That's correct...the internet is abuzz with rumors that next summer DC Comics plans on killing Batman/Bruce Wayne and that either Tim Drake (the current Robin) or Dick Grayson (Nightwing and former Robin) would don the mantle.
There's no question that DC is building towards a "Final Crisis" I haven't been reading a lot of those titles leading up to that event but know that it is happening. In the past couple of years we've had Identity Crisis and Infinite Crisis so another Crisis is imminent.
Of course DC Comics has traveled this road before in the mid '90 with the Death of Superman. That was definitely a stunt...but one that was thought out (by the Superman writers and artist) and one that had good storytelling (including the Funeral for a Friend storyline and Return of Superman storyline).
If DC Comics wants to do it...and they have a good story then I can buy it...solely on the condition that Bruce Wayne comes back. Yes this is the Comic Book world where characters come back to life more frequently than they do on daytime Soap Operas. Even the ones that you wouldn't expect to come back (Jason Todd, Oliver Queen and Hal Jordan)...they come back.
I was pretty mad when I read about this last night and declared (and it might not be true) that I might be done with comic books if Bruce Wayne never comes back. I realize that is a bold statement.
It would infuriate me if the original Batman was truly dead...and I would probably break something.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
"The Other Boleyn Girl" movie trailer
Click here to see trailer.
Let's see...who would one choose...Natalie Portman or Scarlett Johansson?
Damn that Eric Bana.
Let's see...who would one choose...Natalie Portman or Scarlett Johansson?
Damn that Eric Bana.
"Game of Shadows" update
Hot off the presses...Barry Bonds indicted on perjury and obstruction of justice charges.
Playing baseball is going to be the least of his concerns now.
Playing baseball is going to be the least of his concerns now.
"Maybe we ain't that young anymore..."
Well I turned 30 yesterday...and I can safely say it doesn't feel any different. Not that I was expecting it too...but one never knows. Although I was thinking that it is a big difference that there isn't a number "2" in front of your age. Even if you were in your late 20's...you were sill in your twenties, which is still a sign of being young. Once you turn 30 that's all over. Even the word "thirty" is just so much more harsh sounding than saying that you are twenty-something.
I will say that I don't feel old(er). In fact I pretty much feel and act the same way I've always acted. That might be kind of ridiculous to some people...but I would argue that it's being consistent. I've always thought that I've had a decent maturity-level.
Enough of that psyco-babble.
--Dwight Freeney's season is done...but the Colts season isn't. This team is tough and will still hold onto the number 2 seed in the AFC.
--Padres ace, Jake Peavy, won the NL Cy Young award today...not to surpring considering that he lead the NL in wins, strikeouts and ERA...although he didn't pitch to hot in the one game playoff with the Rockies.
--I'm almost officially done with Sportscenter. They should just rename the show "New England Patriots Hype Machine." They are seriously running a daily segment on the "pursuit of perfection." Please. I don't remember that segment when the Colts started the season 13-0. Total Crap.
I will say that I don't feel old(er). In fact I pretty much feel and act the same way I've always acted. That might be kind of ridiculous to some people...but I would argue that it's being consistent. I've always thought that I've had a decent maturity-level.
Enough of that psyco-babble.
--Dwight Freeney's season is done...but the Colts season isn't. This team is tough and will still hold onto the number 2 seed in the AFC.
--Padres ace, Jake Peavy, won the NL Cy Young award today...not to surpring considering that he lead the NL in wins, strikeouts and ERA...although he didn't pitch to hot in the one game playoff with the Rockies.
--I'm almost officially done with Sportscenter. They should just rename the show "New England Patriots Hype Machine." They are seriously running a daily segment on the "pursuit of perfection." Please. I don't remember that segment when the Colts started the season 13-0. Total Crap.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Game of Shadows
I just finished Game of Shadows (by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams), the book that outlines the BALCO steroid story with regard to Barry Bonds and other athletes. One always here stuff referenced to it so I thought it was time to check it out for myself.
Newsflash...Barry Bonds is not only a surely guy...but he's a cheat. I'm by no means a Bonds-apologist but in some way I was in denial with how rampant his juicing was. I guess I was holding out some degree of hope that maybe he was only doping during the record breaking 2001 season. According to the book..and I buy a large portion of it...Bonds was juicing before that and after.
