Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1)

One of the things that I appreciated most about the Harry Potter novels is how the content and themes of each book matured with the audience that it was written to.  As the children in the books aged and dealt with different issues, the original audience (presumably kids) grew with the characters and experienced some of the same issues.  It is one of the only series of books I know that did this, and I think it was a great idea.  However, while this idea works very well in the literary version, I do not think it is as effective in the theatrical version.  


Don't get me wrong Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a good movie.  In many ways, it is better than the other Potter films.  I think the character development and the acting in this movie were better than any other thus far.  That being said, many of the elements that I appreciated most about the books and the previous movies are largely missing in this film.


In the other movies, there has been a playfulness in the use and presentation of the magical.  It was always fun and light.  This new movie was downright depressing.  All the characters did were argue, fight with people, and despair.  Not only that, it was dark and at points scary.  I definitely wouldn't take a kid under 10 to see it (which seems ridiculous).  I sat next to a boy who couldn't have been more that 7 years old and he spent have the movie with his face buried in his mother's shoulder or covered by his jacket.  I felt bad for him.


I know I would have enjoyed the movie more if I weren't cringing the whole time while worrying about that little boy's reaction.  All in all, I would say that it is well worth watching if you are a fan of the series, but I would caution those with kids due to the dark and occassionally scary nature of it.

The Silmarillion by J.R.R Tolkien

When I consider the works and life of J.R.R Tolkien, I cannot think of any other writer that has been as creative and extensive in the literary world that they create.  (The man single-handedly invented multiple written and spoken languages for the races in his stories.)  I have previously read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and they are a few of my favorite books, but I have always been hesitant to approach The Silmarillion.  It has a reputation for being a difficult read.  Now that I have read it, I can see why many people are of that opinion, and while this book will not appeal to most people I would definitely recommend it to a committed few.  Here is why (or why not):


First of all, if you are expecting this novel to be like Tolkien's other stories, wise up.  This is not a focused tale that follows a few central characters.  The Silmarillion is more like a chronicle of the history of the world that Tolkien has created; It covers from the beginning of time to the end of The Lord of the Rings.  Tolkien himself may as well be the creator mention at the beginning (Eru), because this entire world of Middle-Earth sprung from his vast imagination.  The Silmarillion is much more a mythology and history than dramatic narrative.  So, most people who read this book expecting an exciting adventure story are obviously disappointed because it is not that at all.  While there are a large number of wonderful tales expressed in this book, there is not a central protagonist as one might expect in a typical adventure novel.  However, the scope and depth of the history and mythology that Tolkien has created for Middle-Earth is staggering.  I could not help but marvel at his vision as I was reading.  There is so much detail in the book that it is obvious that it took him decades to concoct the material for this epic book.


Secondly, if you are daunted by large numbers of names and unfamiliar geography and family histories (for instance the book of genesis), then you will not like the beginning of The Silmarillion.  There are a vast number of characters introduced (some of whom you never hear from again) and the ones that are represented are often only in the story for a brief period.  But once again, the scope of Tolkien's vision while sometimes confusing, is spectacular.  I can't imagine the amount of time it must have taken him to create roles for the literally hundreds of characters in this book, not to mention the detailed geography, or his invented languages which he seamlessly flows into the character's names and lands.


So, in summation, if you are not familiar with Tolkien's other works, don't read this.  Go read The Hobbit; it is a great, adventure tale and a good introduction to the world that he has created.  But, if you have read and enjoyed his other books and can appreciate great mythology then you will love this book.  I did.


I give it 4 out of 5 stars with a caveat that it is definitely not for everyone.  :-)


Favorite quote:  
"Last of all Húrin stood alone. Then he cast aside his shield, and wielded an axe two-handed; and it is sung that the axe smoked in the black blood of the troll-guard of Gothmog until it withered, and each time that he slew Húrin cried: 'Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again!' Seventy times he uttered that cry; but they took him at last alive"


The Silmarillion


The Hobbit


The Lord of the Rings

Inception PG-13

My rating:

Think it might be hard to follow up such powerful and original movies as Memento and The Dark Knight Apparently not for Christopher Nolan because Inception is the best movie I have seen in years!  There I said it.  I didn't want to, but I have no choice.  Everything about this movie from start to finish is more original, more creative, and more engaging than any other movie you will see this year.  

Inception is a mind-bending, sci-fi flick that is chock full of action, intrigue, & puzzles that will keep you guessing even after the movie is over (I discussed it with the guys I saw it with for probably a good 30 minutes after the credits rolled).  Nolan has you on the edge of your on the edge of your seat down to the very last frame.

Here's the concept (open your mind now):  Set in the not so distant future, Cobb (Leo) and his parter Arthur (Gordon-Levitt) are "extractors."  They are hired by corporations and governments to travel into the dreams of high level individuals to extract sensitive/confidential information from their subconscious.  Within the dreams, they could encounter anything that the mind can conjure up.  After one job, they are approached about performing something that has never been done before: an Inception, which is the task of implanting a new idea in someone's mind...and the insanity ensues from there.

