Review: Hail The Villain: Population Declining

I had heard two singles from this band and enjoyed both.  I figured I'd give the whole album a chance.  I was pleasantly surprised.

This is a very straight forward hard rock/metal album.  So for those looking for something to push the envelope, you won't find it here.  This is a well crafted, nonetheless.  I found myself listening to this album, loving it, and listening to it all over again.  Solid riffs, great singing, and alot of heaviness makes this album solid.  You won't find anything new here but what is being done is being done very well.  Overall, great album you can listen to over and over again.

It's Over

The Christmas time tradition is over.  Overall, not bad.  It wasn't one of the books, though.  But, it was a start of things to come, good things.  Having a real job as I do, money isn't the same issue it was before.  I still have to mange my expenses but now things don't seem so far away.  The overall level has also increased as well.  Megan thinks I'm just throwing money at whatever comes my way.  For me, the best feelings comes from knowing I can take care of my own.  I feel capable of getting things done, which is huge to me.

With next year, a new set of challenges come.  Now that I've finished school and attained a very respectable job, I can focus on other ventures.  I can focus on my music and art more.  My comic book idea might actually see the light of day.  Also I can start acquiring various devices I've been itching for, like an iPad and a digital camera.  I also need to start saving up for the day I move out.  I also wanna get my body back into shape and look better then I ever have.  With the stress of school and a career behind me, I hope nothing stands in my way now.

How was your Christmas?  What do you look forward to in the new year?

Honestly

I hate Christmas.  Its almost always disappointing.  It's never worth all the effort.  And I almost never get what I want.
Yes, I am a hater.  Yes, I am a grinch.  I'm okay with that.  Christmas is the ultimate reminder that I generally put more effort into things then others.  There is no reward for my kind, save the one I take/make for myself.   The ultimate gift for me is the moment it all ends and I am the furthest away from the holiday before it begins anew.

Again, I hate Christmas.

Christmas Shopping

Well, after an unexpected blessing from God, I was able to get all my Christmas shopping done.  In one day too.  My unemployment actually went though and I got a lot of money I wasn't expecting.  So with that, I was able to be much more generous then I'm used to being and buying gifts for my family and friends.  When you're broke, you really have to think about who you wanna buy gifts for.  This year I'm able to get things even for people I'm not too involved with.  I can't say it enough either how much this is a blessing from God.  I'm really trying to live on the notion that I've been blessed so I can bless others.  Even if it means injecting more money into the consumer system.  Some people might say thats really stretching.  And that's fine.  I'm not out to please or even associate with people like that.  I feel blessed that I'm able to take care of those closest to me, no matter how tiny the effort.

Review: Tron Legacy sdtk

With all the hype around this movie, there is alot of buzz around the music too.  Being a fan of Daft Punk, I was compelled to listen to their latest work.

Generally speaking, its a weird album.  I was expecting the next great Daft Punk hit.  This is not that album.  So throw that expectation in the garbage disposal.  It'll improve your experience greatly.  This is a good album.  Its very unique, interesting, and mature.  Its orchestrally heavy, like a typical film score.  There are also many electronic elements and flourishes.  The old meets the new on this album.  In fact, they are like an old couple - they bicker, they compromise, they even fight it out.  If you enjoyed the Inception score (which I did immensely) you'll enjoy this.  This album is not the next dance and electronic sensation though.  A delicate balance is trying to be found here.  It's subtle, it's epic, it's full, it's lush.  It isn't strange, wild, or out-of-control. So don't come looking for that.  I'll give this album 3 out of 5.  If I went in with no expectations, I'd probably give this a 4.  Try it out and let me know what you think.

Review: The Changeling

So while talking about 'The Changling' staring Angelina Jolie from a few years back, a friend recommended this film to me. Mainly because he kept confusing the two.

The premise a man loses his wife and daughter in a terrible freak accident.  In there aftermath, he tries to cope.  This leads him to start living in an old historical house.  WHICH HAPPENS TO BE HAUNTED!!! AHHHHHH!!!!  So he goes on a quest to see why his house is to irritable.

