Christian Bale Rant

When I heard that Christian Bale threw a temper tantrum at the D.P. of the new Terminator movie, I immediately thought of Russell Crowe. He, too, has been labeled by Hollywood as "a bad boy" and "difficult to work with." For these reasons, I was hesitant to talk to Crowe when I saw him at a boxing match this past December, but I was gently surprised to find him very humbling and cheerful. I want to think that Christian Bale is a decent fellow just having a bad day. However, I can't help to think that he is very tempered and violent. Some may confuse this as dedication and "the acting craft." But that's all B-S when you yell 37 profanities.

The Wrestler

"The Wrestler" is a tough (and often difficult to watch) depiction into a man climaxed in the 80s and continuously looking for his happy ending in the new millennium. Instead he has fallen every so slowly into debt, depression, and the good graces of his daughter. His only respite is an exotic dancer whom he still pays for lap dances and humbling advice on how to reconcile with his daughter. Of course, a movie like this falls heavily on its lead actor and Mickey Rourke holds your attention till Bruce Sprinsteen sings, "Have you ever seen a one-trick pony? Then you've seen me." I may have seen this movie before but Mickey Rourke makes it feel brand new.

What's the Big Deal?

When David Frost interviewed Richard Nixon, both men were forgotten and willing to forego any journalistic sensibility for cash and/or fame. Frost was looking to get back into the American conscience and Nixon was looking for acceptance. By the end of their "historic interviews," neither men really accomplished their goals. Nixon was all but forgoten while David Frost never attained the fame he so desired. All of which makes the film "Frost/Nixon" hard to swallow. At every point, director Ron Howard tries to make the film into the "Rocky" of journalism pitting David Frost (The Rocky of this battle) against Richard Nixon (presumably the Ivan Drago character). He goes for the dramatic pauses, longing stares, and even a "training montage" where Richard Nixon is seen throwing air jabs at half speed. Of course, Langella does his best to create sympathy for this Richard Nixon. But I can't seem to stop asking myself, "What's the big deal?" This film is a ridiculous attempt to transform these interviews into a grandiose parting of the Red Sea or something much larger than it ever was. It's even more sad when you realize that one of it's Best Picture nominations could have gone to "The Dark Knight."

Still Number One

Slumdog Millionaire is still my Number One film...but Milk comes very, very close.

Kate and Leo Part 2

I haven't seen a play in almost three years when I was an intern at LA County Arts. And it surprised me even more because I thought that I was watching a film when I paid 13 bucks (still not up to the outrageous $15 at the Arclight) to see "Revolutionary Road." I think that I paid the money because I was curious to see Kate and Leo and all the buzz. It's not that I was disappointed, but there are certain things that a film has that a play cannot provide, primarily the close-up. With such beautiful faces as Kate and Leo, why not get that camera up in their faces. I know that HD can bring out the wrinkles and cracks on a person's face but there is a reason why people go to the movies: it's to see people more beautiful than them. They want to be a part of the action and get that intimate feel. Moviegoers don't want to be on the sidelines.

Best Movie of the Year...so far!

"Slumdog Millionaire" is the best of the movie of the year. It was tough to come to this conclusion because I had just seen "Dark Knight" for the third time this year (absolutely breathtaking in Blu-Ray). But it was an easy choice if I put aside my love for the Batman universe and focus on the pure joy of what movies are supposed to do. They are supposed to make you laugh, cry, enthrall, surprise, and entertain throughout. "Dark Knight" is so grand in its scheme that it needed an IMAX theater to fully capture its essence. But "Slumdog Millionaire" enraptures you in a more fundamental process that is much more human and relative to you and me. Of course, the story is much more relative given the recent attacks in Mumbai (the film's central setting), but the themes and relationships between the characters are endearing and universal. It has the gritty camera and splashy editing of "Dark Knight." However, it has the raw human emotions that a comic book hero can never truly explain.

