Outer Rim Territories » Movies

TRON: LEGACY – Official Trailer

Christopher Gillespie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:27:55 +0000

Totally geeky.

YouTube - TRON: LEGACY – Official Trailer.

Avatar: Reviewing the Reviewers | Front Porch Republic

Christopher Gillespie — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:58:13 +0000

It is curious to me that this movie has so obviously touched a raw nerve and gotten under the skin of a certain set of east-coast conservatives. It reminds me a bit of the over-reaction of the same set to a certain book about granola-toting and sandal-wearing cons!

I understand and agree with, to a point, the knock on Hollywood pantheism. That said, I found Douthat’s critique of the movie to be forced and artificial. It is true that the tall blue people were a bit tree-huggy, and their primitive beliefs were certainly based on American Indian-type pantheism or nature-worship. However, the primary expression of this was the belief that all of the living things in their home formed an interconnected whole that the native people are both caretakers and a part of. Take out the fantasy and sci-fi elements and there isn’t anything here Wendell Berry hasn’t also said.

More interesting is the question Douthat raises of why the natives are attractive, both to the central character, and, in theory, to the audience. As I’ve already said, I enjoyed the movie a good deal and in no small part because I enjoyed the depiction of the natives. Why? Am I just a naïve anti-American nativist, or a sucker for nostalgic, romantic, treacle? Or maybe I’m just a flat out tree-hugging anti-corporate anti-military liberal!

via Avatar: Reviewing the Reviewers | Front Porch Republic.

Avatar

Christopher Gillespie — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:15:04 +0000

Anne and I saw Avatar for my birthday. Don’t see it in 2D as it will ruin any value the popcorn-fest has. It’s about the 3D.Some call it “Dances with Smurfs.” I prefer to think of it as the Lion King, with Braveheart battle sequences, and a huge homage to the Titanic in the final act. Dialogue is not the strong point but who would expect edgy dialogue from James Cameron? The typical James Horner soundtrack doesn’t get in the way. Most of the time the 3D is a subtle extension of the depth of field and not distracting. When stuff pops off the screen its dramatic and effect. Overall, its no classic but its worth the time and the $$. CBC has a great review:

Calvin and Hobbes redux

Christopher Gillespie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:16:26 +0000

This is remarkable. I won’t consider the film in the same way again. Now to explore my Peter Pan & No Country for Old Men connection.

In the film Fight Club, the real name of the protagonist (Ed Norton’s character) is never revealed. Many believe the reason behind this anonymity is to give “Jack” more of an everyman quality. Do not be deceived. “Jack” is really Calvin from the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. It’s true. Norton portrays the grown-up version of Calvin, while Brad Pitt plays his imaginary pal, Hobbes, reincarnated as Tyler Durden.