I'll be frank and honest, I wasn't totally paying attention to the film as it was playing.  So my opinion isn't that invested or credible.  Here is what I noticed though.  I think the film had a good pacing. Things didn't seem to jump around too abruptly.  The plot was pretty coherent and intelligent.  The film is from 1980, so there are some camera angles that seem silly and cliched.  Surprisingly though, as the story progressed, I started paying attention more.  When it comes to hauntings in film, less is more.  Simply here a door close can give anyone chills.  This film understood that.  The effects weren't over the top but subtle, which worked to its favor.  The ending was a bit random but I'll let it slide.  In the end, I was impressed with how ahead of its time this film was.  I definitely would recommend this film, but only to those who appreciate subtly.  If you're looking for a fright fest, with tons of surprises, look else where.  Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

Review: Archer Season 1

So on the eve of starting my new job and at the suggestion of a friend, I decided to watch this show.  I've heard good things about it and the team that made it is one I trust.  

Archer is about Sterling Archer and the day-to-day operations of the ISIS agency.  Most of the cast is comprised of the 'drones' that help the agency gears running.  To make matters more awkward, Sterling's mother is the head of the agency.

Despite the dangerous setting of espionage, the series plays out more like a more brash version of the Office.  There are many office relationships that just give awkward and hilarious moments.  The sexual content is thick, as if written by a depraved high school boy.  The delivery makes it entertaining though.   Sterling is the main focus.  He is a man who is a great field agent but a terrible human being.  His co-workers constant adjusting, and sometimes ignoring of, make for some good jokes.  

This is a 10 episode season. I just went for it and watched them all.  Overall I enjoyed it.  It was silly, and at times over-the-top.  Other times the banter between the employees was enough to make me chuckle.  I'm not one to shy from sexual humor, which worked to my favor.  Archer is riddled with it.  Really, Archer didn't leave a huge impression on me because it wasn't totally original to me, but I enjoyed it alot.  I'll give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Before bed last night, I popped in this movie.  Bad idea.  I was so in love with this movie I wasn't able to stop it and pick it up later. I had to see if he got the girl!  Because I just watched it last night, it's not totally fresh with me.  Still it left a lasting impression.

This film is basically about a boy, a girl, and a league of evil exes trying to come between them.  It was very funny, very tounge-in-cheek, and very visually stunning. Based on Manga style comics, I think that feel and style transferred over very very well.  Frankly, I love this movie. 5 out of 5 stars.

One reason I loved this movie is the visual style. At times, it looked like an indie film with a nice gloss added to it, other times it looked like a comic book whose panels were given life.  Being an avid comic reader, I could distinctly see the panels being played out live.  Another reason I loved this movie is the plot.  Personally, I think the plot makes or breaks a film.  Not actors or effects but plot.  If you have a good story, people will see it.  With that said, the plot here is pretty simple.  For Scott to even have a chance of dating the girl of his dreams, Ramona, he must fight and defeat her 7 evil exes.  Sounds ridiculous right?  Thankfully the film is aware of it as well and thus doesn't take itself to seriously.  Despite that, the past of both Scott and Ramona make the situation more then just a string a battles.  Questions arise as to whether the fight is worth it. Fears arise within them both about Scott becoming the very people he must battle.  If you go in not expecting too much weight, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  The humor is spot on for those into pop culture, pulp comics, and general silliness.  I find it in league with possibly Super Troopers and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. Possibly.

Overall, I love this film.  So much so, I'll be getting it on Blu-Ray when I'm able.  You should too.

Bad Day

Today was such a bust.  I woke up late.  Tried dealing with my unemployment check issues.  And still nothing got resolved.  I had to do some shopping too.  Which would be fine if it was any other month.  The holiday crowds did not instill me with cheer.  Quite the opposite.  Seeing so many stupid consumers just got my blood boiling.  Thankfully I wasn't inside long.  Finally, I came home.  I took a shower.  And have since been watching lots of internet TV- The League, Glee, and Conan.  I'm not sure what other people think but She & Him weren't very good.

I hope things improve soon.

Review: Sons of Anarchy Season 1 Ep 1-6

So tonight, My old lady and I started watching Sons of Anarchy (SOA). And I must say, I'm in love with it.

With the end of Dexter looming, I've been eager to try and find something to fill the void for my girlfriend and I to Watch on our date nights.  Based on my friend's recommendation, I opted for SOA.  I'm am very thankful for that.  SOA is a show focusing on a biker gang in California.  This biker gang is very much an American take on organized crime and the life that comes with it.