Jon and Kate Plus 8

I've been a fan of this show since 2005 and I can't believe I haven't written about it before. Because now, it seems like I'm just on the "Jon and Kate" bandwagon. Anyway, this show is great reality television. I only enjoy two reality shows, "Top Chef" (because I have the biggest crush on Padma and Tom's Craft Steak) and this show. I am a little angry that they have expanded it to one hour rather than 1/2 hour episodes but I still love it. Jon and Kate's banter, the annoying Maddie, the dorky Aden, and, of course, my favorite, Alexis. She is just so cute. As the oldest of the infamous 6, she seems to have gotten all the pale skin from Kate but the calm intensity of Jon. She never cries, never whines, and always looks so cute when she brushes her hair off her face. If I were to steal one (which is of course illegal and wrong but I know you have all thought about it at one point or another), I would take Alexis.

It's Britney Bitch

I've always been a fan of Britney Spears. I flew to Las Vegas after my high school girlfriend dumped me just to see her (I ended up having a great time and sat next to Gabrielle Union). I saw her a second time which ended up being her last concert tour. She's an entertainer and I've always believed that she was a product, but a product that I enjoyed. As such, I was deeply saddened to see that product fall apart during the past few years culminating in that 2007 VMA performance. But after watching that wonderful documentary on MTV last night, I realize her faults and can only sympathize. Nonetheless, she should stop complaining and just move on. Some handle it better than others. Britney is a product and her success rests on her ability to produce. It's time she started producing...

Twilight

I've seen this before. It starred Sarah Michelle Gellar and was more witty and comical, never taking itself too seriously. I've never read the books by Stephanie Meyer but I can assure you that it probably doesn't have the charm that Buffy, Giles, Xander, and Willow displayed when on the WB then the UPN. With the same budget, I guarantee that Joss Wheedon would have made a much more entertaining film. I remember watching the epidsode where Buffy was forced to kill Angel and then went into exile. I was so heartbroken and that was only two years ago when I saw the episode on DVD. I get it though...Robert Pattinson...he's so dreamy...yada yada yada. But what could be hotter than Sarah Michelle Gellar and a "pre-Bones David Boreanaz?

Beverly Hills Chihuahua is No. 1 at Box Office

Really? C'mon, really? Again?

Friday Night Lights

Why is nobody watching this show? I admit that it had a bit of a hiccup last season with a little melodrama, but it's still the best teen drama on television. Way better than that 90210 and Gossip Girl crap. This show is pure style from the story lines to the camera work and wardrobe. I loved the movie but this show has better actors in Kyle Chandlier (more cutthroat and believable as a football coach than Billy Bob) and such intricate characters. Although its own Direct TV, its still accessible via streaming websites. There are only four shows that I watch on television (Entourage, 30 Rock, and the Office are the others) and this is my favorite.

Target Smell

When I recently visited Target to buy some paper towels, I was immediately struck by the interesting smell that came from the store. It was so sterile and distinctive, the smell that you immediately associate with a hospital. I put the smell aside and got all the items that I needed (and didn't need). I went home happy with my purchases only to realize that I didn't get what I went to Target for in the first place. So when I visited a different Target, I was once again struck by that same smell. I couldn't understand how that same odor, so distinctive and pungent could be duplicated. Then I did some serious thinking, the kind of thinking that could only be achieved at a Target, and realized that there must be some sort of "Target Scent." I bought some popcorn and a drink for $1, found paper towels, and left.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua is No. 1 at Box Office

Really? I mean, c'mon, really?

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

I just watched this movie last night and found myself absolutely relaxed letting this movie unfold over the course of a brisk 90 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed "Raising Victor Vargas" after my brother had told me about this little independent movie that captured adolescence and that awkward transition through puberty. Peter Sollett, the director of "Raising Victor Vargas," captures what it's like to be a teenager making that awkward transition into adulthood in "Nick and Norah." It's a very beautiful movie that seems to capture everything about the teenage romance. With a great soundtrack to accompany the film and two actors with amazing chemistry, this movie really surpassed any expectations. Michael Cera is shaping out to be the new definition of the romantic lead while Kat Dennings proves the hype is real. The movie made me smile and I haven't done that in awhile.

