Haunt's Recent Comments
Pirates Sail to Top Spot Again - Jun 04, 2007 - 10:19pm
It makes me sick that we live in a world where all the fans seem to care about is the earth-shattering (or not) box office take of these movies. Really? Do we all care that much? Personally I love (or not) a movie based on the movie, not the bragging rights I get out of whether it breaks all box office records in human history in it's first fifteen minutes. (And for the record, LOVE 'At World's End' and LOVE 'Knocked Up'. 'Spidey 3'... slightly less so. I couldn't give a crap how much money any of 'em make.)
It makes me sick that we live in a world where all the fans seem to care about is the earth-shattering (or not) box office take of these movies. Really? Do we all care that much? Personally I love (or not) a movie based on the movie, not the bragging rights I get out of whether it breaks all box office records in human history in it's first fifteen minutes. (And for the record, LOVE 'At World's End' and LOVE 'Knocked Up'. 'Spidey 3'... slightly less so. I couldn't give a crap how much money any of 'em make.)
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END - May 25, 2007 - 03:04am
Loved it! Unquestioningly, unambiguously loved everything about it! To put things in perspective I suppose I should admit to having loved BOTH previous films (yes, even the second one), so take that for what it's worth. Critics are going to eviscerate this movie, though. For one thing it's longer than the average moviegoer attention span of 20 minutes. Also, it doesn't come with a score card with the popcorn so people can keep track of the story points and characters. And there's no voice over to explain the more "complicated" bits of plot. Thus, Joe Sixpack and his highly paid monkeys (e.g. professional critics) will tear this film a new bunghole. But for my money (and this film will be getting more of it when I go see it a second [at least] time tomorrow) this is an amazing film. I particularly love how each and every character gets a satisfying denouement. Not an easy thing to pull off when you've got fifteen or twenty main characters.
Loved it! Unquestioningly, unambiguously loved everything about it! To put things in perspective I suppose I should admit to having loved BOTH previous films (yes, even the second one), so take that for what it's worth. Critics are going to eviscerate this movie, though. For one thing it's longer than the average moviegoer attention span of 20 minutes. Also, it doesn't come with a score card with the popcorn so people can keep track of the story points and characters. And there's no voice over to explain the more "complicated" bits of plot. Thus, Joe Sixpack and his highly paid monkeys (e.g. professional critics) will tear this film a new bunghole. But for my money (and this film will be getting more of it when I go see it a second [at least] time tomorrow) this is an amazing film. I particularly love how each and every character gets a satisfying denouement. Not an easy thing to pull off when you've got fifteen or twenty main characters.
LOST: Greatest Hits - May 18, 2007 - 12:38am
Great review, sir. I'm proud to say I'm one of those fans that has never given up on this show. Actually, I'm one those extremely rare fans that has never considered it a challenge to stay with and enjoy the show all the way through. I haven't had the problem that many seem to have had with the ratio of questions to answers. And to take this one step further, I'm equally proud to say I'm also one of those exceptionally rare (it seems) fans that has always liked the character of Charlie. Maybe it's my geek love for hobbits, or my obsession with "dead" rockstars... who knows? For whatever reason, I've loved him all along, even through his awkward confused/semi-dark phase in Season Two, when the writers seemed to not know what to do with him. Being a fan of his I find it hard to admit, but I'm actually okay with the idea that he might be doomed. I don't WANT him to die, but at this point I'd like this "Charlie-gotta-die" prediction trend to pay off or shut up. However, I maintain he doesn't need to die to be a "hero." You only mentioned four out of the five greatest hits from Charlie's list in your review. You left out his rescue of the woman in the alley... the woman that called him a hero... the woman that also happened to be Sayid's girl Nadia! Oh, also I'd just like to point out that the chick that runs up and points a pistol at Charlie in the Looking Glass station at the very end is actress Tracy Middendorf, a.k.a. Tina the doomed waitress from the 'Angel' series premier "City of..."
Great review, sir. I'm proud to say I'm one of those fans that has never given up on this show. Actually, I'm one those extremely rare fans that has never considered it a challenge to stay with and enjoy the show all the way through. I haven't had the problem that many seem to have had with the ratio of questions to answers. And to take this one step further, I'm equally proud to say I'm also one of those exceptionally rare (it seems) fans that has always liked the character of Charlie. Maybe it's my geek love for hobbits, or my obsession with "dead" rockstars... who knows? For whatever reason, I've loved him all along, even through his awkward confused/semi-dark phase in Season Two, when the writers seemed to not know what to do with him. Being a fan of his I find it hard to admit, but I'm actually okay with the idea that he might be doomed. I don't WANT him to die, but at this point I'd like this "Charlie-gotta-die" prediction trend to pay off or shut up. However, I maintain he doesn't need to die to be a "hero." You only mentioned four out of the five greatest hits from Charlie's list in your review. You left out his rescue of the woman in the alley... the woman that called him a hero... the woman that also happened to be Sayid's girl Nadia! Oh, also I'd just like to point out that the chick that runs up and points a pistol at Charlie in the Looking Glass station at the very end is actress Tracy Middendorf, a.k.a. Tina the doomed waitress from the 'Angel' series premier "City of..."
