Moon
Sunday, July 19, 2009

Granted, Eric McCormack (left) is tanned and very well groomed, but these guys (Sam Rockwell - right) look exactly alike to me.

This film got me out of the house. I love science fiction films.

Moon reminded me so much of 2001. I love quiet, thought provoking, plot-gently-moving-along films.

It was quite a switch from the high-octane levels and rather loud Star Trek, Terminator and Transformers.

Part of me is sad that we aren't on the moon or Mars. I sincerely believe we (humankind) should have focused on space travel a long time ago. There's something sclerotic, stagnant, and devolving about our refusal to proceed with science in this direction.

Plot: A man is on the moon, and he's patiently waiting until his three year contract ends. He starts to see things and wonders if he's going crazy. And then things start to get interesting during the last two weeks of his service.

The main (and only) character is Sam Bell (play by Sam Rockwell). I thought it was the guy from Will and Grace. Will was played by Eric McCormack, so obviously not.

Two things I note: Sam's got really long eyelashes and a nice tush.

Science (fiction) interest: I did not understand what was being harvested on the moon, and later converted to Helium 3 as an energy source. However, it's a fascinating introductory topic for me. I have to search and see whether it is feasible and true.

Labels: drama, Eric McCormack, Moon, Sam Rockwell, science fiction

posted by GoldenAh
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Transformers: Rise of the Fallen
Saturday, July 4, 2009


I broke down and saw it, but only because I was so bored.

Please don't ask me what Transformers: Rise of the Fallen was about. I just watch these things for the pure joy of watching objects get blown up, destroyed, and suspending my disbelief over sheer stupidity for nearly three hours.

A blank mind can accomplish a lot of things.

I read the hoopla over purported racism and sexism embedded deeply into this film. Not so. I don't know who, or what, Mudflaps and Skids are supposed to represent, but as a thinking person of African descent - I ain't claiming them.

See, for me, it is racism if I decided that these robotic, computer generated images actually represent black males. The thing is, I've never come across a black male that has sounded like, or acted like, Mudflaps and Skids. Can't be angry with something I don't identify with, or recognize.

I'm reminded of some Disney films where black crows, hyenas, and other strange animals are racist images, because the cartoons were supposed to represent black people.

Oh, hell no.

Sure, it may be intentionally offensive, but that doesn't mean one has to claim the negative images. I say, let it belong to those who create it. Looking at those images now, wouldn't one notice that there aren't any people who actually speak in that fashion? Lingo and behavior changes. Today's misdirected insult, becomes yesterday's wacky, distasteful, and stupid piece of work.

I'm not saying that there are scenes in the movie a person couldn't be reasonably be upset with. But to get mad at computer generated image of robots / cars that don't resemble people? No.

I did feel bad for John Turturro. Not sure why his hair, or his character, which I liked by the way, had to be denigrated. But then again, men sometimes speak roughly to one another. I guess one of the themes of the film was to celebrate male, juvenile, silliness: "Boys will be boys, and say nasty things to one another!"

I liked the latest Decepticon: an amalgamation of several construction heavy-duty trucks. Cute.

Megan Fox looked greasy-faced at times. Shia LaBeouf looked very, very, stressed, I don't think it was acting either.

The movie, like any film by Michael Bay was very pro-military, and about getting the big guns out (pun intended). I have no problem with that. Although, I was surprised to hear President Obama's name mentioned; it was a very strange inclusion.

Otherwise, most of the dialogue was stupid. This film could be watched on mute. It'd probably make more sense that way.

I think that's about it. The film was funny in some places. There was enough action, and momentum to make the 2.5 hours seem reasonable (it was not).

All in all, one of the loudest films I've seen this year. Although I think it ties with Terminator: Salvation Junkyard for noisiest.

Josh Duhamel looked hot in this film. I guess that's what happens when there's only one really good looking guy in the whole movie.

Labels: Disney, Josh Duhamel, Terminator: Salvation, Transformers, Transformers: Rise of the Fallen

posted by GoldenAh
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