Barack Obama's Inauguration Oath and Speech

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Goodbye Ricardo Montalban

Very sad news today.

Mexican actor Ricardo Montalban has passed away.

As I think back on his works, I can't help but feel nostalgic and grateful for his impressive career.

As a kid, I remember his elegant portrayal of Mr. Roarke on my favorite television show Fantasy Island. Back then I had no concept of good or bad acting, I just knew that the guy was great. One week he was likable, other weeks he was scary, mysterious and at times even hilarious.

Man, Mr. Roarke with his white suit...



Later when I was older, I delighted in seeing him seek revenge and become the ultimate nemesis to Captain Kirk in Star Trek: Wrath of Khan.



When I was in high school and too cool for my own good, I remember laughing my ass off watching him play it straight in the ridiculously funny Naked Gun.



In college, I set out to watch every movie starring Marlon Brando and I stumbled onto the film Sayonara, which featured Montalban as, of all people, a Japanese character named Nakamura.



Then recently, I've marveled at how Montalban has come full circle in my life, by entertaining my children in the Spy Kids films.



Thank you very much for the memories Mr. Montalban, you will not be forgotten.

Ricardo Montalban

November 25, 1920 - January 14, 2009.

2008 Dark Horizons Movie tribute

Although I thought 2008 was a disappointing year in movies,Garth at Dark Horizons has put together an impressive compilation of the films of 2008.

Enjoy.

My Favorite Films of 2008

2008 was a very disappointing movie year for me.

For every mildly enjoyable picture that I watched this year, I saw three horrible films. I'm not exactly sure why this year was different than most. I suspect the writer's strike played a part in it. Perhaps it might have been the current bleak political and world climate which have made films seem more frivolous and insignificant this past year.

In any case, until this past week, I couldn't even fill out a top ten list.

To be completely honest, some of these films I found deeply flawed and mediocre.

But I've started a tradition here, so I felt it necessary to keep it up for posterity.

I think it's important to note that I haven't been able to watch the four hour epic Che yet. Considering the subject matter and the presence of Benicio Del Toro, I can pretty much guarantee the film would land on this list. But since I haven't seen it. I can't put it on here....but when I do...I'll be sure to adjust accordingly.

So without further ado.





Honorable Mention: Slumdog Millionaire

This movie is overly sentimental, naively optimistic at points and to be completely honest extremely over-rated. But I did enjoy the sense of escapism and the film's desire to share with the audience a world that we weren't familiar with. I just wish the themes were a little more poignant then just "Love conquers all." Although I admit in this day and age it's not a horrible message to spread. It's just not realistic or believable. Speaking of unbelievable, the final question for the Who wants to be a millionaire? bit in the film...Give me a break. I don't care if the show is a version for the planet Mars and featured Martian contestants...that question was too friggin easy.




10. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This is a big old fashioned Hollywood film. In some ways it reminded me of the works of Tim Burton. It's refreshing to see David Fincher create a movie like this. Although it mostly works, the film happens to be strange, awkward and also unintentionally creepy in some points. But the twist on the experience of aging is creative and poignant, while the ending is heartbreaking and memorable.


9. Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Fun, breezy and charming, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is both a return to form and a unique film for Woody Allen. I enjoyed the personality test of attraction that Woody Allen presented with the different female characters in the film. But what I found most enjoyable was Javier Bardem's return to romantic lead, which almost makes the viewer forget about his chilling performance in No Country For Old Men....almost.



8. Wall E

The adventures of a little robot and his longing for companionship set in the backdrop of a post apocalyptic earth touches and surprises me every time I watch it. That it can amuse my two children while my wife and I get a little break makes it even more impressive.



7. The Wrestler

The story itself is simple, as well as formulaic and in the end I'm not exactly sure what it wants to say and even if it's worth saying, but as a pure acting piece the movie is an impressive showcase for Mickey Rourke, Evan Rachel Wood and Marisa Tomei. Rourke is fantastic, arguably the best overall performance of the year.


6. Taken

Imagine if Robert De Niro in Ronin or Val Kilmer in Spartan were after someone. Now imagine that the reason why they are after that person....is that they kidnapped his daughter to sell her as a sex slave.

Stand back and watch the fireworks fly.

This was my favorite pure action film of the year. Ironic, since I believe the film failed to earn an American release and most people don't even know it exists. I suspect it's because of the subject matter of sex trafficking and slavery. Pretty much box office poison in this day and age. But I found the movie thrilling, exciting and fulfilling in a way I wasn't expecting. Perhaps it's because I have a daughter now and I sympathized with Liam Neeson's character more than other traditional protagonist in other action films. I know it's an unusual choice but there's no denying I got sucked into the suspenseful story more than most films this year.