JERICHO: Why We Fight - May 11, 2007 - 11:49am
I've loved this show from the beginning, and it's only gotten better with each episode as far as I'm concerned. Ironic that I only ever wanted Gerald McRaney to have his ass blown away the entire time he was on 'Deadwood', and of course he lived, while on this show I've been worried since almost the pilot episode that he was in danger and hoped that he'd survive. *shrug* And speaking of the late, great 'Deadwood', I'm surprised no one has pointed out that Silas Adams (actor Titus Welliver) was the military camp commander.
I've loved this show from the beginning, and it's only gotten better with each episode as far as I'm concerned. Ironic that I only ever wanted Gerald McRaney to have his ass blown away the entire time he was on 'Deadwood', and of course he lived, while on this show I've been worried since almost the pilot episode that he was in danger and hoped that he'd survive. *shrug* And speaking of the late, great 'Deadwood', I'm surprised no one has pointed out that Silas Adams (actor Titus Welliver) was the military camp commander.
SPIDER-MAN 3 - May 04, 2007 - 12:21pm
Okay, I haven't seen it yet (Mrs. Haunt and I will likely see it tomorrow). But there's one story point that I'd heard rumored and has now been confirmed... one that really, really bugs the crap out of me. And I have to comment on it. Obviously, everything beyond this point will be spoilery, so beware. And by way of a disclaimer I feel I should mention that I pretty much HATED the second film, for reasons too numerous to get into here. But if you are one of the TRILLIONS of people that claim Spidey 2 was the best film ever created by man or God, take anything I ever say (about anything) with a huge grain of salt, I suppose. At any rate, the SPOILERY thing that bugs me about this third movie that bugs me would be the retcon of Flint Marko being Uncle Ben's real killer. Not only is it a cliche retcon, but it utterly destroys the original mythology of Spider-Man. Pete no longer needs to carry around the guilt of not stopping his uncle's killer when he had the chance, because apparently that guy didn't do it. Of course NOW Pete has to carry the guilt of "killing" an innocent person... but that's an entirely different thing. The Spider-Man Biblical proclamation of "With great power comes great responsibility" stems directly from Pete arrogantly choosing to let that thief go. Now? Not so much. In my opinion (tainted as it may be by my obvious stupidity for hating Spidey 2) this is a grotesquely bad story decision. But what the hell do I know? I haven't seen it yet.
Okay, I haven't seen it yet (Mrs. Haunt and I will likely see it tomorrow). But there's one story point that I'd heard rumored and has now been confirmed... one that really, really bugs the crap out of me. And I have to comment on it. Obviously, everything beyond this point will be spoilery, so beware. And by way of a disclaimer I feel I should mention that I pretty much HATED the second film, for reasons too numerous to get into here. But if you are one of the TRILLIONS of people that claim Spidey 2 was the best film ever created by man or God, take anything I ever say (about anything) with a huge grain of salt, I suppose. At any rate, the SPOILERY thing that bugs me about this third movie that bugs me would be the retcon of Flint Marko being Uncle Ben's real killer. Not only is it a cliche retcon, but it utterly destroys the original mythology of Spider-Man. Pete no longer needs to carry around the guilt of not stopping his uncle's killer when he had the chance, because apparently that guy didn't do it. Of course NOW Pete has to carry the guilt of "killing" an innocent person... but that's an entirely different thing. The Spider-Man Biblical proclamation of "With great power comes great responsibility" stems directly from Pete arrogantly choosing to let that thief go. Now? Not so much. In my opinion (tainted as it may be by my obvious stupidity for hating Spidey 2) this is a grotesquely bad story decision. But what the hell do I know? I haven't seen it yet.
