The Pop Culture Addict’s Blog

Let me recommend once more the music videos of Michel Gondry. He is a visual genius. I also appreciate Dave Chappelle’s Block Party for Gondry’s unique talent in combining music and filmic vision. Anyway, given my admiration for Michel Gondry, I had to see Be Kind Rewind. Everytime I saw the trailer, I chuckled. I did think The Science of Sleep was fascinating but weaker in storytelling than say Being John Malkovich or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Gondry’s strength is in visual story-telling although he does have interesting ideas for stories. He just benefits from having someone work with him to flesh them out on paper like how he thought of the concept behind Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind but Charlie Kaufman wrote the screenplay. I think he’s sort of like George Lucas in that way. They both seem to experience more success on collaborative works with people who are as talented in writing as they are in visuals.

So keeping this in mind, I still felt compelled to see Be Kind Rewind the second it opened. It was very cute and funny. It wasn’t nearly as dynamic as Being John Malkovich but it was definitely watchable all the way. It had a lot of heart. Everyone seemed to enjoy being in it and I enjoyed watching it.

George A. Romero’s Diary of the Dead 2008

I wanted to mention a couple of other movies while I was here. So Diary of the Dead is a zombie movie. It was pretty good for a zombie movie. There are pretty people being chased by the undead who can only be stopped by quite brutal means. I think Shaun of the Dead is more my style but I know there would be no Shaun of the Dead without George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead from 1978. So basically, Diary of the Dead is the 30 year update.

The Spiderwick Chronicles in IMAX 2008

This was much better than I expected. It was actually fairly decent. Seeing it in IMAX was certainly a plus. I haven’t read the books so I can’t compare. Freddie Highmore did a good job of playing twins. I liked all of the actors. The sister played by Sarah Bolger was good. The director, Mark Waters, knows how to work with young actors and make a movie work (like Freaky Friday and Mean Girls). I got a kick out of Seth Rogen voicing the Hogsqueal character. He did a good job. I wonder if he ad-libbed any lines. Anyway, great delivery!

I must say I’m looking forward to seeing the Martin Scorcese doc of the Rolling Stones in IMAX, Shine a Light. I think it’s going to be good!

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I had heard Mika (mee-kah)’s songs throughout the past year but only recently did I start listening to the entire album, Life in Cartoon Motion. He has a good voice, he’s funny and it’s very upbeat music. You can work out to it, dance to it, simply be amused by yourself in the car or on the train while listening to it. Very cute. I really like the artwork. Hope you can see it. Amazon has been a bit shaky on the visuals lately.

I just read The Lost Painting by Jonathan “A Civil Action” Harr. It was surprisingly non-boring and good. The idea of a nonfiction book about the search for a lost Caravaggio doesn’t seem accessible to non-professional art historians (I’m not). But I got into the mystery and chase of it quickly and by the looks of it, so did many others. Anyway, while I really need to stop accumulating books (we’re talking potential paper avalanches here), I don’t want to stop. I guess I could go back to checking books out from the library but I like reading a good book and passing it along. That’s another way of clearing shelves.

Did I already mention that I saw Hannah Montana in 3D? I think I was thinking of it but hadn’t yet. Yes, I saw, of my own volition, Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert in Disney Digital 3D with Special Guests Jonas Brothers. I only know a few of her songs and don’t quite know the difference between her Hannah Montana songs and Miley Cyrus songs. But still, I do know Nobody’s Perfect, I Got Nerve and of course, Best of Both Worlds which is the theme song to her tv show. A fellow PCA was like, the acting on Hannah Montana and pretty much all Disney Channel shows is OTT (over the top). But what can I say, I like some of the music. Same with Nickelodeon shows. For example, I don’t watch Drake and Josh but I do really like that theme song by Drake Bell, Found a Way, especially the acoustic version on his album.

So back to the movie. I found it enjoyable enough. They tried to put in bits and pieces of backstage life to fill it out a bit. She is quite likeable. But for it to be a better movie, IMO, they needed to have more Jonas Brothers’ performances! While I’m not that familiar with Hannah/Miley’s music, I do know the Jonas Brothers songs fairly well. I like their spunk. I think they perform more songs in the actual concert. They only did 3 – one with Miley and 2 on their own. My favorite performance was Year 3000. Very energetic and cute. I was waiting for more. I guess they had to keep the focus on the star. Anyway, it’s amazing what a phenomenon they all are. At least parents can take their kids to this concert movie instead of listening to their kids lament over not being able to get tickets to the actual concert.