The first episode has an explosion start, literally, and ends on one too.  I think the fact we barreled through 6 episodes should be testament to how much we got into the show.  Well, enough gushing.  Let me explain a few reasons why I enjoyed SOA so much.  First of all, the pace of the show is like a sprint.  So much happened each episode.  The events that conspired in one episode is the same content as some movies, or the entire focus of a TV series season.  This made it very exciting and riviting to watch each episode.  Another aspect of the show I enjoyed are the characters.  They start off very different and only become more complex with each episode.  The relationships become more complex with each new development.  Another aspect of the show is the writing.  The show starts out fast and doesn't slow down for explanations.  I appreciate this because it forces the audience to pay attention and may even warrant multiple viewings of an episode to catch everything,  This style reminds of Ghost in the Shell very much.  I personally don't like my entertainment to treat me like an uninvolved and unintelligent viewer.   There were funny moments sprinkled in as well.  Overall, the show is a great.  It's fast paced and complex which is a rare mix in todays entertainment.  After 6 episodes I am hooked and looking forward to seeing alot more of SOA.

Conan

Conan is amazing!

Today

Today wasn't much of anything. Woke up. did my laundry. Played video games.  Worked out. Got home. Showered.  Went out to Megan's house to grab a coupon.  Bought shoes at payless.  Clothes at kohl's.  And bought Tigi's game at target.  Saw a friend over coffee.  Called Anish.  Came home

Now I'm not sure what to do next.  I need to work on music.  I need to work on my comic idea.  Also, it looks like Continental is checking on my references and my work history.  Which I find confusing.  You'd think they would have settled that stuff before giving me an offer.  And setting me up for orientation.  It all boils down to the fact I don't officially have the job and thus it could get snatched up from me at any time.  Which is not a feeling I need. Gah!  Stupid corporate world.

I know this is a bit behind

I love this song! The album is actually solid too.
Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You

So...

Let's make this happen!

Review: Battle Royale 2

So I just finished watching Battle Royale 2.  I watched Battle Royale about a week ago and I was eager to watch the next installment.  I really enjoyed the first one.  It was much different then what the hype would have you believe.  BR2 was fun but lacked many of the endearing qualities of the first one.  The first one really made it a point to key in on each student's death and the actual game they were stuck in.  The second one was more of an aftermath scenario.  And I get that. The plot I think was put together as well if not better then the first.  Unlike the first one though, I didn't feel as invested into the story or characters.  I was actually getting bored.  I stopped, grabbed some food, and came back to finish it.

Overall, I like the movie but it wasn't as interesting as the first one.  4 out of 5 stars.

Now Watching: Battle Roayle 2

Hopefully it's as good as the first one.

2010 Wish List

A puppy

iLife '11

Les Paul Nightfall

32 Gb iTouch Gen 4

iPad

Socks

Dress Shirts

Dress Pants

Belt Buckle

PS3 Controller

Inception Blu-Ray

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Blu-Ray

Fight Club Blu-ray

Akai Synth Station

Demons Souls (ps3)

Castlevania (ps3)

V-neck shirts (s, m)

Portable External hard drive

Gift Certificates:
Comix Corner

Hollister

American Eagle

Express

Buffalo Wings & Rings

Caribou Coffee

Apple

Cop Out

I'm currently watching Cop Out.  Loving the dialogue. I'll try to have a review up later.

Comcast Sucks

http://www.suntimes.com/technology/2947110,comcast-internet-outage-120510.article

Devi Ever Rules!

http://fx.deviever.com/

This is the current line of pedals I've fallen in love. I really dig the uniqueness of the pedals.  Some are subtly different. Some are just intense, crazy, and very random.  Which isn't something you normally want in an effects pedal.  But with these, its kinda cool.  I especially dig the fact these are all designed by Devi Ever herself.  It's great to see electrical engineering being applied in such a fun, creative, and versatile manner.  Its also great to see a woman create not only an inspiring company, but also create a close-nit music community.

I currently only have the Disaster Fuzz. And honestly, I regret that this one was my first Devi pedal.  Its not as versatile as I would have hoped.  If I could go back I think I'd get the Hyperion.   I'm particularly excited that one of her newest pedals, the Houndstooth, is only $50.  Thats is bare bones cheap in the world of guitar pedals.

So, to all my musicians out there, guitarists or otherwise, check Devi Ever effects out.  I'm sure you'll find something amazing for your rig.

My Next Devi Pedal

Tacos and Zombies

TACOS AND ZOMBIES!!!!

HERE. WE. GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!