDs within the next few months.
Suzanne Vega released her "Live at Montreux" live concert DVD late last year, and I just got it a month ago. Haven't listened to it yet, but I will shortly. She is also reportedly working on her next album, which I am excitedly awaiting.
CAKE has a new album coming up! Alas, it's also a live concert CD, but that's good enough. They are looking for suggestions as to which live recordings should be included in the release. I'm hoping they include a live 'You Part the Waters' and 'Italian Leather Sofa' together with their staple songs. You can get all the latest CAKE news from their site (they also have an advice column, check it out).
Now for some great news, yes Barenaked Ladies, after a long three year wait, will be releasing their new album 'Barenaked Ladies Are Me' this September. The first single 'Easy' is already out. Yay!
By some coincidence, both CAKE and BNL have split from their recording studios, electing to go independent. I am both excited and fearful at the same time as it isn't easy to promote and publicize your own music. Having two of my favorite bands take this unconvential indy route gives me a greater stake in seeing independent music producers becoming successful.
What else, there's this plan for Angie Hart, former lead singer of Frente, to go solo. I read about it in her blog (yes she has a blog, and it's your typical personal journal at that). Having Ms. Hart with the angellic voice go solo would be a dream come true for many long suffering Frente fans.
Here's the best news yet. This is something I've been pulling for for a long time. Remember Sixpence None the Richer? They disbanded right? Never hear any music from them again. Hold on, because Leigh Nash is back! Yes she is recording a soon to be released album, most likely out by this year. Some samples of her new songs are also available. What a pleasant surprise.
My fantasy scenario is for CAKE, Barenaked Ladies, Suzanne Vega, Angie Hart, and Leigh Nash to all release new albums late this year. My CD player will be playing nonstop until Christmas. 2006 will go from a barren year to one of the best years for music.
Eyes Wide Shut
A warning, I have yet to meet anyone who actually liked this movie, which is interesting because this ranks as one of my all-time favorites.
Eyes Wide Shut was the last movie directed by Stanley Kubrick, and I believe he died before it was finished. It casts Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a married couple having difficulties. I'll give a quick plot summary without revealing any spoilers. Wife (Kidman) admits to her doctor husband (Cruise) that she had previous thoughts about having an affair. The relative of a dying patient makes a house call late at night, prompting the doctor to make a late night visit. What follows next are some of the most bizarre scenes you will witness. There is a surprising admission, encounter with a prostitute, a cult, an orgy, and many others. You'll just have to watch it to believe.
I remember the first time I saw this movie, I thought I sensed a pattern. That something out of the ordinary with a bit of shock value will occur on every extended scene. These scenes are played very realistically which I love. The dialog is slow but interesting. Every character has quirky nuances that will make you believe they are real. The music pounds you like a heartbeat, and if you're like me, soon you will be totally immersed in this film. You will feel like a part of it, perhaps seeing the perverse city through Tom Cruise's character.
This movie also raises so many interesting questions and dilemmas. I was very tense and frightened during the cult/orgy part, as well as the final scene with the mask. But I remember my companions in the moviehouse not being affected, even quite bored with it, and I was curious as to why it seemed I was the only one so affected by this movie. I guess having a big imagination helps.
The main character starts out very innocently, not knowing much about the city he is in. Yet he gets to see the best and worst of human nature after venturing out on his own. There is no violence or gore in this film, but I found some of the scenes a bit disturbing because of the different ideas that were presented. It was disturbing in a good way, as I felt I had been exposed to something out of the ordinary.
I also learned that this movie was based on the novel 'Traumaville' by Arthur Schtizner which was translated to english under the title 'Rhapsody: A Dream Novel'. This is one book I've got to read after I fully recover from Eyes Wide Shut.
The big mystery for me is why many people hate this movie. With other unusual films, I can understand why it can be boring or uninteresting to watch for some. But this to me has real hollywood entertainment value. It can be disturbing or slow, but not boring I think. This is that rare movie that stays with you long after you watch it.
Rating: 5/5 * * * * *
A classic dark adventure which will make you think
Eyes Wide Shut was the last movie directed by Stanley Kubrick, and I believe he died before it was finished. It casts Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a married couple having difficulties. I'll give a quick plot summary without revealing any spoilers. Wife (Kidman) admits to her doctor husband (Cruise) that she had previous thoughts about having an affair. The relative of a dying patient makes a house call late at night, prompting the doctor to make a late night visit. What follows next are some of the most bizarre scenes you will witness. There is a surprising admission, encounter with a prostitute, a cult, an orgy, and many others. You'll just have to watch it to believe.