So, next I wouldn’t mind seeing the U2 concert film and Rolling Stones one. I’d like to see all of them in 3D. And these are actually supposed to be good. Actually, the next movie I’m slated to see is Doug Liman’s Jumpers. I know it looks really goofy. But sometimes, I like goofy (hey, I saw Hannah Montana in 3D, didn’t I?). Also, I think Doug Liman is talented. I loved Go and also thought Swingers was fun, The Bourne Identity was good and he directed a couple eps of The O.C. I wasn’t into Mr. and Mrs. Smith but some of it was okay. So, I’ll give Jumpers a chance. But yes, I know, it doesn’t look that promising. I still hold out hope.

EDIT 2/16/08: Quick review of Jumpers…um, it was watchable. Some cool ideas and nice locations and CGI work. Likable actors for sure. Sort of flimsy on the details plotwise. But it could work as a light rental or cable entertainment. Liked Jamie Bell’s “home” or grotto or whatnot. Interesting geeky hipster crowd at the film. At first, it was half-empty. Then in the last 5 minutes before start time, it totally filled up and gave me hope that at least a fun crowd would boost the energy of the viewing which it did. But I would say watch Go for a better movie and better Doug Liman experience.

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EDIT: According to my Chinese New Year placemat from one of my lunar new year celebrations:

RATs are ambitious yet honest. Prone to spend freely. Seldom make lasting friendships. Most compatible with Dragons (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000) and Monkeys (1932, 1944, 1950, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004). Least compatible with Horses (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002).

END EDIT

I didn’t do my usual lunar new year shopping yet. So I don’t have a cute little rat image to put here. But I will give some background and list some links. And if I get to my spots and find something noteworthy, I’ll put it up later!

If you were born on either February 4 or 5 depending on the year in the 1900 (2/4), 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 (2/4), 1996 (2/4) or 2008 (2/4), you were born in the year of the Rat. If you were born in those years before those dates, you were born in the Year of the Pig.

From Tai Chi Australia:

The Rat is the first Sign of the Chinese Zodiac and is born under the sign of charm. He is intelligent, popular, and loves attending parties and large social gatherings. He has a good understanding of human nature and his advice and opinions are often sought.

The Rat is a hard and diligent worker. He is also very imaginative and is never short of ideas. However, he does sometimes lack the confidence to promote his ideas as much as he should and this can often prevent him from securing the recognition and credit he so often deserves.

The Rat loves to be where there is a lot of action, but should he ever find himself in a very bureaucratic or restrictive environment he can become a stickler for discipline and routine.

Rats are very thrifty and to some, may appear a little mean. This is purely because he likes to keep his money within his family so he can be most generous to his partner, his children, and close friends and relatives.

Throughout his long and eventful life, the Rat will make many friends and will find that he is especially well-suited to those born under his own sign and those of the Ox, Dragon and Monkey.

Famous Rat People: Antonio Banderas, Cameron Diaz, Alexander the Great, Claude Monet and Mozart.

Here’s your 2008 fortune if you are a Rat from Chinese Astrology and Signs:

The clever rat has made many ambitious plans that will be put into action this year (2008). Good fortune and good times will surround the rat in this year of glory. Easy social grace is a gift of those born in this sign, but trusted close friends and family are the center that the rat needs to secure prosperity. Beware of the battle of earth and water that may confuse the scurrying rat. This beginning of the year will see the rat tempted by many flirtatious relationships. Faithfulness and loyalty are difficult with so many admiring glances. Understand the fear of those you care for as you seem to be drawn to many new relationships. Take steps to avoid damage to your true partners. As the year passes the successful rat will see more serious relationships bear fruit. Although the rat is a water sign, boat cruises are not a good vacation plan. Travel to exotic lands to explore,meet new people and experience adventure may be the perfect honeymoon. With the influence of the earth aspects of this year, promises of commitments become real and those born in this sign may experience the blessings of marriage and of children added to their family. The rat who cannot focus on success will be misled and find much conflict and many uncomfortable scenes caused by straying from a match that will bring good fortune. When prosperity and love come easily they may not be treated with respect. The rat who will succeed is the one who remembers that greed and manipulation may bring quick victories but ultimately strengthen enemies. The cat is ever watchful of the rat who stole its place. Listen to the guidance of ancestors, loved ones and trusted friends. Beware of the flattery of casual admiration to completely fulfill the promise of extreme good fortune that this year holds.

