Monday, December 27, 2010

Review: TRON: Legacy in IMAX 3D

I really don't even know what to say about this movie. You could say I was a fan of the original TRON, but then again it came out in 1982, and I probably saw it in 2002, so I was a bit behind the curve. Looking back at the trailer now, after having just seen the new visual masterpiece that was the sequel is like comparing a sleek new Ferrari 599 GTO to an old Ford Model T. Seriously, from the beginning of this movie all the way through the credits, this movie is stunning.

Now there are two things you should know if you have any sort of interest in this movie and I am here to report on both of them. One is the soundtrack. It is original music, entirely composed by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter. Or as I like to refer to them as, Daft Punk. I am a huge Daft Punk fan, and from the very beginning of this movie, when the music starts bumping it is phenomenal. Being a movie set mainly in a digital world, the digital stylings of Daft Punk work perfectly. And while the music alone is good, this is where the IMAX theater comes in. The base literally shakes the seats. You feel the music, and it adds exponentially to the experience.

The other thing that you may have noticed from the commercials is the usage of computer generated effects to de-age Jeff Bridges 21 years. Now it's a little weird, and it takes a little getting used to, but after you do it's really a non issue. I mean, I've seen giant blue guys on screen and I think I dealt with that pretty nicely. I'll admit it's not the best work I've ever seen, but then again absolutely everything else in the movie is gorgeous so I am going to let it slide.

Also I just wanted to say, I really liked this movie. It's the nerdiness, the video game-ness, the music, the visuals, the whole she-bang-bang. The world created by the events and aftermath of the original presented a really cool sequel. Plus, I thought the acting was pretty good too. I really liked Olivia Wilde in the movie, but I think that's just because she actually showed some emotion, specifically happiness, as opposed to her role as the sullen, emotionally reserved 13 in House. The main guy, Garrett Hedlund was also pretty good too. And who doesn't love Jeff Bridges right? I'm not the best critic for acting but I thought it was enjoyable all around.

The ending could have been better. It left me a bit confused I guess. The movie was so sweet then the ending fell flat and it was just so odd. All in all, if you like Daft Punk, spectacular visuals, video games, and some sweet action Tron provides a good movie going experience. Definitely a must see for nerds of all ages. 9/10.

Now I'm off to buy the soundtrack! You should too! Hooray!

Monday, December 6, 2010

A list of Excuses for why I can't write my 10 page paper:

  • I sprained my typing finger (right, middle) so I can't type it. Or write it.
  • I was too busy watching a 7 hour cricket match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe on ESPN3 on the xBox 360.
  • I had to watch the latest Blamimation on PATV.
  • I had to watch the one of the movies for the paper, that I should've watched two months ago.
  • I had to watch the countless videos of John Mayer that Jake kept finding on YouTube.
  • I had to listen to Jake play guitar.
  • I had to check, double check, and triple check my See Friendships with random people on Facebook.
  • I had to Tweet about how bad this paper was.
  • I had to make incoherent babbling sounds.
  • I had to write a dozen fake intros to the paper using slang and cuss words to describe the class.
  • I had to delete those intros.
  • I had to write how much I hated the class.
  • I had to delete that too.
  • Andy kept talking my ear off every time I wanted to start working.
  • Seriously, he'd be all like, "Hey man stop going on Facebook and do your work." 
  • What a chatty Cathy right? 
  • He's such a jerk.
  • I kept staring at our fish, Wendel for inspiration.
  • The Christmas lights we use to light our apartment just make it too comfortable to entertain the thought of doing anything other then staring at their dull white glow....
  • I had to throw my hat in the corner in disgust of how bad I'm doing at writing this paper.
  • I had to moan about how my hat is now over in the corner and I want it back on my head.
  • I had to moan about how I'm too lazy to go get it and Andy why won't you go get it for me I don't care if it's farther away from you just go get it I know it's my hat but c'mon please you're such a jerk I hate you why don't you love me fine I'll go get it jerk.
  • I had to double check and see if Netflix works on the xBox.
  • I'm thirsty and I can't work if I'm thirsty.
  • Alright so I'm totally gonna do it, but I just gotta pick out some music to listen to.
  • What time're the Pats on again? Oh I could totally just start it after. Okay fine I'll start it!
  • Dude this song's really good. 
  • Just sit back and listen man.
  • Close your eyes and just go for it.
  • I had to wonder if Kevin was having fun in class. Or wherever he is.
  • I had to ask what was for dinner.
  • I had to get yelled at.
  • I had to ask Jake how his car ride was first.
  • But seriously this is getting ridiculous, I'm gonna go start it.
  • I had to write a blog about how I couldn't write it.
  • I did write a blog about how I couldn't write it.