The Planet - Blogs http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php A DC Comics Discussion board. en Mon, 12 May 2008 06:15:03 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/muggled/misc/rss.jpg The Planet - Blogs http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php Vadakin Reviews Speed Racer http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=460 Sun, 11 May 2008 21:23:23 GMT I'm not entirely sure where to begin with this one. I had never seen the original cartoon so I went into this film pretty fresh, though pretty much every internet movie site had already ruined Racer X for me as if his significance was common knowledge, Thanks a lot AICN :rolleyes: I won't spoil for you though.

Anyways, Speed Racer follows the adventures of a young race car driver called...yes, you guessed it, Speed Racer, in his quest to become the best driver in the world and take down the corrupt sponsors who effectively control the World Racing League.

Right from the start, it becomes clear that the big draw for this film isn't going to be the story or the characters, but the intense visuals. The Wachowski's have created a live action cartoon that is a true sight to behold and really is a visual feast. The combination of bright colours and mind bending action serve to create a world that is rich and vibrant. The Mach 5 tears across the screen, flipping and speeding and leaping its way to victory. Every movement is carefully choreographed as cars battle it out along the track in what has been described elsewhere as "car-fu" and it certainly is the movies greatest strength. But therein lies the problem.

You always know you're going to get something exciting with the Wachowski's. The weapon fight to the freeway sequence in Matrix Reloaded is one of the best action sequences ever committed to screen. But while the action was amazing, everything else suffered.

The same can be said for Speed Racer. The action sequences are great, if overwhelming at times, however I can't single out a single performance and the story feels like it's nothing more than a ploy to eat up running time between the action scenes.

Sure, it's a film for kids, but you would still expect decent performances from the actors. John Goodman spends half the film in Fred Flintstone mode, Emile Hirsch shows intensity behind the wheel of the Mach 5 but struggles to be anything more than bland in any of his scenes beyond the races.

Susan Sarandon seems to be just making up the numbers while Christina Ricci, hot as she is, looks dazed and confused for the majority of the film.

The one character who might have been interesting was Racer X, played by Matthew Fox, but was ultimately a wasted opportunity. He starts off as a cool and mysterious character but quickly falls into the role of a mediocre member of the supporting cast designed to move the pointless plot forward so that the racing scenes have some apparent meaning that you're not really going to care about.

If you have kids, they will enjoy the film and you may be entertained by the action scenes, but I can't think of any other reason to see this film.

Visually, the film has some stunning moments, but the Wachowski's failings as screenwriters shine through here as well as their inability to get anything above an average performance from their actors really comes through here.

Frankly, the plot and character moments are annoying...they are annoying because they make you wish you were watching on dvd so you could skip it and get straight to the racing scenes.

I'm struggling to think of an adequate final score for this film...I gave Iron Man an 8 although after a second viewing, I think I would go back and give it a 7.

I don't but the argument that I should be lenient on Speed Racer because it's a kids film...Lion King is a kids film and I consider it to be a great movie. Plus, the Wachowski's didn't try to dumb it down, which is a credit to them. It's certainly a film designed for everyone...but the reality is, if you're over 13, you may find yourself wanting the characters to just shut up and get to the race.

This is a mediocre film, and while it is vibrant and colourful and while the action can be breathtaking at times, it fails to gloss over the glaring flaws of this film.

Therefore I am forced to give Speed Racer a final score of:

5/10

If you've got young kids, take them...if not, wait for dvd unless you live near an IMAX. It might be worth seeing the film there despite the flaws, purely for the visuals.

Next up - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
 ]]> Vadakin http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=460 I Sleep Need Now http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=459 Sun, 11 May 2008 15:24:39 GMT I'm making a disturbing habit of staying up until 3am this week. Got to work on that. Thanks for your company, I'm off to dreamland now. :)

I'll make more sense tomorrow. ]]> Ralph http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=459 Film, stories and other things on my mind http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=458 Sun, 11 May 2008 11:40:52 GMT *1.* So this week I actually get to find out how the film we shot for our short film 2 weeks ago... 1. So this week I actually get to find out how the film we shot for our short film 2 weeks ago turned out. I am keeping my fingers crossed all goes well. As cool as it is shooting on film, it is like playing with a loaded gun.

2. A note on shooting film, I hate it. Love pre production, love post production, hate shooting. Of course, on the day I took on the role of the director, so that could have had something to do with my pain...