I remember the first time I saw this movie, I thought I sensed a pattern. That something out of the ordinary with a bit of shock value will occur on every extended scene. These scenes are played very realistically which I love. The dialog is slow but interesting. Every character has quirky nuances that will make you believe they are real. The music pounds you like a heartbeat, and if you're like me, soon you will be totally immersed in this film. You will feel like a part of it, perhaps seeing the perverse city through Tom Cruise's character.
This movie also raises so many interesting questions and dilemmas. I was very tense and frightened during the cult/orgy part, as well as the final scene with the mask. But I remember my companions in the moviehouse not being affected, even quite bored with it, and I was curious as to why it seemed I was the only one so affected by this movie. I guess having a big imagination helps.
The main character starts out very innocently, not knowing much about the city he is in. Yet he gets to see the best and worst of human nature after venturing out on his own. There is no violence or gore in this film, but I found some of the scenes a bit disturbing because of the different ideas that were presented. It was disturbing in a good way, as I felt I had been exposed to something out of the ordinary.
I also learned that this movie was based on the novel 'Traumaville' by Arthur Schtizner which was translated to english under the title 'Rhapsody: A Dream Novel'. This is one book I've got to read after I fully recover from Eyes Wide Shut.
The big mystery for me is why many people hate this movie. With other unusual films, I can understand why it can be boring or uninteresting to watch for some. But this to me has real hollywood entertainment value. It can be disturbing or slow, but not boring I think. This is that rare movie that stays with you long after you watch it.
Rating: 5/5 * * * * *
A classic dark adventure which will make you think
Cathy Dennis - Into the Skyline
I was a big fan of Cathy Dennis back in college. She was the early 90's queen of pop, best known for her hit songs 'Too Many Walls' and 'Touch Me'. This is a review of her second album 'Into the Skyline' which didn't quite match the popularity of her initial singles. I had the original cassette tape and acquired the CD version just over a month ago (actually I had bought a used CD copy several years before but stupidly left it behind at home, so I had to buy another copy).
True, this was a very important CD to me as I considered her music as very influential to my growing up as the songs come attached to many memories. One of the fun parts about being a fan is having to endure the ridicule of the Pearl Jam/Nirvana/Spin Doctors crowd (although I actually also liked The Spin Doctors back then) which were plentiful back then. Ahhh... the good ol' days.
I felt a tinge of apprehension as I opened the case and started re-listening to the old songs. I was afraid I may no longer appreciate her music as I did back then. Or that they wouldn't sound as good as before. The mark of a good artist is when you listen to the same songs many years later they still retain their power and have the same effect to you as they did when you first heard them. And the good news was, that Cathy Dennis magic was still there.
There are two types of songs in this album: the pop/dance tunes, and the ballads. Though 'Into the Skyline' will be remembered for its singles 'You Lied To Me' and 'Irresistible', its best kept secret will be its wonderful ballads. 'Being With You' is feel-good, sugary sweet. 'Moments of Love' is rich, cool, and haunting. While 'Our True Emotions' is the song that I only appreciated after being more than a decade older.
The pop/dance songs such as We've Got To Fight, You Lied To Me, and Irresistible are nice nostalgia plays. I hate to admit this, I've always been inspired the lyrics to We've Got To Fight: "We've got to fight... for what's right... in this world." It reminds me that we've got to keep striving for good even when things are bad.
But my new favorite song here is 'Change Will Come'. I liked this back in college, but it wasn't exactly my favorite. I remember back then during periods when my prospects weren't so good, and when I felt down on my luck. But I would hear this song and know that 'Change Will Come'. It's as relevant today as it was back then. A great inspirational song.
I know that I'm out of place
But I know you're just wasting time
Your life is your own to waste
But I won't have you wasting mine
Change will come
If you believe
Change will come
Do you hear me
Everybody's sayin' change will come
What good is the quick escape
When the problem is here inside
Life can be a better place
If you'll only believe in time
Change will come
Through you and me
Yeah
Change will come
Do you hear me
Everybody's sayin' change will come
She's no longer active in singing, but she's been very active composing one hit song after another. What do 'Toxic' (Britney Spears), Can't Get You Out of My Head (Kylie Minogue), 'Never Had a Dream Come True' (S-Club 7), as well as the American Idol theme song have in common? They were all composed by Cathy Dennis. Now what I want to see is a recording comeback.
Rating: 4/5 * * * *
Irresistible
True, this was a very important CD to me as I considered her music as very influential to my growing up as the songs come attached to many memories. One of the fun parts about being a fan is having to endure the ridicule of the Pearl Jam/Nirvana/Spin Doctors crowd (although I actually also liked The Spin Doctors back then) which were plentiful back then. Ahhh... the good ol' days.