It seems that still to this day...that a number of people don't buy it (Bonds as a rampant juicer). They claim...well he's never been busted for a positive steroid test. Yes, that is true but...A) there wasn't steroid testing until a few years ago and B) MLB doesn't test for human growth hormone, which Bonds was using.
The most damaging evidence against Bonds is how well the doping cocktails worked (especially) for the track and field stars. This is a popular argument for people in denial about Bonds...they say...steroids don't help a player hit a baseball. With track and field--as opposed to baseball--results can be more definitive because A) it's an individual sport and B) there are way less outside factors that can effect the athletes given performance. It is definitely easier to measure and quantify the results from a race than a baseball game.
--Tim Montgomery went from not being able to qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics to being (at least temporarily) the world record holder in the 100 meters.
--Michelle Collins went from being almost washed up to setting US (indoor) records in 200-meter fun with help from the The Cream and The Clear
--Look at Marion Jones...her career stalled when it became apparent she wasn't doping.
The bottom line is that the doping drugs from BALCO...the Cream, The clear, HGH, THG...significantly enhances an athletes ability to perform. So it is completely ridiculous to assume that a baseball player is not going to be enhanced from taking the drugs. Even in baseball with other factors influencing a hitter (the pitcher, his protection in the order, the weather) being on the illegal drugs makes one perform better. It's as simple as that.
I've always said that the tragedy of Bonds is that one never knows where the talent stops and the steroids start. Even though one can make a strong argument that Bonds's numbers are tainted...one can't just subtract X number of homeruns from his total to come up with some levelheaded total with regard to how many "genuine" homers he hit. We just have to deal with it.
It's a shame and tragedy (for the baseball records that Bonds has broke) because he was already a hall of fame caliber player.
Newsflash...Barry Bonds is not only a surely guy...but he's a cheat. I'm by no means a Bonds-apologist but in some way I was in denial with how rampant his juicing was. I guess I was holding out some degree of hope that maybe he was only doping during the record breaking 2001 season. According to the book..and I buy a large portion of it...Bonds was juicing before that and after.
It seems that still to this day...that a number of people don't buy it (Bonds as a rampant juicer). They claim...well he's never been busted for a positive steroid test. Yes, that is true but...A) there wasn't steroid testing until a few years ago and B) MLB doesn't test for human growth hormone, which Bonds was using.
The most damaging evidence against Bonds is how well the doping cocktails worked (especially) for the track and field stars. This is a popular argument for people in denial about Bonds...they say...steroids don't help a player hit a baseball. With track and field--as opposed to baseball--results can be more definitive because A) it's an individual sport and B) there are way less outside factors that can effect the athletes given performance. It is definitely easier to measure and quantify the results from a race than a baseball game.
--Tim Montgomery went from not being able to qualify for the 2000 Summer Olympics to being (at least temporarily) the world record holder in the 100 meters.
--Michelle Collins went from being almost washed up to setting US (indoor) records in 200-meter fun with help from the The Cream and The Clear
--Look at Marion Jones...her career stalled when it became apparent she wasn't doping.
The bottom line is that the doping drugs from BALCO...the Cream, The clear, HGH, THG...significantly enhances an athletes ability to perform. So it is completely ridiculous to assume that a baseball player is not going to be enhanced from taking the drugs. Even in baseball with other factors influencing a hitter (the pitcher, his protection in the order, the weather) being on the illegal drugs makes one perform better. It's as simple as that.
I've always said that the tragedy of Bonds is that one never knows where the talent stops and the steroids start. Even though one can make a strong argument that Bonds's numbers are tainted...one can't just subtract X number of homeruns from his total to come up with some levelheaded total with regard to how many "genuine" homers he hit. We just have to deal with it.
It's a shame and tragedy (for the baseball records that Bonds has broke) because he was already a hall of fame caliber player.
"The Darjeeling Limited" movie review
We switch gears this week by taking a look at the indie film, The Darjeeling Limited ( R). Wes Anderson directs this off-beat tale (of comedy and drama) of three estranged brothers trying to rekindle their relationship while on a train ride in India. The film stars Owen Wilson,Adrien Brodey and Jason Schwartzman.
Ryan: I want to preface this review by saying that Wes Anderson has never made a bad or even mediocre film. His films are all way-above average (with some being modern-day classics--Bottle Rocket and Rushmore). But there is a slightly disturbing trend with his films. When he makes a new film it's never quite as good as the previous one. It is not a drastic slope but it is slightly alarming because Anderson is such a talented filmmaker. Thankfully The Darjeeling Limited breaks that trend. It is not Anderson's best work but it is better than his last outing, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.
