James Cameron is the biggest name in making blockbuster movies. The only other two names that even compete: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. I don't need to waste time talking about the history.
Avatar has been 13 years in the making. I remember hearing about it as a kid. When I first saw a trailer, I really didn't want to see it. It all seemed to be TOO much. I thought it would end up like a Jason Bay film - they always turn into massive CGI fests. I knew I would end up seeing it however - it's too big to miss and I have too much free time at home over break.
I saw it the previous day with a few of my buddies in "Real 3D." I couldn't tell you the difference between "Real 3D" and IMAX 3D and all this other variations in watching film. I didn't really see any 3D, and the glasses honestly hurt my eyes. I'm not sure I buy into the whole 3D gimmick, but it seems to be sweeping Hollywood by storm.
Anyways, the movie could only be described with one word: epic. While not as long as Titanic, it certainly was not short. The length is the only thing that bothered me about the movie. The technology to create this new world was unbelieveable and honestly breathtaking. Cameron created a beautiful universe that sci-fi geeks will definitely lose themselves in (especially if they make sequels - which are rumored.)
The story is just an adaptation of the time old classic Western movie, set in 2154. There wasn't much surprise as far as how the story played out. That doesn't mean it wasn't cool to witness. There was definitely alot of metaphors towards the current American wars and our policy towards getting oil, but it didn't spoil the movie. It can't be compared to any other movie, because its on a entirely different level of blockbuster that is just starting. I wouldn't say it was the best movie I've seen all year (still goes to Up In The Air,) but it was definitely an enjoyable film, if only shorter. I couldn't see any parts to cut out though, because all of the scenes were needed to complete the story. The "final battle" scenes were as huge as those seen on the third Lord of the Rings, just set in the future.
Overall, it exceeded my expectations and was absolutely amazing to watch, but not as good as Aquaman (Entourage joke, for those not in the know)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tiger Woods is Just as Human as You
So it's been a month since everything went downhill for Tiger. It's been a roller-coaster ride. I figured I would chime in now that we think we know everything.
Tiger might be my favorite athlete ever. Iverson was a strong option, Brian Dawkins did it too. I really liked Nomar Garciaparra, but he fell off so quick. Tiger's always been winning, and his sport allows him to keep winning for a long time. For over 12 years, he's been the most consistent, polished, winning athlete. He was always so poised, he almost seemed immortal. He never tried to be the country's favorite, he just wants to win. America loves Tiger, but we don't know much about him except for his golf career, which included his father's death.
Superstar athletes and celebrities assume all types of privileges, one of them including women. It's hard to find one who DOESN'T live life like a "rock star." I'm sitting here and can't think of one that I haven't heard rumors about cheating on their wife or getting divorced. A-Rod. Jordan. Varitek. Kobe. Duke Lacrosse (although innocent). They've all taken advantage of their positions, and for the first three, it ruined their marriages (although Kobe recovered.)
I don't want to say that everyone cheats on their significant other. It feels that way. You don't hear about the couples that stay together, because that's too boring. Most of my friends have at some point cheated on their girlfriend/boyfriend, many times without admitting to it to them. Maybe that's just us in our youth. I know several older married couples where they've caught their significant other cheating on them, and they stick together "for the kids." Divorce is brutal, but so is a marriage with no real substance. There's no right solution, other than don't cheat and make sure you're making the right choice when you commit to someone. It sounds easier sitting here than it actually is.
Tiger's case was 6 years in the making. How many other celebrities have girls on the side that we don't know about? If Tiger can fall, anyone can.
But the thing is, people don't really care. Sure, they care about scandal and gossip. But in the end, do people really view Tiger any differently? Nike called this a "minor blip" in their relationship. Only one of his sponsors dropped him. His golf game should be fine (2010 was set up for him to have a HUGE year). I think the reason why people don't care is because cheating has become so common, its almost like its no big deal. The bigger deal was that Tiger Woods wasn't who we thought he was - he was actually just like everyone else.
Tiger might be my favorite athlete ever. Iverson was a strong option, Brian Dawkins did it too. I really liked Nomar Garciaparra, but he fell off so quick. Tiger's always been winning, and his sport allows him to keep winning for a long time. For over 12 years, he's been the most consistent, polished, winning athlete. He was always so poised, he almost seemed immortal. He never tried to be the country's favorite, he just wants to win. America loves Tiger, but we don't know much about him except for his golf career, which included his father's death.
Superstar athletes and celebrities assume all types of privileges, one of them including women. It's hard to find one who DOESN'T live life like a "rock star." I'm sitting here and can't think of one that I haven't heard rumors about cheating on their wife or getting divorced. A-Rod. Jordan. Varitek. Kobe. Duke Lacrosse (although innocent). They've all taken advantage of their positions, and for the first three, it ruined their marriages (although Kobe recovered.)
