Rumor For Your Thoughts: Tim Burton To Take On ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Villain Maleficent?

Rumor For Your Thoughts: Tim Burton To Take On ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Villain Maleficent?

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Avatarible

I hate Avatar. There, I said it. Whew!

I thought seeing it written would make me feel differently, but it hasn't. My sentiments are completely unfounded. I didn't see it. Nor have I seen or felt a special affinity toward any of the other films expected a nomination this year (the only one I saw was Julie and Julia... oh and New Moon of course). I wasn't blown away by the Hurt Locker (hahaha, get it?). I didn't soar over Up in the Air (too much? prob). I haven't even bothered to ON DEMAND Inglorious, but somehow I am utterly aggrevated that Avatar beat these films at the Globes.

Maybe it's that I could see this movie coming a mile away. All flash, no substance. All visual, no cerebral. Since the very first trailer, I felt as if I could relay the storyline to you almost verbatim. Everyone I know and respect, who has seen the film, including many of the loyal bloggers on this site o' ours, has justified my feelings.

Maybe I fear blue people. The characters look cross-bred, as if they were the unholy spawn of a tryst between the Blue Man Group and the cast of Cats.

Now I know Cameron innovated for this film big time! I know that industrial upgrades in cinema have not been so blatantly altered since Lucas (who incidentally also gets my goat lately), but I kind of, like, don't care. Is that fair?

I shutter to think that this film will provoke blurbs like, "now the rules have changed." I don't want Avatar and Cameron to change the rules of filmmaking this way. I like my movies the way they are, thank-you very much. I don't want CGI everything. I want Ellen Page as Juno. Matt Damon as Jason Bourne and Zach Galifinaka-whatchamacallit as any funny fat guy he so chooses to be...

If merit were judged on visual innovation, why didn't True Lies (1994) win an Oscar? Why didn't Terminator II: Judgment Day (1991) win? Oh yea, cause the storylines sucked. They were cool movies to watch in the theatre (and I saw them both in one), but they weren't Academy Award films, and you know what? Neither is Avatar. Guess what won Best Picture in 1994? A movie called Forrest Gump. A film that utilized CGI innovatively. A film with great effects, but also great acting and writing. Maybe I want too much. Maybe this is an off year for film.

If it is a slow year for film, why not nominate Paul Rudd for the comedic performance of the year (yes, I saw the Hangover) in I Love You, Man. Do it, Oscar. Totes McGotes!

Maybe I just don't like that Cameron showed up, copied Robert Downey's sentiment about the music and proceeded to preach to the room about "accepting CGI." To a room full of actors! That's like going to a chamber maid convention and pushing Rosie from The Jetsons on everyone. Like showing up with those mechanized baskets at a toll collector conference. Here's the future everyone...I hope you like crap.

Maybe it's just that Cameron looked like he was on leave from Hogwart's. Maybe it's that he looked like the crazy old guy from Six Feet Under and sounded like John Houseman. I don't know.

Also, Ricky Gervais was a disappointment. Mostly because he got less air time than Vanilla Ice did in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 (extra credit for anyone who can name the subline of that gem of a picture). One zinger? At the expense of Mel Gibson. By dog could make of Mel Gibson, and he has arthritisis and doesn't speak English.

Anyway, I hope the Academy gets right what the Hollywood foreign press screwed up. Maybe we just don't get them...they're foreign after all. Don't be racist, Clancey.

Oh, and I am not alone. Here.

Holiday Gift to My Followers

Pearl Jam Live at Austin City Limits...a historic rock n roll landmark, longest running rock show in American history. Nice live versions of Backspacer songs.

The Final Assessment: In-class writing: Is Oscar Wao a hero? Why or why not? (1 page written in class)

It has been my great pleasure to have shared this experience with you. All the best. Strive for excellence. Be well. Remember that life is what you make it. 10% is what happens to you, 90% is how you react to it. Happy Holidays. Be safe!

If I can ever be of assistance, do not hesitate to ask. E-mail me, call me or contact me through this blog.

Ethics Alley Response...Try not to Cheat on this one, sinners!

Journal #8: What did you learn from Wednesday's activities? Sum it up. If you were not in class, write about Oscar Wao.

Read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read, read Part II of Oscar Wao

Let's Bail Out the Pot Dealers!

Let's Bail Out the Pot Dealers!

Talk about vivid imagery and CD! Thought you guys might like this.

Changez is baaaaaccccckkkkkk.....ahhhhhhh!

Very simple this week. You have two jobs: 1. Revise formal essay #4. Do not forget to staple newer versions on top of older versions.

2. Avoid the swine flu.

Appeal to me!

WRITE: You have two short writing assignments for Monday, my phriends, each shall be one page typed and turned in:

1. Write a critique of the David Rohde NY Times article. Address specifically what you "take away" from the article. In other words, what most affected you and why. Please provide at least one specific reference to the article.

2. Stockton is chosing a new mascot! It has called upon its student body to write a one page paper nominating a mascot. The administration wants a mascot that represents the pride and honor of the institution. The community wants a mascot that represents a relevant icon of the area. The students want something that kicks ass! There are expected to be thousands of submissions, so it needs to persuasive. Incorporate all three types of appeals in your answer.

Fear It!

Besides the project due Wednesday, be sure you finish the New York Times article. Link through the previous link and just click the different sections at the top. Please do not skip the Epilogue.

October 26, 2009

Sorry for the inconvenience. I didn't know for sure this would happen until the last possible minute. For Wednesday, just keep reading about the NY Times journalist abduction. Be prepared to discuss and use the information from the article. Grab part 2 here.