Andy: I must fully disclose that I am a total sucker for Wes Anderson. I love pretty much all of his movies, so the chance of me going into this one and not liking it was pretty slim. Furthermore, I'd watched the--Part I Hotel Chevalier--on the internet and was blown away. It is able to pack months and months of a relationship's pain and baggage into just a few minutes of film, with almost no dialogue. In many ways, this is Anderson's greatest strength as a filmmaker. He is able to make a scene feel like there is a whole lot more going on than initial appearances indicate. You get the feeling that you know some of these characters' histories, even when it is not clearly presented.
Ryan: Never content in just being a standard director, Anderson elevates things a bit by showing a short film, Hotel Chevalier, before the feature film. The eight-minute short stars Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman (as estranged lovers) and ultimately provides an intriguing back-story to some of the events that take place in The Darjeeling Limited. The brilliance of the short film is that it can simultaneously stand on its own merit and also serve as an introduction to the narrative of the feature film. Hats off to Anderson for using a lost art to make the film-going experience more enriching.
Andy: Love him or hate him, Anderson has a definite style to his movies. That is surprisingly rare in American cinema today, so he gets some art-house points just for being unique. But most striking here is how he allows the actors to work their craft. Each of the leads has a striking visual appearance that hints at what the character is actually like. As the brothers banter and argue, themes start to emerge. Brodey is clearly the class of the group from an acting standpoint, but all three of them are able to portray characters that are very likable while being full of contradictions and shortcomings.
Ryan: I don't want to define Anderson's films as simply being quirky but they definitely have their own charm that might be an acquired taste for the casual moveigoer. The Darjeeling Limited showcases the attributes that makes Anderson's film so engaging. One has eccentric characters in unconventional situations. Depending on the strength of the interaction between the characters with regard to their environment is key in determining how successful an Anderson movie is. With The Darjeeling Limited, that storytelling theme is played out in entertaining and engrossing manner.
Andy: Another signature of a Wes Anderson film is the use of the soundtrack. He almost always has a very listenable set of songs that he masterfully incorporates in the movie, and this one is no exception. It's gotten to the point now where it's almost like there is a template he his using. There is frequently a scene of characters walking in slow motion while some British-invasion rock song is playing on the soundtrack. The thing is, that scene is usually one of the coolest in the movie, as it is here with The Kinks “Strangers.”
The Darjeeling Limited may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's visually stunning, well-acted, cohesive piece of work that is well worth taking the chance on watching. Final grade: B+.
Ryan: I want to preface this review by saying that Wes Anderson has never made a bad or even mediocre film. His films are all way-above average (with some being modern-day classics--Bottle Rocket and Rushmore). But there is a slightly disturbing trend with his films. When he makes a new film it's never quite as good as the previous one. It is not a drastic slope but it is slightly alarming because Anderson is such a talented filmmaker. Thankfully The Darjeeling Limited breaks that trend. It is not Anderson's best work but it is better than his last outing, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.
Andy: I must fully disclose that I am a total sucker for Wes Anderson. I love pretty much all of his movies, so the chance of me going into this one and not liking it was pretty slim. Furthermore, I'd watched the--Part I Hotel Chevalier--on the internet and was blown away. It is able to pack months and months of a relationship's pain and baggage into just a few minutes of film, with almost no dialogue. In many ways, this is Anderson's greatest strength as a filmmaker. He is able to make a scene feel like there is a whole lot more going on than initial appearances indicate. You get the feeling that you know some of these characters' histories, even when it is not clearly presented.
Ryan: Never content in just being a standard director, Anderson elevates things a bit by showing a short film, Hotel Chevalier, before the feature film. The eight-minute short stars Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman (as estranged lovers) and ultimately provides an intriguing back-story to some of the events that take place in The Darjeeling Limited. The brilliance of the short film is that it can simultaneously stand on its own merit and also serve as an introduction to the narrative of the feature film. Hats off to Anderson for using a lost art to make the film-going experience more enriching.
Andy: Love him or hate him, Anderson has a definite style to his movies. That is surprisingly rare in American cinema today, so he gets some art-house points just for being unique. But most striking here is how he allows the actors to work their craft. Each of the leads has a striking visual appearance that hints at what the character is actually like. As the brothers banter and argue, themes start to emerge. Brodey is clearly the class of the group from an acting standpoint, but all three of them are able to portray characters that are very likable while being full of contradictions and shortcomings.
