Jun

30

Bob Roberts.

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Every time I watch Bob Roberts–and I must have seen it at least eight times in as many years–I tear up at the end. There is something about the Jefferson Memorial scene, given all that leads up to it, that hits me a certain way. Cannot explain it. But I do remember that, around my birthday five or so years ago, when my brother asked me what I wanted, I got him to drive me to D.C. from New Jersey on short notice only to stand in the Memorial after dusk, read the inscription (”I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”), then return home.

Bob Roberts is an extremely funny, well-made political mockumentary. Scary as well. Full of interesting people in interesting roles (e.g. author Gore Vidal as Sen. Brickley Paiste, country singer Kelly Willis as Clarissa Flan, a young Helen Hunt as newsreporter Rose Pondell, John Cusack as the “Cutting Edge Live” host, and an “introducing” Jack Black as superpsychofan Roger Davis). Intriguing as Tim Robbins directoral debut. Fantastic as one of Giancarlo Esposito’s greatest roles. And this from a guy who actually likes Spike Lee films. And most memorable for its extremely beautiful, catchy, and fucked-up tunes.

Highly recommended.

****

Jun

29

Day of the Fight.

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I must admit I have mixed feelings about Stanley Kubrick as a filmmaker. I absolutely adore Strangelove. I enjoyed Paths of Glory and The Killing. I found A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Lolita, and Full Metal Jacket flawed, but with flashed of brillance. And I found 2001, Eyes Wide Shut, and Spartacus unmitigated disasters. Why have I seen so many Kubrick films if I do not always enjoy his films? I’m not entirely certain. But I was sucked in again recently when I viewed a short film Kubrick that was originally released in the early 50s called Day of the Fight. About a middleweight prizefighting boxer, I should have known I wouldn’t enjoy it. Boxing just isn’t my thing. But I watched it anyway, hoping for genius. Was I disappointed? Oh, yes.

[From Grow-a-Brain.]

Jun

29

Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex.

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Still haven’t had a chance to see Superman Returns. Hopefully I can get Deb to go with me when I travel down to Rainier this weekend. If not, I’ll see it next week sometime.

Anyway, I just came upon a rather humorous essay by SF author Larry Niven entitled “Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex.” Written in 1971, the essay examines Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman’s sexual dysfunction. Worth a read.

[From BoingBoing.]

Jun

29

Tesdahl and the Revised Uniform Partnership Act.

Filed Under Law | 3 Comments

Compare the following:

“If a partnership at will – it dissolves upon receiving notice of any partner’s desire to withdraw.”

“A partnership is dissolved, and its business must be wound up, only upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (1) In a partnership at will, the partnership’s having notice from a partner, other than a partner who is dissociated under RCW 25.05.225 (2) through (10), of that partner’s express will to withdraw as a partner, or on a later date specified by the partner;”

The former is Ben Tesdahl’s explanation of the rule. The latter is the rule, taken verbatim from the Washington Code. Notice any differences? Need help? How about the clause starting with “other than”?

As I was listening to Tesdahl’s explanation of the rules regarding general partnerships, he repeatedly said something along the lines of “after a partner dissociates, the ongoing concern of the remaining partners is technically a new partnership.” Which is perfectly true under the original 1914 Uniform Partnership Act. But is not true under the 1997 Revised Uniform Partnership Act, which he was careful to note Washington adopted in 1997. That’s the whole reason why the dissolution/dissociation distinction was created. But I chalked it up to harmless error.

But when his statement of the rule regarding the event causing dissolution is so basically incorrect… I can only hope that no one is relying exclusively on Ben Tesdahl in order to learn partnership law, and actually remembers a few things from her business associations course.

Jun

29

I’m gonna be a book reviewer.

Filed Under Print Media, Science & Technology | 1 Comment

Blogger, author, and Wired editor Chris Anderson put out a call on Monday evening, saying his publisher gave him 100 copies of his new book to distribute to bloggers in order drum up business. The post also made reference to the fact that the book was to be released in 15 days. Given that I’d originally preordered the book back in March, this was good news. Then a lightbulb went off. I’m a blogger.

So I quickly shot off an email to Mr. Anderson, requesting a review copy. Then nothing. No response. I checked back at the post. He said something about non-U.S. bloggers getting more than their fair share (because he posted when most of the U.S. was about to go to bed) and how he was opening up to a few more bloggers. This was on Tuesday morning. So I thought I was a shoe-in. But no email from Mr. Anderson had arrived, despite his promise of a Tuesday notification. Was my little blog too small?

Apparently not. Received an email late last night that said he’d shipped me a copy. Hooray! Now I get to be a book reviewer and have an excuse to put that borrowed copy of Bridget Jones’s Diary on the backburner.

Jun

28

Roger Ebert and Superman.

Filed Under Film | 5 Comments

Of mainstream film reviewers, I tend to agree with Roger Ebert fairly often. He tends to be less prissy and elitist than most other long practicing reviewers who have seen thousands of films. I appreciate that he isn’t overly down on the moviegoing public. But he also isn’t a populist, like the industry plants. Also, the man knows the value of being succinct, unlike some, and has seen a lot of movies.