I don't want to say that everyone cheats on their significant other. It feels that way. You don't hear about the couples that stay together, because that's too boring. Most of my friends have at some point cheated on their girlfriend/boyfriend, many times without admitting to it to them. Maybe that's just us in our youth. I know several older married couples where they've caught their significant other cheating on them, and they stick together "for the kids." Divorce is brutal, but so is a marriage with no real substance. There's no right solution, other than don't cheat and make sure you're making the right choice when you commit to someone. It sounds easier sitting here than it actually is.
Tiger's case was 6 years in the making. How many other celebrities have girls on the side that we don't know about? If Tiger can fall, anyone can.
But the thing is, people don't really care. Sure, they care about scandal and gossip. But in the end, do people really view Tiger any differently? Nike called this a "minor blip" in their relationship. Only one of his sponsors dropped him. His golf game should be fine (2010 was set up for him to have a HUGE year). I think the reason why people don't care is because cheating has become so common, its almost like its no big deal. The bigger deal was that Tiger Woods wasn't who we thought he was - he was actually just like everyone else.
Why is Christmas shoved down our throats?
Okay, so I know I launched my blog today and had two other posts pre-loaded up here, but I've just gone through another Christmas holiday and always wonder why there is such a lead up to the day. No other holiday has an "eve" besides New Years (imagine having a Valentine's Day Eve and a Martin Luther King Day Eve, what's the point of eves?)
First of all, not everyone celebrates Christmas. You don't see many other religious holidays acknowledged half as much at all.
But then think about how much Christmas is implied EVERYWHERE. Radio stations in Philly start playing only Christmas music immediately after Halloween. Retail stores start their "holiday line" in October too. There's no rule against it, but I just think it's just a bit much. It's everywhere. There really isn't any going back, I just think people should realize how swept up our country is. It's just a day. For most people, it doesn't do anything more than any other day. 2 month lead up for one day. You don't see that for any other holiday.
Of course companies use the socially-correct "Happy Holiday" saying instead of specifying one holiday. Yet after exams when I was doing some shopping for my parents, I tried to take notice as far as what was said, Happy Holiday vs. Merry Christmas, and literally got all Merry Christmas. How do these people know I celebrate Christmas? Maybe I just have that gentile look, but it seems like everyone just assumes you celebrate Christmas, weather you do or not. If I didn't celebrate Christmas, I would probably be offended. Larry David could probably have a field day with this concept.
Ultimately, the point of "the holiday season" shouldn't be about gifts or any of that stuff, it should be about family. But at least today at my family "gathering," it was more about "I didn't get what I wanted" from 50 year old women. We've become too accustomed to Christmas just equaling gifts. I can't say I'm not guilty of thinking the same, how can anyone not be? We've been assimilated. There's not much we can really do, I just thought it was something to think about.
First of all, not everyone celebrates Christmas. You don't see many other religious holidays acknowledged half as much at all.
But then think about how much Christmas is implied EVERYWHERE. Radio stations in Philly start playing only Christmas music immediately after Halloween. Retail stores start their "holiday line" in October too. There's no rule against it, but I just think it's just a bit much. It's everywhere. There really isn't any going back, I just think people should realize how swept up our country is. It's just a day. For most people, it doesn't do anything more than any other day. 2 month lead up for one day. You don't see that for any other holiday.
Of course companies use the socially-correct "Happy Holiday" saying instead of specifying one holiday. Yet after exams when I was doing some shopping for my parents, I tried to take notice as far as what was said, Happy Holiday vs. Merry Christmas, and literally got all Merry Christmas. How do these people know I celebrate Christmas? Maybe I just have that gentile look, but it seems like everyone just assumes you celebrate Christmas, weather you do or not. If I didn't celebrate Christmas, I would probably be offended. Larry David could probably have a field day with this concept.
Ultimately, the point of "the holiday season" shouldn't be about gifts or any of that stuff, it should be about family. But at least today at my family "gathering," it was more about "I didn't get what I wanted" from 50 year old women. We've become too accustomed to Christmas just equaling gifts. I can't say I'm not guilty of thinking the same, how can anyone not be? We've been assimilated. There's not much we can really do, I just thought it was something to think about.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Top 5 Albums of the Decade (according to me)
So I saw Rolling Stone's Top 100 Albums of the Decade, and found myself agreeing on some points, but clueless on some others (I really don't understand Radiohead, and never really liked Wilco.) That doesn't mean they're wrong, I bet they have better expertise than me, but I just thought it would be a perfect opportunity for my first real post. But I only picked 5 albums. They aren't necessarily my favorites, but what I think are the best.
Also, something I think to keep in mind, at the start of 2000, I was 11 years old. My music selection was pretty limited to Blink-182 and Sum41. I still listen to them today, but I was hypnotized by them.