The Dark Knight

When I first saw that Heath Ledger was chosen to play the Joker, I was a little worried. I was too worried that he might not take the role seriously and underplay Batman's greatest villain. But I am now on the bandwagon for the posthumous Oscar for Heath Ledger. The movie is absolutely fantastic and even better on IMAX and that shouldn't hurt his chances for an Oscar. A movie like "Dark Knight" only succeeds when the villain is as good as the hero (i.e. the original Batman and Spider-Man 2). My only flaw with the film is the length (probably to set up the next Batman film) and Christian Bale. He's great as Batman, exuding brood and anger behind the mask. But as Bruce Wayne, I've never been more bored. I guess the Armani suits aren't as comfortable as the Batsuit because he does not look comfortable.

Fast and Furious

It's funny to think that they are actually making this movie. Just a few years ago, no one from the original cast wanted to be involved in this series, only to see Bow Wow take charge and an Asian director pump new life into the series making the best film out of the four. While it's good to see Justin Lin rewarded for his efforts, I'm sad to say that this is pretty pathetic for Vin and Paul. Like Sly Stallone and Mr. Willis, these two must retread old sequel territory. But even those movies had better titles, "Rambo" is straightforward and to the point. "Live Free and Die Hard" is clever and with a twist. For "Fast and Furious," Vin and Paul are no longer nouns. Instead, they are adjectives.

The Art of 40 Days

Lent is coming down to an end this Sunday when Easter is celebrated. During the past 40 days, it's usually customary for the Catholic to give up something in order to better discipline us and make us more in the likeness of God. Over the past 14 years that I've practiced this custom, I've given up a wide variety of habits, foods, and extracurricular activities. Perhaps my greatest achievement was during my sophomore year in high school. During my sophomore year in high school, I decided to stop watching "Dawson's Creek" amidst the February sweeps. It was a good time on the show also. Ratings were on a high especially because the Dawson-Joey relationship was on the rocks because of the introduction of Jack McPhee. Looking back that was the hardest time I've ever had being a Catholic. If I only knew that Jack would later admit to being gay, I probably wouldn't have cared as much as I did at the time.

Deal or No Deal

When you're looking for life lessons and moral plays, you wouldn't think to look towards Howie Mandel. But "Deal or No Deal" provides a lesson about greed and selfishness more so than any other television or film today. Recently, Howie is on his "Million Dollar Mission" where he puts out 10 cases full of one million dollars. Slowly, the contestant must decide to either continue in pursuit of a million dollars or leave with the offer from the banker. Not to say that the banker's offer is chump change. They are usually in the 200 or 300 grand category. But time after time, the contestant chooses to take the other route and go for a million dollars. It's a wonderful morality play each week and I sadly admit that I love it.

I'm not alone; Celine Dion has publicly stated that "Deal or No Deal" is her favorite show. So take that beyotch!

Heath Ledger

Back in 2000 when "The Patriot" came out, I remember saying that "Heath Ledger was going to be a big star." Although he was never a big star (maybe "The Dark Knight" would have changed that), Heath was undoubtedly a big actor and certainly one of the best of our generation (with Gosling). He was the best thing in "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Monster" (the thought of Billy Bob Thornton doing Halle Berry was just too disturbing). I have yet to see "I'm Not There" or "Dark Knight" but he was certainly on an upswing. It was very disheartening to see him pass away and not be able to see what he could become.

The Art of Coffee Sipping

It's funny how people drink coffee or tea or any other beverage for that matter. People always need to take two sips especially when they are doing other things. For example, I was in class the other day and a woman in front of me was drinking from her coffee mug. She took one sip, paused, and then took another sip. Later on in lecture, she held her coffee mug in her hand, took a sip, paused and took another sip. This "sip, pause, sip" action continued throughout the lecture and then I realized that I too "sip, pause, sip." I became so conscious of this mechanism that I researched further and noticed that everyone does this especially when reading the newspaper, studying, or looking at the computer. One sip is never good enough because we have to pause and collect our thoughts about our beverage and then take another sip. Fascinating.