I've been Team Coco as long as I can remember. Way back in the day, whenever I found the time, or remembered, I'd tune into Late Night with Conan O'Brien. And whenever I caught the end of Jay Leno, I'd just get that look on my face. You know the one. The one when you just took a swig of milk, and you're not quite sure if it's spoiled or not; But you drink it anyway, cause it's your milk. Then Conan would come on, with his String Dance, and Max Weinberg and the Max Weinberg 7, and the show would go off from there. As I said, I didn't tune in regularly but when I did, I thought it was always well done and I loved it.
So when I heard Conan was taking over the Tonight Show, I knew he'd earned it, and though I might not watch, I knew Conan deserved it, and that though, it takes time for audiences to adapt to their new host, they would eventually come to love him as I had. NBC didn't give him that time. I love a lot of shows on NBC, but they blew it on this one. They gave Conan three years of low-ish ratings at the beginning of Late Night, but because of their mistake with Leno, they cut him out of his dream job a mere seven months after giving him that spot. I was fully on Conan's side since I heard about this issue. He deserved the spot, and by trying to push him back to play the ratings game with Jay Leno, they blew it. Now Conan's going to walk with the late night community he developed over to another network, and I don't blame him. In his Letter to the World, seen here, he was gracious and thoughtfully and genuinely displayed his thoughts on the matter for everyone to read. I agreed with him on every point.
The Media coverage that followed him his last couple weeks as host was nothing short of ubiquitous, and on both Twitter and Digg.com, Team Conan or Team Coco topics were always at the top of the chart. I declared my loyalty on Twitter, and did my due diligence digging Pro-Coco related arguments on Digg at every opportunity, but the support of myself along with what seemed like tens of thousands of internet goers was not enough to change NBC's mind regarding changing his time slot, eventually forcing Conan to leave the network.
I just watched Conan's last episode as the host of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, (for those who missed it you can check it out here,) and it was fantastic. He took a few pot shots here and there at the network, but at the end graciously and earnestly thanked NBC for the opportunity to do the job he loved so much. Then he proceeded to blow everyone's mind by playing guitar behind Will Ferrell during his rendition of Free Bird. If there's a better way to go out than that, it has yet to be done. So, here's to you Conan. May you have a joyous and peaceful seven months off with NBC's 33 million dollars, but I for one, am expecting you to be back this fall. Fox? Cable? I don't care. But I want my Coco back, because I know that even if I can't watch every night, some day some kid will tune in and you'll make him or her laugh with your smart humor just as you did with me when I was their age.
Thanks for everything Conan, and godspeed.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Review: Avatar in IMAX 3D
Wowzers. What an experience. You'll often hear talk of the fabled IMAX Experience, a situation where the viewer themself is fully suspended in the realm of disbelief and the sights and sound bring the movie to life. This movie is the closest they have ever come to that.
From the commercials pretty much everyone can glean the gist of the story. Boy loses use of legs, boy goes to alien planet, boy takes control of his own alien body, boy as alien meets girl alien, boy alien and girl alien fall in love, boy turns against his own civilization. I'm sorry if that was too detailed and spoiled things. I've heard all sorts of criticisms for the story being too "generic" and whatnot, but here I stand firm, that those people can shove it.
Yeah, the basic story is generic, but you look at how many movies can be broken down the same way, and you'll realize that the story is more about the little nuances than the generalities. The world that James Cameron has created in this movie is for lack of a better word, epic. He has built a future, and a new planet, and somehow makes the viewer feel that this whole scenario wouldn't be too much of a stretch. I thought to myself, "Well okay, this is in the future, and on another planet, but other than that it seems real enough," which is exactly how you're supposed to feel. And I don't know if it was the IMAX or the 3D or the combination of the two, but boy were those graphics good. I never once thought, "Oh look how fake that blue person looks!" The entire movie was so polished and shiny you could have eaten off of it.
On the way back, my friend Beckett and I were talking, and he gleaned a pearl of wisdom. He said that when you make a movie like this, you need to put your heart and soul into it, and that is exactly what James Cameron did. He had this idea, waited till the technology he needed to make it was in place, and then went the extra mile and made the technology that he didn't have, before he made this movie. It shows. The billion dollars he's made since opening day goes to show how much audiences like this movie. This story he's made, along with the world he's made to house the story are both brilliant. The vibrant world he explores throughout the movie was so realistic, a few times, during some of the full view shots, I caught myself asking, "Where did they film this? No way they rendered this entire landscape."
James Cameron has set the bar for creating new worlds in this soon to be prevalent media of 3D. Throughout the movie I kept trying to ask myself, what would I give this? and the answer kept moving up as the story went along. So, what would I give this? 9/10. Do yourself a favor, go and see this in IMAX 3D, not in movie theater 2D. You'll be glad you did. And maybe bring some Advil just in case you get a headache from the sheer AWESOMENESS and/or glasses.
From the commercials pretty much everyone can glean the gist of the story. Boy loses use of legs, boy goes to alien planet, boy takes control of his own alien body, boy as alien meets girl alien, boy alien and girl alien fall in love, boy turns against his own civilization. I'm sorry if that was too detailed and spoiled things. I've heard all sorts of criticisms for the story being too "generic" and whatnot, but here I stand firm, that those people can shove it.