Alright, it's kind of hard to describe.  Hopefully, that does not sound lame or far-fetched, because this movie is great.  The thing I appreciate most about this film is it's originality.  It has seemed over the past few years that Hollywood has run out of ideas;  everything is either a remake or and adaptation of some lame 70/80s TV show.  Why?  Because it gets people into the theaters.  So, you have to give Christopher Nolan credit for continually taking chances and producing challenging movies.  Granted, some of the story elements (ie. parallel realities, warped physics) can be seen in other sci-fi movies like The Matrix, but Christopher Nolan approaches those elements in a new an engaging way.

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys science fiction or just good, thinking movies in general.  The action is great, the story is great, the acting is great.  If you see one movie this summer, go see this one.

Favorite quote:

You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.

Infinite Arms by Band of Horses

Over the past few years, Band of Horses has become a consistent favorite of mine.  Their first two albums "Cease to Begin" and "Everything All the Time" were incredible.  I have listened to both countless times, and I can't think of a song on those albums that I do not like.  That is why I have so greatly anticipated their newest release "Infinite Arms."  While this album is quite good, it has a distinctly different feel.  It seems much more low-key.  I wouldn't go as far as to call the album subdued, but there isn't really a particular song on the record really stands out as THE rock-out anthem whereas, on previous albums songs like "Funeral" and "Islands of the Coast" demand air guitar, head banging, or both.

That is the kind of energy and spirit I've come to expect from Band of Horses, so I guess I was a little disappointed when the songs on this album tended towards a sauntering, melodic sway (w/ the exception of "NW Apt" which sounds like The Strokes for some reason).  "Factory" for example features a very nice orchestral accompaniment and is well written and constructed, but it is lacking the punchy, full-on double rainbow guitar power of their previous work.  It is a great song, don't get me wrong, it's just different.  Let's see, what else; "Evening Kitchen" makes me want to fall asleep.  "Dilly" features some interesting vocal arrangements and it's kind jaunty but weird.  I think my favorite songs on the album are probably "For Annabelle" because I love the echoing slide guitar part and "Laredo" because it most resembles their former work.

After listening to it a bit, I must say that I like the album.  It definitely wasn't what I was expecting, and honestly, most of the songs are pretty forgettable when compared with their previous releases.  Recommend for Band of Horses fans who are prepared for something more toned down and mature(?) or for people who like rock that isn't up in your face.  But if you haven't heard Band of Horses before, definitely check out their older work; I still can't get enough of it.

Favorite lines:
"I put a bullet in my Kia Lorenzo"
"An hour later I was thinking it over by the snack machine.
I thought about you and a candy bar"

Infinite Arms by Band of Horses


Everything All the Time by Band of Horses


Cease to Begin

Stuff White People Like by Christian Lander

my rating

What I learned from this book:  I am white.  You might say to me, "Aren't you 24 years old?  You should have figured that out by now."  That is true and of course I knew that ...you jerk.  However, until I read this man's blog & book, I never understood the vast depths of my white-ness.

Note: it should be stated (although obvious) that this book explores quirky and/or strange things that Christian Lander has observed in white culture a.k.a stereotypes.  But these stereotypes are not intended to be negative just humorous.  It does NOT say that these preferences are exclusively "white" or that every Caucasian loves all of the things that he mentions.  Plus, keep in mind that he is a comedian, so cut him some slack.

Anyways, some of my favorite Stuff White People Like:

• Indie Music - "If you mention a band that you like and the other person has heard of it, you lose."
• Wes Anderson Movies - "If they don't get the joke and other white people are laughing, they'll all join in.  It's pretty much the case that if one dude with glasses laughs, the entire theater will be in stiches within 15 seconds."
• Arrested Development - "Even though white people prefer to say that they don't watch T.V. one thing that they agree on is that Arrested Development was the best show ever."
• Bicycles - "Bike shops are almost entirely staffed and patronized by white people."

The only problem that I have with the book is that he often confuses "white" with being a southern Californian or a liberal.  I wish he had more expansive commentary on other white areas of the country (i.e. Texas or Minnesota).  But, whatever; it is all in good fun.

Hilarious book.  Good coffee table book for sure.

Recommended to:  White people and/or people with a sense of humor when it comes to race relations

Buy:  Stuff White People Like: A Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions

Consult the Becktionary!

Odelay!  Apparently, Beck is everywhere. He has been busy lately with a number of different collaborations showing up recently on the soundtrack for the new Twilight movie. (-50 points) However, while I will never bring myself to watch Twilight: Eclipse, I will always make room in my ear canal for more Beck. (+infinite points for being Beck)


Give these a listen:

Bats for Lashes & Beck - Let's Get Lost



Let's Get Lost by Bat for Lashes



Charlotte Gainsbourg & Beck - Heaven Can Wait





Beck will also be featured as one of the fake bands in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World later this year.  Busy man.




Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)


Buy: IRM

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!  Enjoy the fireworks and watch out for aliens.  AMERICA!