5) The College Dropout - Kanye West
I don't claim to be much of a hip-hopper, but Kanye's first album was awesome. Previously he was behind the tracks producing Jay-Z and other's tracks. But his own album really blew everyone else's out of the water. It was the start of him on his way to becoming one of the biggest players in the game. He's featured on alot of other people's songs, and although he's REAL cocky (yo but this was the best album of ALL TIME) he's really talented, and we saw that in The College Dropout.
4) A Rush of Blood to the Head - Coldplay
I struggle to pick my favorite Coldplay album, but when you look at the track listing, how can anyone argue against "Clocks", "The Scientist" (their best song ever in my opinion), "In My Place", among others. This album not only proved that Coldplay was better than just a one hit album, and became a phenomenon with X&Y and Vida La Vida. They're really something special, and this album really showed their brilliance.
3) American Idiot - Green Day
Okay, so if you knew me in 2004, you know that this album was the only one in my car, and no other CD was going to be played. There were so many levels of the album that appealed. The rock opera format is difficult to pull off, yet they did it brilliantly. The story summed up an American teenager from a broken home growing up in a war-torn, politically inept, country. While I don't consider myself political towards the left or the right, I really appreciate the commentary the band made on the choices the government made regarding war, and at the same time threading it into a magnificent story. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was one of the best songs of the 2005 (it was hard to compete with Kelly Clarkson that year.) Both "Boulevard" and the album won Grammy's. It was even made into a musical play, which last time I checked is a play in LA. Really a great story and a bold concept that many artists don't dare to take.
2) All You Can't Leave Behind - U2
I wasn't sold on this album when it came out (see above regarding listening to Blink and Sum41 in 2000) but over time I realized how huge this album was. Although it came out in 2000, I think everyone remembers their Super Bowl performance in February 2002, with the 9/11 Memorial featured. It was powerful and inspirational, and looking back nine years later, it's really grown to become one of their best, and swept the country with it's catchy songs, especially Elevation. Who wasn't addicted to that song?
1) The Rising - Bruce Springsteen
So again, if you know me, you know my obsession with Bruce Springsteen. It's taken over my life. But this album captured the soul of America post-9/11. For my generation, September 11, 2001 was the day that everything changed. It was our loss of innocence and freedom. For the first time in a long time, America felt vulnerable. It was a game-changer. The country needed to rebound, and Bruce provided that sense of hope that he always has, but this time America needed it. The songs were so powerful, motivating, and inspirational, it's hard to listen to it and not smile, especially for "Waitin' On A Sunny Day", and "Mary's Place." It isn't Bruce's best album, but it was definitely the most timely (of the three I've been alive for anyway)
And now the debate ensues (for the four people that read this blog)
Also, something I think to keep in mind, at the start of 2000, I was 11 years old. My music selection was pretty limited to Blink-182 and Sum41. I still listen to them today, but I was hypnotized by them.
5) The College Dropout - Kanye West
I don't claim to be much of a hip-hopper, but Kanye's first album was awesome. Previously he was behind the tracks producing Jay-Z and other's tracks. But his own album really blew everyone else's out of the water. It was the start of him on his way to becoming one of the biggest players in the game. He's featured on alot of other people's songs, and although he's REAL cocky (yo but this was the best album of ALL TIME) he's really talented, and we saw that in The College Dropout.4) A Rush of Blood to the Head - Coldplay
I struggle to pick my favorite Coldplay album, but when you look at the track listing, how can anyone argue against "Clocks", "The Scientist" (their best song ever in my opinion), "In My Place", among others. This album not only proved that Coldplay was better than just a one hit album, and became a phenomenon with X&Y and Vida La Vida. They're really something special, and this album really showed their brilliance.