Ebert’s recent review of Superman Returns made me smile even moreso than usual. Why? He seems to have a general distaste for Superman as a character. I have yet to see the film, but I cannot imagine I will enjoy it anywhere near as much as I enjoyed Batman Begins or Spider-Man 2. Why? No matter how well it is made, Superman just isn’t that interesting a character. Ebert does seem to find additional problems with this installment over, say, the first two Christopher Reeve pictures. Which I may or may not agree with, ultimately. [I'm not a big Christopher Reeve fan. The Superman films from the late 70s and early 80s were a bit too campy and overblown for my delicate sensibilities.] But a Superman film is going to be at a disadvantage at the start, just because of the subject matter, for certain moviegoers. And apparently Ebert, like myself, is that sort of moviegoer.

Jun

27

Channel 101 Roundup.

Filed Under Channel 101 | 2 Comments

“Now that was a hell of a crap.” The fifth installment of “Classroom” keeps up the same level of silliness and dead-on afterschool specialness that made it popular. [Well, not so much popular. But preferred over some of the other shit that people submit.] Amusing enough in its own right, but the formula is starting to wear a little thin. Want evidence? Bad pirates do not a joke make. Further evidence? Most of the original cast has been replaced. More evidence? Dan Harmon made a guest appearance. Time to put this puppy to bed.

“If you don’t start producing, the only place you’ll be talking dirty is through a Carl’s Jr. drive thru window.” Newcomer “Phone Sexxers” has some appeal and produces a few chuckles. But its lead actor is not very likable. Or a very good actor. Expectation? It’ll drift toward the bottom of primetime next month and be canceled in August.

“A blonde, a brunette, a redhead, and a can of whipcream. I like to call it a Neapolitan pussy special.” “Fire Guys” is back. Surprise, surprise. Over-the-top misogyny fuel the laughs here. That and lots of girl on “girl” action. I have a feeling this show will, if its production levels stay as high as they have been, be around for a while.

“I would like you to meet me at Kino’s pizzeria facility to…um…to discuss some plans I have for a more powerful laser checkout system. And for dinner.” The top spot this month went to “Chad Vader: Day Shift Manager.” Deservedly so, I suppose. More polished than previous Yonda and Sloan vehicle “McCourt’s.” But also less quotable. Amusing enough concept, mind you, behind “Chad Vader.” Lots of room to grow the concept. So long as it doesn’t grow stale first.

[I'm not going to bother reviewing the latest installment of "Your Magic Touched Me" because the first two sucked so bad.]

Shed a few tears for the dearly departed “Yacht Rock.” Easily one of the best 101s ever. And although the audience apparently tired of the show, “Yacht Rock” never did fall flat on its face like so many shows at the end.

Jun

27

Channel 102 Roundup.

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“Jesus Christ, Beth. These muffins are giving me a hardon.” “Sexual Intercourse: American Style” is growing on me, if only because its tone is so fantastically bizarre. And it is so chock full of awkward moments.

“Shit. You just lost your vision. That’s the first sign of death.” “Dr. Miracles” is smart, funny, and deserving of a primetime berth. Good thing it got it. It has “bad math” joke, which makes me happy. And a lot of penis and oral sex jokes, which makes me even more happy. Could use a better sound man, though.

Top honors ought to have gone to the fabulous newcomer “The Bicycle Thief.” No, it’s not an update of the late 40s Italian classic film. Rather, its a surreal and deeply disturbing comedy thriller. It resembles a Waverly production, only with different actors. And it will almost certainly go on for as long as it chooses.

“Now some people might add spices to the filling, like cinnamon or nutmeg. But we say, ‘no thank you sir. Brown powders angry up the blood.’ ” Short and sweet 50s over-patriotic cooking show “American Cookbook” is a pleasant distraction. And the “next time” image will haunt my dreams tonight.

“When I saw my father suck that baby’s penis, I could feel the creation of the Covenant.” Last month, I suggested that “Mohels” is unsustainable. At the time, I was focused on the plot structure. Apparently the creators took my advice and started introducing a “bris cancellation” plot line. Great. Now, I’m focused on the lack of funny when I continue to suggest “Mohels” isn’t sustainable. Buh-bye.

The Power Glove was a nice touch. But the bad action film antics and campy melodrama that plagued the final episode of “28 Day Slater” completely justified its cancellation.

Jun

26

Treasure Box.

Filed Under Gaming | 1 Comment

For a lovely and engaging puzzle game–reminiscent of Monty Python artwork, only interactive–look no farther than Treasure Box. Not nearly as tricky as some of its kin, and thus, to me at any rate, much more enjoyable.

[From Table of Malcontents.]

Jun

25

Dean Cain and Sherilyn Fenn.

Filed Under Film | 1 Comment

If I ever become a powerful film producer, I’m going to make sure that Dean Cain and Sherilyn Fenn star in a heartbreaking romance. Because I’ll be the sort of big name film producer who rewards the underappreciated, and presumably inexpensive, actors who touched me in my formative years. Figuratively, that is. Through television. Which I suppose means I’m ruling out Drew Barrymore, who touched me through film. And Luke Perry, who touched me through corduroy.

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