"Lost: D.O.C." - Apr 27, 2007 - 01:32pm
Absolutely spot on, Merin. I couldn't agree more. And glad you mentioned BSG along with Lost, because both shows have more than their fair share of "fans" that criticize the so-called "filler" eps. I've always thought that the character-centric episodes, the ones that don't outright ignore the bigger picture, but simply use it as the background for the more important character stories, are actually the best of both series. I heartily second every word you said. Thanks. :)
Absolutely spot on, Merin. I couldn't agree more. And glad you mentioned BSG along with Lost, because both shows have more than their fair share of "fans" that criticize the so-called "filler" eps. I've always thought that the character-centric episodes, the ones that don't outright ignore the bigger picture, but simply use it as the background for the more important character stories, are actually the best of both series. I heartily second every word you said. Thanks. :)
"Drive: Let the Games Begin" - Apr 19, 2007 - 06:19pm
Well dammit, I was just starting to fall in love with the idea that Cap'n Tightpants... er, I mean Alex Tully was gonna run the whole race in his beat up, clunker of a spaceship... oops, I mean truck. We could have had the episode where the ol' Landscaper blows the catalyzer on the port compression coil and all her life support systems shut down. Then Ma... um, Tully would have to send Corinna ahead on her own while he stays behind in the truck, coasting along the highway with no power until some disreputable tow truck driver shows up to salvage him and they end up fighting over a replacement part. Or the one where Detective Ehrle (yes, that really is his name on the show, Ehrle... as in "Early") sneaks onto the truck and subdues the entire crew (e.g. Tully and Corinna) and Wendy has to pretend to be a disembodied spirit possessing the vehicle and scaring the detective into jumping ship. But alas, the ol' girl is for the scrap heap now. Tully and his crew have moved onto a sleeker, faster model. I just hope it doesn't have a Cappisen 38 engine. Those things fall right out of the sky.
Well dammit, I was just starting to fall in love with the idea that Cap'n Tightpants... er, I mean Alex Tully was gonna run the whole race in his beat up, clunker of a spaceship... oops, I mean truck. We could have had the episode where the ol' Landscaper blows the catalyzer on the port compression coil and all her life support systems shut down. Then Ma... um, Tully would have to send Corinna ahead on her own while he stays behind in the truck, coasting along the highway with no power until some disreputable tow truck driver shows up to salvage him and they end up fighting over a replacement part. Or the one where Detective Ehrle (yes, that really is his name on the show, Ehrle... as in "Early") sneaks onto the truck and subdues the entire crew (e.g. Tully and Corinna) and Wendy has to pretend to be a disembodied spirit possessing the vehicle and scaring the detective into jumping ship. But alas, the ol' girl is for the scrap heap now. Tully and his crew have moved onto a sleeker, faster model. I just hope it doesn't have a Cappisen 38 engine. Those things fall right out of the sky.
Nothing in Particular - Apr 19, 2007 - 06:17pm
Since we're sort of "stream of consciousness"-ing it this week, I'll play along by commenting on the recently announced Eisner Award nominees. Sorry to see 'Pride of Baghdad' didn't get more love. It deserves more than just penciller and letterer (though both of those are worthy of nomination.) And for "Best Reality-Based Work" I personally feel Craig Thompson's 'Blankets' should win this category EVERY year from now on... but I'm coping. :) Very happy with the noms for cover artist, though. I love every one of those artists. However, in my opinion, James Jean is in an entirely different league from the others. The others are all great, but James is one of the finest artists working in this (or any) medium. And of course it's always great when 'Sandman' makes it on any awards list. 'Absolute Sandman' will deservedly win that particular category. Oh, and Wolverine is soooo overused. That is all.
Since we're sort of "stream of consciousness"-ing it this week, I'll play along by commenting on the recently announced Eisner Award nominees. Sorry to see 'Pride of Baghdad' didn't get more love. It deserves more than just penciller and letterer (though both of those are worthy of nomination.) And for "Best Reality-Based Work" I personally feel Craig Thompson's 'Blankets' should win this category EVERY year from now on... but I'm coping. :) Very happy with the noms for cover artist, though. I love every one of those artists. However, in my opinion, James Jean is in an entirely different league from the others. The others are all great, but James is one of the finest artists working in this (or any) medium. And of course it's always great when 'Sandman' makes it on any awards list. 'Absolute Sandman' will deservedly win that particular category. Oh, and Wolverine is soooo overused. That is all.
"Lost: Left Behind" - Apr 06, 2007 - 12:23am
I think my favorite moment might have been the strange little flashes of light and clicking noises as the Smoke Monster "scanned" Juliet. I don't know why, but I really liked that little touch.
I think my favorite moment might have been the strange little flashes of light and clicking noises as the Smoke Monster "scanned" Juliet. I don't know why, but I really liked that little touch.
