Archive for December, 2008
thoughts on: role models »
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
Role Models
Have you seen The Ten? Or Wet Hot American Summer? (No one else has either.) They’re good precursors to Role Models. The first two acts are funny and then the end blows up in absurd like a tween watching a Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
Unlike those two, Role Models has a strong story, some comedic chops and doesn’t get as ridiculous at the end. Rudd is (as is the usual) hilarious. I related to his miserable trudging through the day-to-day loathing his job. (They sort of lost me when he started appreciating and enjoying life.)
It follows two guys (thankfully S.W. Scott is back in his Rundown-esque sidekick role) who sell energy drinks to high school kids. One (Rudd) has a particularly rough day and they end up sentenced to community service. Enter two childhood archetypes who need mentors that learn more from them than vice versa (duh).
There’s some hilarious use of Kiss and other random shenanigans involving foam swords. It’s well worth a rental and is more universal (read: less crass) than Superbad or Knocked Up. You won’t get as many complaints afterward. Unless you’re into that.
Unnecessary warning: not deep, enlightened or meaningful.
[finally] gonna give you up? »
Tuesday, December 16th, 2008
Rick Astley was famous that one time for that one song and the lecherous trench coat look in the accompanying video. Fine. Then he disappeared and the world rejoiced. But now he’s ruining our most time-honored consumerist traditions.
It’s not his fault. It’s mostly out of mockery. But in the last two years, he’s come back. (So aggressively that I think Jesus is shaking His fist, having to find a new idea for His second visit.) I, for one, am not a fan.
It was funny when that barely-friend of yours sent that YouTube link to his kid’s second birthday party, you were nostalgia bukaki’d instead and were humming that shitty song the rest of the day. But things have progressed rapidly.
Things are so out of hand he “Rickrolled” the Thanksgiving Day parade.
The parade is a tradition. A time when brands can flaunt themselves in inflated balloon or elaborate float glory, without paying for airtime. A few hours of a groggy morning where corporate icons sell us things subconsciously (as they ought).
To have this guy’s Aiken-esque lyrics (subversive, creepy… romantic?) running through my head while I’m force-fed cravings for products I’d never buy is reprehensible. Damn him and damn all those that sent his craptastic video to all their friends.
Why? Because now they have Barry Manilow singing it. And that, dear readers, is how the world ends. Can we all agree this jerk can disappear again?
ill at ease »
Monday, December 15th, 2008
Still sick, I went to a movie, a camera demo, the CC Club (MySpace, really?) and another movie this weekend. All evidence points to me being a moron. Normally I can beat the random issues without trouble but this bout has me by the sack and cack.
I can’t sleep through the night, need to dose every four hours to function and am generally miserable. Cap that with it being hypothermic outside and I’m home today. While I’d love to throw three blankets on with a side of shitty movie, I’m working.
This causes more problems. We (without my involvement) focus on decaying business models and ignore basic infrastructure improvements so I don’t have access to most of the network. Which means I’m working on everything half-blind.
If I had the power, we’d have an emphasis on mobility and flexible time schedules with a focus on worker health. As it is, I’m listened to and respected as much as your average slow-learning third grader.
People don’t seem to value my wisdom and charm so here’s where I sit. (::cough::)
friday free for all »
Friday, December 12th, 2008
… I hate being sick. I’m not my usual, life of the party, constantly laughing, strikingly handsome, optimistic self when under the weather. I’m lazy, annoyed and waiting impatiently to stab the next microorganism I meet in the face.
… In my time at home, I’m reading because I’m totally intellectual. That includes blog posts and books I’ve been lax on keeping up with. To balance that out I’m watching shitty movies like TMNT. I’m going to have to read more.
… I’m reading a script from a buddy of mine. It’s sort of entertaining because most of the names/events are directly from my past. I don’t know if it has mass appeal (probably not) but it’s a decent first draft (he doesn’t read this anyway).
It got me wondering. How does Jessica Alba know from reading a formatted screenplay that a film will suck ass but for her… well… ass? I mean, there’s not a lot to a screenplay and it’s hard to visualize how everything will play out. Yet she’s spot on almost always. Amazing really.
recognition »
Thursday, December 11th, 2008
There are dozens at tables, quieted by the few at the front of the room. Everyone’s attention is on them as they thank everyone for introducing themselves, gratitude for coming and their general appreciation for being able to come together.
One of them changes tone, mentioning the elder brother not in attendance. Another’s face sinks into sadness, telling everyone where he is, that he’s close and his current condition. The room falls somber.
As they turn the attention to Her, the room follows. Her devotion to that elder brother, Her father, is exalted. Her eyes turn to the table, Her face reddens and She fights against welling tears. (more…)