3. Either that or the fact I was seriously hungover on the first (12 hour) day.

4. Also finalizing a couple of short stories for submission to the University's literary journal. Like most my work they are fairly strange so I don't know what my hopes are.

5. Finished GTAIV today, great game. Now I should really get back to reading some books. ]]> D. SuperHarman http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=458 Blog #2: The Planet and MySpace... http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=457 Sun, 11 May 2008 10:30:58 GMT With all of the awesome changes being made here at The Planet, and all of the friends I'm making here, I'd like to get to know everyone even more!

So....

I want to send a public invite for everyone to add me to their MySpace page if you have one.

I am already friends with a lot of Planet members, and most are in my "top" friends.

You could be too!

If you like the Superman "theme" I made on my Planet Profile page, you'll love what I did to my MySpace page!

So please, if you read this, either tell me your MySpace address in the comments, PM me the address, or just add me yourself.

My MySpace address is: http://www.myspace.com/killerbeekreations

Hope to see ya soon!

~KB!

:up::):up:
--:supes:-- ]]> Killerbee http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=457 Engage Brain. http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=456 Sun, 11 May 2008 06:56:19 GMT Image: http://p-userpic.livejournal.com/70817010/12248390 I can not believe I wrote the Bequest...

I can not believe I wrote the Bequest chapter with you know what on Mother's Day.

-feels like a heel- ]]> brdwaybebe http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=456 Gram. http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=455 Sat, 10 May 2008 20:40:18 GMT There is this wonderful lady at my church. her name is Millie but we all call her Gram or Grandma... There is this wonderful lady at my church. her name is Millie but we all call her Gram or Grandma Millie.

She got sick about a year ago and has remained her fiesty self in the face of it. This week she commented that she is getting weaker every day and doesn't think it will be long before she goes Home.

I adore this woman. She is like a grandmother to me, always kind and sweet, makes food fo everyone who is hungry and even those that aren't and she has quite possibly the sassiest laugh I have ever heard.

My roommate was visiting with her the other day and Gram asked her to ask me to sing "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" at her funeral.

...

I'd sang the song a few weeks ago when the Lord asked me to, I was wary of singing it becuase the accompaniment track is a relaxation tape comeplete with bird chirping and water sounds. But when I sang it, it moved Gram who has always loved birds and that song.

I will of course do whatever she asks but I'm just really...I dunno emotional about it. I've been asked ot sing at funerals before but always by the family. Never by the person themselves.

I cried all the way through chior practice even thinking about. Even now my eyes are teary writing this.

I want to do something to make Gram feel better but also I know when I sing it, it means she's gone and that is just breaking my heart.

But on the other side of it, what an honor to be asked to do something like this.

I'm rambling. But I'd appreciate your prayers in this, just of course for Gram so that she isn't in pain or worried or anything like that, and for me that I can make it through the song and serve her well. ]]> brdwaybebe http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=455 My First Apartment Interview http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=454 Sat, 10 May 2008 17:57:03 GMT So I went to look at the house last night. Today I made the drive confidently and pulled into... So I went to look at the house last night.

Today I made the drive confidently and pulled into the driveway and was promptly welcomed by two beautiful long haired cats, a small stream bubbled nearby, the birds chirped.

A man exited through the garage with a smile.

Christy: Hi! I'm Christy! You must be Steve.
Man: Actually, I'm Earl.

Turns out...I *can* get lost within 10 feet of a house even using a GPS :O

The house I wanted was 'next door' but next door turned out to be up a 45% incline uphill into a wooded area which was GORGEOUS except for forward thinking about how it would be in the winter. (gulp) You could ski on this thing lol.

The house at the top of the hill was very pretty and had a 2nd door and I finally found Steve after a small Yorkshire Terrier came out and barked angrily at me.

Steve was very nice and he took me in to see the apartment. It's nice, comes with a host of appliances and even a futon and TV, however the apartment....well to say 'cozy' would be a light spin on it.

Has a small bathroom, nice sized bedroom and a kitchen with no stove and two small sized refrigerators. The house has central air but the man never uses it so to use it it's $25 a month extra for me to use it and I only have one window that opens and it's vertical so no window unit. Also a cat would be extra. It had no cable hookup unfortunately.

And he said last year they couldn't use the driveway 3 days in the winter and had to walk up the driveway (yes the 45% incline one) and since I'd be doing that in the dark and in the snow...I don't think that would be a good idea.

The man himself seemed very nice but I think me being a Christian made him nervous :( That was a new experience for me.