"Jericho: Winter’s End" - Mar 30, 2007 - 12:31pm
The lack of patience and short attention span of the average american TV viewer absolutely never ceases to baffle me...
The lack of patience and short attention span of the average american TV viewer absolutely never ceases to baffle me...
Sarah Michelle Gellar joins "The Dark Knight"? - Mar 30, 2007 - 12:40am
Despite being a diehard Whedonite, I have to say I hope this isn't true. It shames me to admit that, despite my best efforts, my feelings for the character SMG used to play have affected my feelings for her as an actress. Don't get me wrong, Sarah's a fine actress. But unfortunately her character of Buffy Anne Summers was long my LEAST favorite character on the series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. And by the end of the series I'd grown to passionately dislike her. And as much as I recognize it's not fair to her as an actress, she will forever be associated with that character for me. Thus I'm not sure I'd enjoy seeing her in this film. *shrug* But she could prove me wrong... it's happened before.
Despite being a diehard Whedonite, I have to say I hope this isn't true. It shames me to admit that, despite my best efforts, my feelings for the character SMG used to play have affected my feelings for her as an actress. Don't get me wrong, Sarah's a fine actress. But unfortunately her character of Buffy Anne Summers was long my LEAST favorite character on the series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. And by the end of the series I'd grown to passionately dislike her. And as much as I recognize it's not fair to her as an actress, she will forever be associated with that character for me. Thus I'm not sure I'd enjoy seeing her in this film. *shrug* But she could prove me wrong... it's happened before.
"Jericho: Winter’s End" - Mar 30, 2007 - 12:35am
Man, I completely disagree. I absolutely loved this episode. I wept like a baby... a hungry, angry baby. Mimi, a character I initially hated (while acknowledging even then that we were SUPPOSED to hate her) is becomming one of my favorites, and Bonnie has gotten criminally short shrift in terms of story, but tonight made up for it. Any chance for good actors to portray real, intense emotion always gets me. And there are some fine actors on this show. Also, how cool to see "Lassie" from Psych as the leader from the other town?
Man, I completely disagree. I absolutely loved this episode. I wept like a baby... a hungry, angry baby. Mimi, a character I initially hated (while acknowledging even then that we were SUPPOSED to hate her) is becomming one of my favorites, and Bonnie has gotten criminally short shrift in terms of story, but tonight made up for it. Any chance for good actors to portray real, intense emotion always gets me. And there are some fine actors on this show. Also, how cool to see "Lassie" from Psych as the leader from the other town?
"Battlestar Galactica: Crossroads Part 2" - Mar 27, 2007 - 08:33pm
Oh, and Stephen Lackey... Sharon and Caprica didn't hear the music because they're not the same KIND of Cylons as the final five. RDM has stated several times that the final five are "fundamentally different" from the others. And he's been telling us to "reconsider what a Cylon even IS" for months now.
Oh, and Stephen Lackey... Sharon and Caprica didn't hear the music because they're not the same KIND of Cylons as the final five. RDM has stated several times that the final five are "fundamentally different" from the others. And he's been telling us to "reconsider what a Cylon even IS" for months now.
"Battlestar Galactica: Crossroads Part 2" - Mar 27, 2007 - 08:28pm
CalamityJohnson, the song isn't available right now (that I've been able to find at least). It's being released on the soundtrack for season three... but not out right now. (Unless someone can point us to a site that has a ripped copy of it from the show...)
CalamityJohnson, the song isn't available right now (that I've been able to find at least). It's being released on the soundtrack for season three... but not out right now. (Unless someone can point us to a site that has a ripped copy of it from the show...)
"Battlestar Galactica: Crossroads Part 2" - Mar 27, 2007 - 09:26am
Bear McCreary talks about the genesis of the "Watchtower" cover on his blog, www.bearmccreary.com. His brother did the vocals.
Bear McCreary talks about the genesis of the "Watchtower" cover on his blog, www.bearmccreary.com. His brother did the vocals.
"Battlestar Galactica: The Son Also Rises" - Mar 13, 2007 - 11:40pm
"He wants to help defend a guilty man just to step out of his father’s shadow." Guilty of what, Mr. Lackey? And are trials just for the innocent, or does everyone get fair representation?
"He wants to help defend a guilty man just to step out of his father’s shadow." Guilty of what, Mr. Lackey? And are trials just for the innocent, or does everyone get fair representation?
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Alright, well I'm not necessarily bitching about any of you guys. Clearly this is all (?) in good fun. But there are a lot of folks out there on the ol' interwebs that seem to think BO equals good or bad movie. Just venting... carry on. ;)