Yeah, the basic story is generic, but you look at how many movies can be broken down the same way, and you'll realize that the story is more about the little nuances than the generalities. The world that James Cameron has created in this movie is for lack of a better word, epic. He has built a future, and a new planet, and somehow makes the viewer feel that this whole scenario wouldn't be too much of a stretch. I thought to myself, "Well okay, this is in the future, and on another planet, but other than that it seems real enough," which is exactly how you're supposed to feel. And I don't know if it was the IMAX or the 3D or the combination of the two, but boy were those graphics good. I never once thought, "Oh look how fake that blue person looks!" The entire movie was so polished and shiny you could have eaten off of it.
On the way back, my friend Beckett and I were talking, and he gleaned a pearl of wisdom. He said that when you make a movie like this, you need to put your heart and soul into it, and that is exactly what James Cameron did. He had this idea, waited till the technology he needed to make it was in place, and then went the extra mile and made the technology that he didn't have, before he made this movie. It shows. The billion dollars he's made since opening day goes to show how much audiences like this movie. This story he's made, along with the world he's made to house the story are both brilliant. The vibrant world he explores throughout the movie was so realistic, a few times, during some of the full view shots, I caught myself asking, "Where did they film this? No way they rendered this entire landscape."
James Cameron has set the bar for creating new worlds in this soon to be prevalent media of 3D. Throughout the movie I kept trying to ask myself, what would I give this? and the answer kept moving up as the story went along. So, what would I give this? 9/10. Do yourself a favor, go and see this in IMAX 3D, not in movie theater 2D. You'll be glad you did. And maybe bring some Advil just in case you get a headache from the sheer AWESOMENESS and/or glasses.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Review: Daybreakers
Today I went to go see Daybreakers. You've probably all seen the commercials, with Ethan Hawke doing stuff with that guy from Jurassic Park, with a narrator saying that all the blood is going to run out soon. That's really the movie in a nutshell, no big surprises or twists here.
However, I liked this movie. I would recommend you see this movie. This is not your little sisters vampire movie. If you are sick of all this BS Twilight nonsense; If you think that Vampires should not glimmer, sparkle, shine, or shimmer when they walk into sunlight, but instead BURST INTO FLAMES, go see this movie. Otherwise, go read another horrible romance novel. In a time where it's become common place to not only like vampires, but actually have crushes on vampires, this movie is a step back in the right direction. No more of this Vampires and Humans living together crap, but a return to the glorious Vampire vs. Human days of old. There's a couple, not a lot, of big action sequences, and none of that martial arts badassery from Blade, but enough for you fight jockeys out there to be somewhat captivated. However, there is gore galore. It comes and goes in clumps, but when it's there, there is a lot of it, which I liked, as it cemented the non-kiddie attitude of the movie in my mind. The story is pretty straight forward, but it does have a few twists and turns along the way so you can't call the end of the movie from the outset. Well okay, maybe you can, but you might be psychic, and it's really the ride that counts isn't it?
Anyway, I don't want to give too much away, but if you like gore, vampires that burst into flames, the occasional jump out of your seat moment, and a nice storyline, I would say this movie is right up your alley, and on a whole, a solid 7/10.
However, I liked this movie. I would recommend you see this movie. This is not your little sisters vampire movie. If you are sick of all this BS Twilight nonsense; If you think that Vampires should not glimmer, sparkle, shine, or shimmer when they walk into sunlight, but instead BURST INTO FLAMES, go see this movie. Otherwise, go read another horrible romance novel. In a time where it's become common place to not only like vampires, but actually have crushes on vampires, this movie is a step back in the right direction. No more of this Vampires and Humans living together crap, but a return to the glorious Vampire vs. Human days of old. There's a couple, not a lot, of big action sequences, and none of that martial arts badassery from Blade, but enough for you fight jockeys out there to be somewhat captivated. However, there is gore galore. It comes and goes in clumps, but when it's there, there is a lot of it, which I liked, as it cemented the non-kiddie attitude of the movie in my mind. The story is pretty straight forward, but it does have a few twists and turns along the way so you can't call the end of the movie from the outset. Well okay, maybe you can, but you might be psychic, and it's really the ride that counts isn't it?
Anyway, I don't want to give too much away, but if you like gore, vampires that burst into flames, the occasional jump out of your seat moment, and a nice storyline, I would say this movie is right up your alley, and on a whole, a solid 7/10.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Life and Times of Jacob Paul
A while back, I wrote a blog post and in the aftermath of it I received a request. This is that request.
Jacob Paul, lovingly called Kril by his friends, graduated the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the year 2012, shortly before the supposed "end of the world," with Magna Cum Laude honors, majoring in Political Science, and minoring in Education. The summer after his senior year in college was an eventful one, with numerous parties and trips with graduated friends. However, his habits of drinking and smoking entered into a downward spiral and when all his friends moved on to jobs, or returned to school, Kril was left to find solace in drugs. After almost a year of living in and out of homeless shelters, with no material possessions besides that of his trusty guitar, and the occasional bottle of alcohol, Kril cleaned himself up with the help and guidance of his friend, Jim Redding.