3) American Idiot - Green Day
Okay, so if you knew me in 2004, you know that this album was the only one in my car, and no other CD was going to be played. There were so many levels of the album that appealed. The rock opera format is difficult to pull off, yet they did it brilliantly. The story summed up an American teenager from a broken home growing up in a war-torn, politically inept, country. While I don't consider myself political towards the left or the right, I really appreciate the commentary the band made on the choices the government made regarding war, and at the same time threading it into a magnificent story. "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was one of the best songs of the 2005 (it was hard to compete with Kelly Clarkson that year.) Both "Boulevard" and the album won Grammy's. It was even made into a musical play, which last time I checked is a play in LA. Really a great story and a bold concept that many artists don't dare to take.2) All You Can't Leave Behind - U2
I wasn't sold on this album when it came out (see above regarding listening to Blink and Sum41 in 2000) but over time I realized how huge this album was. Although it came out in 2000, I think everyone remembers their Super Bowl performance in February 2002, with the 9/11 Memorial featured. It was powerful and inspirational, and looking back nine years later, it's really grown to become one of their best, and swept the country with it's catchy songs, especially Elevation. Who wasn't addicted to that song?1) The Rising - Bruce Springsteen
So again, if you know me, you know my obsession with Bruce Springsteen. It's taken over my life. But this album captured the soul of America post-9/11. For my generation, September 11, 2001 was the day that everything changed. It was our loss of innocence and freedom. For the first time in a long time, America felt vulnerable. It was a game-changer. The country needed to rebound, and Bruce provided that sense of hope that he always has, but this time America needed it. The songs were so powerful, motivating, and inspirational, it's hard to listen to it and not smile, especially for "Waitin' On A Sunny Day", and "Mary's Place." It isn't Bruce's best album, but it was definitely the most timely (of the three I've been alive for anyway)And now the debate ensues (for the four people that read this blog)
The First Post
When I pictured myself starting a blog, I thought of Hank Moody from Californication, where he would try to write a blog and end up throwing his computer at a wall. Then write some anti-society piece on how dumb everyone is. Then I realized I'm not as creative or awesome as Hank Moody.
There is no right way to start a blog. Hell, it took me a few hours just to figure out a name for this, and I don't even know if I like this name. It makes me sound like a tool. But names aren't important, it's about the soul of the blog, right?
Okay, so let me explain myself and who I am, and I think that will help explain what I'll be talking about on my blog.
As I write I am on my winter break from school as a student at Boston University. I am a senior majoring in public relations graduating in May 2010. It's coming up quickly and while I love college and the experience it has provided, I'm excited for the future. The job market is garbage right now, but we can only go up from here (or so Obama says.)
I'm pretty passionate for sports, specifically for teams from Philly. I do have a couple favorites from outside of Philly (Red Sox, Athletics, and the Celtics among a few.) If you didn't pick up on it, I'm from Philadelphia. I originally grew up in Center-City then moved out to the suburbs. I love the city. Great area. Love the Jersey Shore (South Jersey Shore, not the trash you see on MTV, although they make for GREAT television.) I really want to move out to Southern California someday, there's something about that area that really seems like the "American Dream" that really speaks to me. I also was obsessed with The OC as a teenager, and that probably influenced me heavily.
Some of my other passions include music, TV shows, not so much movies, they're just alright. I really enjoy playing golf, but I'm not very good. As of a month ago I've really wanted to go bowling all the time. It hasn't really panned out though. I would say I enjoy traveling, but I always find it hard to plan. Once it's planned, it's awesome.
This post has been rambling a bit more than I would like, so I'll close with why I'm writing this. One of the biggest motivators is an upcoming class I'm taking requires a blog, so I figured I would get a head start. This concept of "social media" and all of these things the Internet is allowing for us to do is new and exciting, so why not embrace it? We can now get our message out to everyone, and that's pretty cool. So anyways, more rambling. I'm hoping this is a decent start. Given that I'm on break, I hope I'll have some more updates often.
There is no right way to start a blog. Hell, it took me a few hours just to figure out a name for this, and I don't even know if I like this name. It makes me sound like a tool. But names aren't important, it's about the soul of the blog, right?
Okay, so let me explain myself and who I am, and I think that will help explain what I'll be talking about on my blog.
As I write I am on my winter break from school as a student at Boston University. I am a senior majoring in public relations graduating in May 2010. It's coming up quickly and while I love college and the experience it has provided, I'm excited for the future. The job market is garbage right now, but we can only go up from here (or so Obama says.)
I'm pretty passionate for sports, specifically for teams from Philly. I do have a couple favorites from outside of Philly (Red Sox, Athletics, and the Celtics among a few.) If you didn't pick up on it, I'm from Philadelphia. I originally grew up in Center-City then moved out to the suburbs. I love the city. Great area. Love the Jersey Shore (South Jersey Shore, not the trash you see on MTV, although they make for GREAT television.) I really want to move out to Southern California someday, there's something about that area that really seems like the "American Dream" that really speaks to me. I also was obsessed with The OC as a teenager, and that probably influenced me heavily.
Some of my other passions include music, TV shows, not so much movies, they're just alright. I really enjoy playing golf, but I'm not very good. As of a month ago I've really wanted to go bowling all the time. It hasn't really panned out though. I would say I enjoy traveling, but I always find it hard to plan. Once it's planned, it's awesome.
This post has been rambling a bit more than I would like, so I'll close with why I'm writing this. One of the biggest motivators is an upcoming class I'm taking requires a blog, so I figured I would get a head start. This concept of "social media" and all of these things the Internet is allowing for us to do is new and exciting, so why not embrace it? We can now get our message out to everyone, and that's pretty cool. So anyways, more rambling. I'm hoping this is a decent start. Given that I'm on break, I hope I'll have some more updates often.
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