So I have a feeling this one isn't the apartment for me, but I did learn I loved the location and would like to find something in that area. And I also learned apartment interviewing is not difficult at all!

The Hunt continues!!!
-dons armor- ]]> brdwaybebe http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=454 Break It Down: A Dance Movie (Now Online!) http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=453 Sat, 10 May 2008 17:41:49 GMT Here it is, my latest short film finally up online.

It's a comedy spoof on dance movies and another film. Lets see if anyone can pick out the other film. :P

Premise: A girl is challenge to the fight of her life, it's a dance off! Problem is she can't dance. So she seeks training from a former world champion. But will it be enough?


There are two ways to watch. With both I would recommend letting the video completely load before watching. That way you get the best stream.

You can watch on VEOH VIDEO

OR

You can watch on MYSPACE TV.

I don't really know much about Myspace TV, but maybe getting more hits will get my video featured. So perhaps you can click the link to myspace then go back and watch it on Veoh. :D

Which ever loads the best for you really.

Hope you all enjoy.

I'm trying to get some original music made for it right now. A couple of songs are copyrighted so I can't do anything with this. But when I get the original music I'm hoping to put it into some film festivals.

I did have a guy working on something, but I don't know what ever happened. So if you or anyone you know would like to donate their services in creating some music that'll fit, then PLEASE contact me! :D ]]> Professor Chaos http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=453 <![CDATA[Great Rao, I'M 20!]]> http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=452 Sat, 10 May 2008 14:42:15 GMT just shocked and in awe..

-It's officially been 10 years since I got my trachea/breathing tube/wind pipe out.

Annd...

-I think I officially became a Fangirl.

(I wonder If I'm gonna get a badge for it....)

[Ah... A collection of comic books {and Superman memorabilia.} are worth it. ]:D ]]> Supergrl http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=452 Warners Gets Choppy http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=451 Sat, 10 May 2008 12:13:38 GMT Hollywood Reporter... Hollywood Reporter caught the scoop that Warners has axed both it's Independent Pictures and Picturehouse specialty units. The news has caught everyone off guard. Since acquiring New Line, it was inevitable one would need to go but dispatching both came out of the blue.

Warners mostly cited cost cutting behind the move.

Quote:
Warner Bros. president and COO Alan Horn said that in the competitive movie marketplace, which sees upward of 600 movies being released each year, profit margins are tough to eke out, and that is exacerbated by overhead. Because New Line is part of Warners, the company is able to handle films across the entire spectrum of genres and budgets without overlapping production, marketing and distribution infrastructures.
Apparently there was talk about merging the divisions but that was nixed by Picturehouse itself and it's partners New Line and HBO. But meetings were still being held discussing the possibility when word came down. WIP Polly Cohen candidly stated her opinions:

Quote:
It was similar to what happened at New Line. Warners made both of them (Cohen and Berney) jump through hoops for weeks," says a Berney associate.

"They said, 'Will you streamline your staff? -- OK.' 'Will you use the Warner Bros. distribution network? -- OK.' With every obstacle they threw at them, they came back with a PowerPoint presentation on how to deal with it. It's almost like they wanted Bob to quit."

"Bob wasn't getting a lot of calls from other studios since the New Line announcement was made, but he was getting a lot from people with venture capital," the colleague added. "Now the call volume is getting really crazy."
Since Picturehouse handled acquisitions and negative pick ups and WIP took on genre films, many insiders fear the termination of both means Warners is leaving the indie and film festival circuits to concentrate purely on tentpoles. Horn vaguely assures everyone it's not.

The projects developed by the divisions will find homes elsewhere. Does this mean more money for bigger blockbuster features? *coughManOfSteelcough* ]]> Ralph http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=451 Happy Mothers Day! http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=450 Sat, 10 May 2008 11:36:17 GMT It's time to remember the person we owe our lives too the most. Our mums.

Who took care of us when we got sick or scraped our knees?

Who did our washing, cooked our meals, cleaned up after us and kept food in our stomach and roofs over our heads?

Who picked us up when we fell, gave us a hug and told us it would be all right?

Who will always be there when we need them?

We've got 24 hours to show appreciation for a lifetime of loving and caring for us. This day is entirely yours mothers. Enjoy. :)

]]> Ralph http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=450 Operation: Apartment Sneak http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=449 Sat, 10 May 2008 05:03:56 GMT My coworker lent me a GPS and I took a trip down to the place to take a pre interview peek before... My coworker lent me a GPS and I took a trip down to the place to take a pre interview peek before tomorrow. It's less than 15 mins from work!