5. Revolutionary Road

Emotionally brutal and at times unbearable to watch, the film really captures the dynamics of a volatile marriage in a way which is rarely captured in film. Not only do the moments ring true, there is a strange sense of therapeutic enjoyment in watching the troubled characters naively stumble through their lives. I think this accounts for the comparisons to Sam Mendes previous work American Beauty. But I think this film is more raw than American Beauty and in the end more powerful. Fine performances all around. Kudos to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet who carry a movie together with their excellent acting instead of with a sinking ship.



4. Milk

Extremely timely, politically charged and featuring a moving sympathetic portrayal by Sean Penn and a chilling, as well as strangely sympathetic performance from Josh Brolin. But what I was most impressed with was Gus Van Sant's excellent direction, which really painted a fascinating and human portrait of the visionary leader. The film also provides an interesting look at the complicated time period and the seeds which were planted that have carried over into the volatile political climate that we have today. Probably the most important film of the year, although I couldn't help thinking while watching the film that it might have been better served with more real gay actors in the film.


3. Gran Torino

This movie was one of the funniest and most thought provoking films of the year. Although the ending is pretentious and a bit out of place, I thought the themes of the film were powerful and moving in a way I wasn't expecting. Issues such as masculinity, family and community are some of the points that the film presents and Clint Eastwood explores them here better than any film has done in a long time. Did I mention how hilarious the film is? What can I say, I'm a sucker for inappropriate humor.


2. Nothing But the Truth

I admit I'm an unabashed Rod Lurie fan.

I just think that he's one of the most underrated writer/directors working today. Nobody is making well made character studies like this in Hollywood anymore and it's a real shame. This film features wonderful performances from the terrific ensemble cast. The movie's story is suspenseful and powerful, while taking the audience on an unpredictable roller coaster ride. It all leads to a thought provoking ending that will have one examining their personal beliefs and debating the themes of the work for days later.

And finally.....





1. The Dark Knight

What can I say....I'm a total geek.

This film had everything I want in a movie. Action, suspense, strong story, fascinating characters, great acting, and excellent direction. Even had a breathtaking IMAX presentation. The fact that the movie is about a guy who refers to himself as Batman shouldn't take away from the accomplishments of the cast, crew and director. Christopher Nolan created an excellent and superior follow up to an already fantastic film. I said this before and a lot of people have called me crazy. But the film was so good that I almost don't want to see a part 3. I honestly think it can't get any better. Why drum up another adventure and try? Besides Heath Ledger's well publicized great performance, I think Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman and my new favorite actor Christian Bale deserve equal credit for delivering my favorite film of 2008.

Watchmen- Japanese Trailer

Trailer Addict has the Japanese version of The Watchmen trailer and it features some great footage.

Hopefully we'll get to see the film, with all the legal mess and controversy surrounding the film.

Well at least I've read the graphic novel...so I think I know how it ends.

Hopefully.

Goodbye Pat Hingle

Character actor Pat Hingle passed away this weekend.

He is best remembered for his portrayal as Commissioner Gordon in the Tim Burton directed and produced "Batman" films.

Although, he wasn't the ideal Commissioner Gordon, especially in light of Gary Oldman's fantastic portrayal,he still made a memorable impression in those earlier films.

He is also remembered for such films as "The Quick and the Dead" and "Talladega Nights".

New Year's Eve Insanity

I'm not a big fan of New Year's Eve as noted in a much earlier post.

But I do recognize the importance of the night and the unique activities which takes place on the holiday. Some examples would be the insane stunts performed by freestyle motorcycle riders Robbie Maddison and Robbie Knievel in Las Vegas.

I like to think that they don't view this as a competition.

Just two seperate spectacular events that happened on the same night... in the same city.

If it were a competition, I'm sure it would've ended with somebody dead before they acknowledged a winner.

Cause these guys are freaking crazy.

Witness.

ESPN's 2008 Knockout of the Year

ESPN named its 2008 knockout of the year and it's hard to argue Edison Miranda's vicious knockout of David Banks on January 11, 2008.



Wow.

Like a Mike Tyson video game knockout.

Goodbye Garret Anderson...and I guess Mark Teixeira

Although a lot of attention has been paid today to the loss of Mark Teixeira from the Angels. I thought it appropriate to acknowledge the end of a true era in Angels baseball.

The end of the Garret Anderson era.

Anderson holds the Angels all-time club record for most RBIs, runs, total bases, and hits.

He is second to Tim Salmon in Home Runs with 272. Third in career batting average behind Vladimir Guerrero and Rod Carew.

He also holds the single game RBI record with 10 and the most consecutive games with an RBI with 12.

Yet the only thing I hear from Angels fans and news agencies is how Teixeira has left the Angels for the Yankees.

Anderson has spent 15 seasons with the Angels, not counting the minors.