I felt a tinge of apprehension as I opened the case and started re-listening to the old songs. I was afraid I may no longer appreciate her music as I did back then. Or that they wouldn't sound as good as before. The mark of a good artist is when you listen to the same songs many years later they still retain their power and have the same effect to you as they did when you first heard them. And the good news was, that Cathy Dennis magic was still there.
There are two types of songs in this album: the pop/dance tunes, and the ballads. Though 'Into the Skyline' will be remembered for its singles 'You Lied To Me' and 'Irresistible', its best kept secret will be its wonderful ballads. 'Being With You' is feel-good, sugary sweet. 'Moments of Love' is rich, cool, and haunting. While 'Our True Emotions' is the song that I only appreciated after being more than a decade older.
The pop/dance songs such as We've Got To Fight, You Lied To Me, and Irresistible are nice nostalgia plays. I hate to admit this, I've always been inspired the lyrics to We've Got To Fight: "We've got to fight... for what's right... in this world." It reminds me that we've got to keep striving for good even when things are bad.
But my new favorite song here is 'Change Will Come'. I liked this back in college, but it wasn't exactly my favorite. I remember back then during periods when my prospects weren't so good, and when I felt down on my luck. But I would hear this song and know that 'Change Will Come'. It's as relevant today as it was back then. A great inspirational song.
I know that I'm out of place
But I know you're just wasting time
Your life is your own to waste
But I won't have you wasting mine
Change will come
If you believe
Change will come
Do you hear me
Everybody's sayin' change will come
What good is the quick escape
When the problem is here inside
Life can be a better place
If you'll only believe in time
Change will come
Through you and me
Yeah
Change will come
Do you hear me
Everybody's sayin' change will come
She's no longer active in singing, but she's been very active composing one hit song after another. What do 'Toxic' (Britney Spears), Can't Get You Out of My Head (Kylie Minogue), 'Never Had a Dream Come True' (S-Club 7), as well as the American Idol theme song have in common? They were all composed by Cathy Dennis. Now what I want to see is a recording comeback.
Rating: 4/5 * * * *
Irresistible
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Magnolia
At first glance, Magnolia appeared to be the type of movie I would enjoy.
Unconvential plot - check.
Weird story and characters - check.
Dark theme - check.
Then I watched the first hour. It wasn't good. But I said to myself, "let's give this a chance, it might get better."
So I watched the second hour. Still not good. This was looking like a disaster. By this time I had invested two hours of my life watching this film. What the heck, might as well finish it, after all, I had only one hour left to go. Maybe there will be some plot twist in the end, some big payoff, some mind-bending profound ending that will give me inspiration and insight in my lonely life.
I watched the third hour.
Then the frogs fell. The movie ended.
There was no payoff. There was no big twist. It was a total waste of time.
Sure, you had Tom Cruise in a minor role, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, even Roehl's favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman. So this had to be good right?
There are so many bad things about this movie I don't know where to start.
Let's talk about the good things. Julianne Moore in the drug store scene where she freaks out. That's it. OK, maybe the scene where Cruise and Hoffman are in at the same time, but it was only good because I could joke that they were both in MI3.
This is a really bad movie. It is boring, pointless, melodramatic, nonsensical, and anticlimactic. And it is three hours long.
In fact, it's probably one of the worst movies ever made. And I really wanted to like it. Too bad.
Rating: 1/5 *
Sucks.
Unconvential plot - check.
Weird story and characters - check.
Dark theme - check.
Then I watched the first hour. It wasn't good. But I said to myself, "let's give this a chance, it might get better."
So I watched the second hour. Still not good. This was looking like a disaster. By this time I had invested two hours of my life watching this film. What the heck, might as well finish it, after all, I had only one hour left to go. Maybe there will be some plot twist in the end, some big payoff, some mind-bending profound ending that will give me inspiration and insight in my lonely life.
I watched the third hour.
Then the frogs fell. The movie ended.
There was no payoff. There was no big twist. It was a total waste of time.
Sure, you had Tom Cruise in a minor role, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, even Roehl's favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman. So this had to be good right?
There are so many bad things about this movie I don't know where to start.
Let's talk about the good things. Julianne Moore in the drug store scene where she freaks out. That's it. OK, maybe the scene where Cruise and Hoffman are in at the same time, but it was only good because I could joke that they were both in MI3.
This is a really bad movie. It is boring, pointless, melodramatic, nonsensical, and anticlimactic. And it is three hours long.
In fact, it's probably one of the worst movies ever made. And I really wanted to like it. Too bad.
Rating: 1/5 *
Sucks.
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