Seizing this new lease on life, Kril traveled to Canada, where he had spent some time during his year in filth, and tried out for Calgary Junior Hockey C League, where he was signed to a one year contract for the McKnight Mustangs, but this was only the beginning off his rise. Following a stellar season, filled with numerous apple and ginos, Kril was passed up from team to team, eventually coming to the pinnacle of the CHL, leading the Calgary Hitmen to one of their franchise best seasons, before getting picked up by the Boston Bruins. Kril lead the B's to 3 consecutive victories for the Stanley Cup over former teammates on the Canadiens, the team rival the Flyers, and the dominating prowess of the Penguins. Tragically in his fourth season, he received a career ending injury in the form of a skate to his right leg, cutting numerous muscles, and breaking his tibia, and fibula.
A shining star on the rise, Kril was left with money from contracts which would sustain him until he found a new line of work. Eventually moving down to Charlottesville, Virginia, seeking answers of what to do with his life in a place which gave a start to his long time idol, Dave Matthews. After finding a small apartment, and settling in, Kril began playing open mic night at a bar called Miller's. Months later, an aged and wisened Matthews, visiting the bar where he bartended in his youth, stumbled upon Kril and his musical abilities. Meeting his idol, a lifetime dream, would have satiated the now mature Kril, but when Matthews decided to jam with Kril, he thought it could get no better. He thought wrong.
Kril was subsequently invited to Matthew's personal studio, where he not only played on tracks for Matthews latest solo album, but was also aided by Matthews' guiding hand, and ear, in producing his first solo album. This album hit the top of the charts and stayed there for almost three months, putting Kril in the spotlight and attracting to him, his long time love interest, Miley Cyrus. They met in the studio, Cyrus being pulled in by Matthews to duet with Kril on one of the songs for his new album. They hit it off, and after a long period of courting, they became engaged in 2025, marrying shortly after.
Kril had finally made it. His idol, Dave Matthews; his long time crush, Miley Cyrus; And boatloads of cash from his years as an NHL and Musical superstar. He settled down with Miley and together they had three children, named after three of the most inspirational, and important people in Kril's life. Kril, Miley, and their children James, Megan, and David now live in L.A. where they attend private schools.
Jacob Paul, lovingly called Kril by his friends, graduated the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the year 2012, shortly before the supposed "end of the world," with Magna Cum Laude honors, majoring in Political Science, and minoring in Education. The summer after his senior year in college was an eventful one, with numerous parties and trips with graduated friends. However, his habits of drinking and smoking entered into a downward spiral and when all his friends moved on to jobs, or returned to school, Kril was left to find solace in drugs. After almost a year of living in and out of homeless shelters, with no material possessions besides that of his trusty guitar, and the occasional bottle of alcohol, Kril cleaned himself up with the help and guidance of his friend, Jim Redding.
Seizing this new lease on life, Kril traveled to Canada, where he had spent some time during his year in filth, and tried out for Calgary Junior Hockey C League, where he was signed to a one year contract for the McKnight Mustangs, but this was only the beginning off his rise. Following a stellar season, filled with numerous apple and ginos, Kril was passed up from team to team, eventually coming to the pinnacle of the CHL, leading the Calgary Hitmen to one of their franchise best seasons, before getting picked up by the Boston Bruins. Kril lead the B's to 3 consecutive victories for the Stanley Cup over former teammates on the Canadiens, the team rival the Flyers, and the dominating prowess of the Penguins. Tragically in his fourth season, he received a career ending injury in the form of a skate to his right leg, cutting numerous muscles, and breaking his tibia, and fibula.
A shining star on the rise, Kril was left with money from contracts which would sustain him until he found a new line of work. Eventually moving down to Charlottesville, Virginia, seeking answers of what to do with his life in a place which gave a start to his long time idol, Dave Matthews. After finding a small apartment, and settling in, Kril began playing open mic night at a bar called Miller's. Months later, an aged and wisened Matthews, visiting the bar where he bartended in his youth, stumbled upon Kril and his musical abilities. Meeting his idol, a lifetime dream, would have satiated the now mature Kril, but when Matthews decided to jam with Kril, he thought it could get no better. He thought wrong.
Kril was subsequently invited to Matthew's personal studio, where he not only played on tracks for Matthews latest solo album, but was also aided by Matthews' guiding hand, and ear, in producing his first solo album. This album hit the top of the charts and stayed there for almost three months, putting Kril in the spotlight and attracting to him, his long time love interest, Miley Cyrus. They met in the studio, Cyrus being pulled in by Matthews to duet with Kril on one of the songs for his new album. They hit it off, and after a long period of courting, they became engaged in 2025, marrying shortly after.
Kril had finally made it. His idol, Dave Matthews; his long time crush, Miley Cyrus; And boatloads of cash from his years as an NHL and Musical superstar. He settled down with Miley and together they had three children, named after three of the most inspirational, and important people in Kril's life. Kril, Miley, and their children James, Megan, and David now live in L.A. where they attend private schools.
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