In this residential area but...better. It's like a gated community just on the outskirts of it. I came over a hill and there was this gorgeous church all lit up on the hill. The house itself is tucked inside like alcove of forest. it's 2 stories with 2 garage doors on the first floor so I assume it'll be like a half house situation. I assume I go up the side of the building to come in or through the garage. If the garage is connected to the house - bonus for safety. It's like a wee little mansion haha. It is white with black trim and a perdy little welcoming porch light.

I even checked if I had cell reception there and I do! YAY!

I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes! ]]> brdwaybebe http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=449 DCU: Decisions http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=448 Sat, 10 May 2008 02:45:08 GMT http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=156482 Bad decison. Watch as DC drives away fans en... http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=156482

Bad decison. Watch as DC drives away fans en masse. I'm just gonna pretend this is an elseworld. AARGH! :mad: ]]> Returns06 http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=448 Me am happy. http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=447 Fri, 09 May 2008 22:41:01 GMT So today I got a call from a guy from an american institute here in Argentina that focuses on... So today I got a call from a guy from an american institute here in Argentina that focuses on teaching American English. They've offered me the chance to have an eight-month long course, and then take the TOEFL later this year.
I already have a CPE grade C certified by Cambridge, and I'm currently studying English translation at UBA (University of Buenos Aires), so I'm guessing this can be a nice little addition to my resume.

The best part? I have an interview on Monday for a full scholarship. :cool:

The program includes exchanges and stuff like that so who knows? Maybe I'll be making a trip to the US before I expected.

Wish me luck, bastards. :P :D :) ]]> superboy13 http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=447 Apartment News! http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=446 Fri, 09 May 2008 22:00:54 GMT Ok so the guy called me this morning and I have an appointment to go and see the place tomorrow. I... Ok so the guy called me this morning and I have an appointment to go and see the place tomorrow.

I asked God if he wants me there to run things smoothly and give me favor witht he guy. If not then clothes the door. I mean I don't wanna live somewhere outside of where God wants me. That is the whole point of the move!

Anyway so I am not known for my good sense of direction so despite it being a 9 mile drive, I was a little concerned about finding my way.

One of my wonderful coworkers lent me his portable GPS to use tomorrow and it's accurate within 10 feet. (If I can't find it after that I don't deserve the apt lol)

So tomorrow is the big day! The gentleman mentioned that I'll need to have first months rent plus another month deposit. So we're praying for $950 soon or to have favor with the guy that he'll let me wait a couple weeks to save.

Ok so I have not one but FOUR miracles to gush about....

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In other news my brother called this morning. I talked to him yesterday and he was a bit upset about some unexpected bills. I told him I would pray that some money would come his way to take care of it and he caleld me on my way to work to say not only his tax return had come but also his econimic stimulus! Woo God!

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My coworker who I adore shares a care with her family and unfortunately it was in an accident. Thank goodness both she and her husband are ok but this left her and her family with no means of getting to work etc. The next day she and her husband were driving and the rims AND tire FELL OFF the car!! :eek:

The insurance company was dragging it's feet acting like they wouldn't pay. I told her I would be praying. The next day her insurance company called and said they would be sending a check that not only covered the repairs but will be enough for them to buy a 2nd car!!!

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I taught the teenagers at church on Sunday and one of them said that his cats eyelid was infected and had popped out of its eye :eek: It was the inner one I guess.

Everyone giggled at the idea of praying for a cat but I did anyway. I have prayed for my cats/animals when they get sick. So we prayed for the cat and had the lesson.

When church ended his phone rang and it was his mother saying the cats eye was healed. just like that!! :D:D
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Work has been stressful because our client is upset that we have been dropping so many calls. We were at a 25% drop rate! They said they wanted us at 5% which we've never been able to pull off since we had the contract. Everyone was totally fried because of being understaffed and stress was a big problem.

I actually was having tightness in my chest from worrying so I prayed and told God I wasn't goign to worry about it anymore and that it was now his problem because there is little I could do to change things.

Yesterday: our drop call rate was an IMPOSSIBLE 4.5%! That is a TOTAL miracle.

-falls over-
How can I be anxious about anything with things like this going on!? -twirls - ]]> brdwaybebe http://www.bluetights.net/theplanet/blog.php?b=446