Asiaone.com also has a fortune for everyone:

Your fortune in the Year of the Rat

What lies ahead for the coming Year of the Rat? Find out your fortune with the 12 Chinese horoscopes.

Thu, Jan 31, 2008
AsiaOne

2007 the year of the Pig was a very unstable one. Behind the smoke screen of a property craze in Singapore, the year was filled with political unrest in many countries, market turmoil, terror attacks, natural calamities and illnesses. Good news for all!

Though in the early months of the 2008 Chinese year, the after- effects of 2007 will still linger around with us, 2008 the year of Rat is going to be an easier year for most of us in general. It will be filled with greater vibrancy and energy. It is time for you to stand up, to do some stretches and read on.

Movement is the word that governs this year. What does that mean? There will be more traveling for us. It could be either for business or vacation. Our hearts will be screaming for the latter. Many people will be migrating, relocating or even moving actively about within a country.

If you are traveling, migrating or relocating to another country while enjoying the excitement, remember to be aware and sensitive to the local cultures and blend in with society without losing your individuality. This is highlighted because humans are territorial. When the locals feel that there is a sudden increase in foreigners, hostility will arise easily and inevitably. Any misbehavior or insensitive gesture may spark off conflicts between the locals and the foreigners. Be street smart and be aware of your surroundings.

Another aspect of 2008 is that it is a great time for socializing, networking, building rapport and participating in team activities. If you are in sales, this is a golden period for you to increase your client base, build rapport with your existing clients, get new leads, clinch that new deal etc.

In general, this is the time to get out there and be with others. Meet new people both through work and personally. This is the time for you to meet people who can inspire you, see the strengths in you, support you and even to finance or help you to achieve your dreams. During this period, it is more important than usual for you to be positive so that you can attract positive people into your life.

Industries that can catch on to this positive vibe are property, hospitality, tourism and entertainment. If you have business dealings within these areas, you should reap the best out of it. There will be ripple effects that will spread to other industries too.

The above materials are reproduced from Jmine Consulting. For more details, please refer to http://www.jmine.com

Find your lunar birth chart here: 2008 Chinese Lunar New Year Day or the related site Chinese Horoscope Calendar. Once you know your sign, you can read your Lunar New Year fortune for 2008 at Chinese Astrology and Signs.

Here’s some background from Chinese Zodiac Page:

Legend

According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.

All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.

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I’m about to finish The Book Thief. I hadn’t heard of it until I saw it on a shelf at the bookstore. It is a WWII story told from the point of view of a young German girl. Actually, I will share that it is actually told from the POV of Death. He – Death – has been touched by the story of this young girl, AKA The Book Thief, and wants to share it with the reader. I highly recommend it. I just noticed the cover is not showing but I’ll just leave the link and you can click on it to see more.

Also, I ended up seeing Michael Clayton for a second time in the theater and liked it more this time. I liked it enough the first time but had the reaction of, duh. I mean, we’re supposed to be moved because these big corporate lawyers suddenly have revelations they are representing the bad guys? But this time, I appreciated the subtlety of Tom Wilkinson’s and George Clooney’s characters awakenings and struggles. My fellow PCA’s commented on how the ending was too pat but I was fine with it. I’m actually reasonably caught up with the 2008 Oscar nominees aside from The Savages and for some reason every foreign film nominee. I should see it but I’m not sure I’ll get around to it before the show. Also, what is going to happen to the Academy Awards this year? I guess time will tell.

As for last week’s tv, I still need to watch the end of Eli Stone but I liked what I saw. George Michael is to appear in at least four eps. I have to say, I’m a fan and I recommend Ladies and Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael. It is a really good deal- 2 discs for about $10!

I’m so into Lost, I was really happy to have a new episode at long last. Now that some of them are off the island, the story is even more intriguing!

I don’t think I ever commented on Ethan Coen’s play Almost An Evening. I don’t quite remember when I saw it but it was within the past month. Oh, I just remembered it was 1/10. You can read a review of it in the New York Times here. It was interesting to experience something other than a movie from Ethan Coen. He was there at the performance. I wonder what his notes were. Anyway, it is 3 vignettes. I liked the first one best but found the other two entertaining enough. The acting was tight. The writing was stylistic. It wasn’t mind-blowing theater but it was cool to see. I’m glad I had a chance to go.

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