Teixeira spent half a season with the Angels.

HALF A SEASON.

The Angels lost to the Red Sox WITH Teixeira on the team.

The Angels won a World Series in 2002 with Garret Anderson.

Yet in a news conference where the Angels discussed the loss of Teixeira, a reporter innocently asked if the Angels were going to re-sign Garret Anderson. Angels General Manager Tony Reagins responded with a barely noticeable "not likely."

Wow.

I may be a bit old fashioned, but shouldn't the Angels show at least a little concern for losing one of the greatest players in their franchise's history?

I know he's no longer in his prime and his best days are behind him, but shouldn't the Angels show at least a little loyalty and respect?

Red Sox nation is having a fit with just the possibility of losing Jason Varitek.

I'm thinking Anderson meant more to the Angels than Varitek does to the Red Sox.

Where is the outrage Angel fans?

I'm sad the Angels aren't going to re-sign Teixeira, but we hardly knew the guy.

Even with the guy in the fold, there was no guarantee the Angels would win a World Series.

Don't get me wrong, Teixeira is a great player but last year was the first time he reached the post season.

One post season appearance in his career.

One.

If he's so great, why was that his first post season appearance?

He piggy backed his way in too.

The Angels were 11 games ahead in the division when they acquired Teixeira.

Although, I agree the trade needed to be made at the time, I now honestly believe the Angels would've beaten Boston without Teixeira.

I know, I know, call me crazy.

But I believe the only reason why the Angels lost to the Red Sox was over confidence.

I think if Casey Kotchman was at first instead of Teixeira, the Angels would've been more focused, urgent and sharper.

We all saw that the Angels were relaxed and cocky during that series. They felt they could flip the switch at any time.

The truth is we all know pitching is what wins in the post season. The Angels have that in spades.

So although its trendy to lament the loss of Teixeira today. I choose to acknowledge a true loss to Angels nation today.

Goodbye G.A.

YOU will be missed.

Top Ten Quotes of 2008

New York Daily News released a list of the Top ten quotes of 2008.

Some really classic lines here, most related to the past election.

My favorite:

"The fundamentals of America's economy are strong." — John McCain


Enjoy.

1. "I can see Russia from my house!"

— Comedian Tina Fey

2. "All of them, any of them that have been in front of me over all these years."

— Sarah Palin, responding to a request by CBS anchor Katie Couric to name the newspapers or magazines she reads, broadcast Oct. 1.

3. "We have sort of become a nation of whiners."

— former Sen. Phil Gramm, an economic adviser to Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, quoted in The Washington Times, July 10.

4. "It's not based on any particular data point, we just wanted to choose a really large number."

— a Treasury Department spokeswoman explaining how the $700 billion number was chosen for the initial bailout, quoted on Forbes.com Sept. 23.

5. "The fundamentals of America's economy are strong."

— McCain, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, April 17.

6. "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency."

— the Treasury Department's proposed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, September 2008.

7. "Maybe 100." — McCain, discussing in a town hall meeting in Derry, New Hampshire, how many years U.S. troops could remain in Iraq, Jan. 3.

8. "I'll see you at the debates, bitches."

— Paris Hilton in a video responding to a McCain television campaign ad, August 2008.

9. "Barack, he's talking down to black people. ... I want to cut his nuts off."

— Rev. Jesse Jackson, overheard over a live microphone before a Fox News interview, July 6.

10. (tie) "Cash for trash."

— Paul Krugman discussing the financial bailout, New York Times, Sept. 22.

10. (tie) "There are no atheists in foxholes and there are no libertarians in financial crises."

— Krugman, in an interview with Bill Maher on HBO's "Real Time," broadcast Sept. 19.

10. (tie) "Anyone who says we're in a recession, or heading into one — especially the worst one since the Great Depression — is making up his own private definition of "`recession.'"

— Donald Luskin, the day before Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, The Washington Post, Sept. 14.

Jizz in My Pants Music Video

I'm not a huge Andy Samberg fan but this is a pretty funny music video.

Pacquiao destroys De La Hoya

Wow.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think Pacquiao would dominate the fight like that. Oscar De La Hoya was simply overwhelmed by Pacquiao, he never landed a meaningful punch and Pacquiao quite simply dismantled and broke down De La Hoya in every facet of the fight.

The truth of the matter is that Pacquiao is now beyond a doubt the pound for pound champion in the sport of boxing.

Congratulations Pacman!!!!

The Dark Knight for Best Picture?

Dark Horizons has started a campaign which attempts to sell the idea of giving The Dark Knight a nomination for best picture.

It's an uphill climb.

I loved the movie and can't think of five movies off the top of my head that are in the same league, but it's hard to picture the Academy recognizing the film that way.

We'll see.

Check out the grassroots campaign here: http://www.darkcampaign.com/