Kimputer's Weblog

You know what they say, when you’re thirty, you will go downhill. Same goes for TV I guess. Since 1975, SNL spawned funny men like Eddie Murphy, Dan Akroyd, Mike Myers, Chevey Chase, Chris Rock and Billy Christal. These were of course creme de la creme (as they also took on writer duties), but comparing it to the current batch, it’s quite saddening. With the current crop of episodes, you can bet your life on the not funniness of the show. Guests like Ben Affleck and Kate Winslet can’t save an episode, and even natural comedic talents like Luke Wilson will fail with every attempt. While the sketches themselves aren’t too enjoyable, the consistent cue card reading is kind of too obvious and annoying. I know it’s live, but come on, try to remember at least a few lines. Too late for the “quite while while you’re on top” scenario, but still, 30 is a nice number to quit on.

A treasure indeed, and worth $35.3 million it is too. Nicolas Cage starrer National Treasure ends up at the top spot this week. The kids, however, are keeping a close tab, right behind with The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, good for $33.5 million. Third week all-rounder, The Incredibles, hangs on to nr. 3 with $26.8 million.
The Polar Express has to fight off some chilly stormy weather, and ends up at the fourth place with just $15.2 million. It might never reach its final destination unscathed, as it’s still short of $220 million to break even. Steady at number 5 is Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason with $10.1 million.

It’s been a while, and I usually take them from TV or the movies. But this time it’s different. When I was in dire need of help, she came along and saved my butt. Yes, I’m talking about the newly released Halflife 2 game, and the woman in question is a lady called Alyx.

 
Yeah, look at those high-polygon-count curves. Should I start an Alyx is Hot website now ?

A nice mix of drama, thriller and action styles shows Tony Scott didn’t lose his gift (which I feared after a boring Spy Game). Directing with a gritty atmosphere and dynamic camera angles and movements keeps even the “boring” moments interesting. Diving directly into some character exploration helps to set up the movie, while action and some more straightforward storytelling fills the second half.
Denzel Washington plays a multilayered troubled man, while the talented young Dakota Fanning (mini-series Taken) is as disarmingly cute as ever. The rest of the cast keeps up pretty well, even Marc Anthony plays a believable character.
While there’s no room for intense drama or nailbiting, it’s still powerful along the way. Even during the more standard storylines, the depth of the characters keeps this well above avarage.8-.

With two brethren on the air, it’s still clear the original remains the best. While the main stories are basically the same, CSI has a great lead on continuity, slight character development and more likable characters. On screen chemistry feels more natural and dialogue is still flashy, basically radiating more fun. With the sweeps going on, a few more intricate (and darker) stories (delving more deeply into the psyche of the suspect) are a welcome fresh breeze, and a continuing reminder it will stay on top for a few more years to come.

The Incredibles use their superhero powers to cling on to the first place with a magnificent $51 million. The WB however, must’ve gotten a real cold chill down their spines, as the $270 million worth of producing and marketing of The Polar Express (which features 5 times the “performance capturing” of Tom Hanks) led to a second place with only a $23.5 million premiere. Now that’s what I call a cold reception.
At 3, Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek star in After the Sunset, stealing $11.5 million. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason opened at number 4 with $8.9 million. Seed of Chucky, the fifth of its series already, is worth$8.8 million rounding off the top 5.

Rate 1 (sucks) to 5 (cool). Only rate the latest pictures, otherwise I can’t keep track of the average.

Total: 660 out of 204 votes > Average is: 3.235

Spooky eh ?

Hanging in the phone in Phone Booth must have inspired this movie (Well, actually, the pitch is from the same writer. The script however, is not). So, comparing it to the “original”, I can say it tries it on a whole other level. While Phone Booth was fought out on the psychological level, this one has the usual cat and mouse chase approach. Kim Basinger is a very able cryer, and for comic relief you have up and coming Chris Evans (to be seen in next year’s Fantastic Four as Johnny Storm, alongside Jessica Alba’s Susan Storm) and the typecasted William H. Macy. Using conventional but proven methods, it blasts away from the very start, and keeps going on munching away on rare coincidents along the way. If you leave your mobile phone, I mean, brains, at home, it’s quite enjoyable.7+.

For an independent movie, this movie feels pretty bland. Usually, due to a small budget, they excel in storytelling. And if not that, there should be some other special thing to be found.
Not this one though. With three periods to be seen (kid, teen, mid-twenties, with the first being the most meaningless), the drug use and overall gayness make it hard to feel any emotional attachment. The story itself is pretty straightforward, laced with subtle hinting and veiled feelings. In any other well written script, that would make you think and feel, but this movie doesn’t touch you at all, it just flies by (and at a slow pace too). Luckily, the end is always near (only 90 minutes or less away), and when the credits start rolling, you’re left feeling, Is this all ?? 5.

Where is this world going to ???

Playing the ten songs for the tenth time already (I never liked Vertigo, hence only ten tracks are left), I can only say the high anticipation is not met with the same satisfactory feeling as with their last old school album. Only a handful have potential to grow on me, but somehow don’t have the feeling of the same punch the previous album had. It seems all the riffs they’re pulling off have some monotonous thing going on. And with that, I can’t even choose a song I’d consider an instant hit (for instance, Kite or Stuck in a Moment or Walk On on All That You Can’t Leave Behind). These new songs are definitely all pure rock, it just doesn’t rock me.6.

Incredible opening for the group of superheroes The Incredibles, storming the number one position with $70.7 million.
Jamie Foxx as Ray, stays at number 2 with $13.8 million. Third is last week’s number one, $13.5 million for The Grudge. Another Halloween left-over is Saw, with $11.4 million at number 4. Alfie opens at number 5 with $6.5 million, obviously Jude Law isn’t as charming as Michael Cain’s original Alfie from 1966.

Rate 1 (FR#^&% MESS !) to 5 (how very tidy !). Only rate the latest picture, otherwise I can’t keep track of the average.

Total: 1216 out of 380 votes > Average is: 3.200

Another edition of the World Tour series, this time we’re touching down in Italy. Again, it’s a subtle taste. If you compare the tomato part with the Lays Heinz Tomato Ketchup flavored Superchips, you can say it’s toned down by a factor 2. The mozzerella part however, is almost not noticable. Combined though, it’s still as addictive as the other favorite flavors, as I just finished a whole can in one day. Definitely a must-taste.7½.

Plagued by sliding ratings, the numbers don’t reflect the quality of this show at all. The WB’s faith in this series made it the first time slot swapper, but ratings are still anything but uplifting. While not reaching the excellence of the first four episodes, it proves the creative team behind it has things under control. Different writers and directors deliver solid episodes in the same style every week. Already past a third of the season, it’s clear it will finish it with the same high quality it has already shown. And that’s the only consolation, if the inevitable axe comes down.