Ryan: I don't want to define Anderson's films as simply being quirky but they definitely have their own charm that might be an acquired taste for the casual moveigoer. The Darjeeling Limited showcases the attributes that makes Anderson's film so engaging. One has eccentric characters in unconventional situations. Depending on the strength of the interaction between the characters with regard to their environment is key in determining how successful an Anderson movie is. With The Darjeeling Limited, that storytelling theme is played out in entertaining and engrossing manner.
Andy: Another signature of a Wes Anderson film is the use of the soundtrack. He almost always has a very listenable set of songs that he masterfully incorporates in the movie, and this one is no exception. It's gotten to the point now where it's almost like there is a template he his using. There is frequently a scene of characters walking in slow motion while some British-invasion rock song is playing on the soundtrack. The thing is, that scene is usually one of the coolest in the movie, as it is here with The Kinks “Strangers.”
The Darjeeling Limited may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's visually stunning, well-acted, cohesive piece of work that is well worth taking the chance on watching. Final grade: B+.
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Monday Blues
I've been stewing about last night's game all day...here's my take.
1. The Earth is still rotating...meaning the season is not lost...talking to some people today...one would have thought that the Colts are no better than the Miami Dolphins. This is still a good team...even with the injuries...this team battles and never quits. They played one of the worst games a team can play and still could (and should have) won.
2. Manning had a horrendous day...no question about that...he was not on his A-game...but dammit he battled and put his team in position to win. The Colts did not lose that game because Manning had 6 picks...no they lost because...
3. OUR SPECIAL TEAM PLAY IS HORRENDOUS. They gave up two touchdowns and Vinatieri missed two field goals. That's unacceptable. I don't know what is wrong with Adam...but he's been struggling all year...missing extra points...missing 29 yard filed goals...that's worse than Vanderjagt. As for the coverage...it's been a problem for a number of years...I don't know how to fix it...but maybe's its time to put Bob Sanders on the unit.
4. Our defense is still great. Even with all the injuries they played their asses off. I realize that San Diego's offense was pretty inept but the Colts D only gave up 10 points (with a lot of those possessions coming on short fields). The defensive scheme...this year...is working.
5. Aaron Moorehead stinks. Wow...this guy killed us. Seriously...LB's Gary Bracket and Clint Sessions have better hands then he does. We need Marvin.
6. Injuries. They continue to mount up...but that's not why we lost the game (see number #3). In fact...a lot of the substitutes (especially on the offensive and defensive line) played really well. At other positions...WR...we have nothing.
It was just so frustrating because...despite how bad we played...we were in position to win the game. It's gut-wrenching. On the other hand...they didn't give up...they played tough...they probably didn't deserve to win the game...but...I don't know. Ultimately I'm still confident in this team...they can be champions again.
1. The Earth is still rotating...meaning the season is not lost...talking to some people today...one would have thought that the Colts are no better than the Miami Dolphins. This is still a good team...even with the injuries...this team battles and never quits. They played one of the worst games a team can play and still could (and should have) won.
2. Manning had a horrendous day...no question about that...he was not on his A-game...but dammit he battled and put his team in position to win. The Colts did not lose that game because Manning had 6 picks...no they lost because...
3. OUR SPECIAL TEAM PLAY IS HORRENDOUS. They gave up two touchdowns and Vinatieri missed two field goals. That's unacceptable. I don't know what is wrong with Adam...but he's been struggling all year...missing extra points...missing 29 yard filed goals...that's worse than Vanderjagt. As for the coverage...it's been a problem for a number of years...I don't know how to fix it...but maybe's its time to put Bob Sanders on the unit.
4. Our defense is still great. Even with all the injuries they played their asses off. I realize that San Diego's offense was pretty inept but the Colts D only gave up 10 points (with a lot of those possessions coming on short fields). The defensive scheme...this year...is working.
5. Aaron Moorehead stinks. Wow...this guy killed us. Seriously...LB's Gary Bracket and Clint Sessions have better hands then he does. We need Marvin.
6. Injuries. They continue to mount up...but that's not why we lost the game (see number #3). In fact...a lot of the substitutes (especially on the offensive and defensive line) played really well. At other positions...WR...we have nothing.
It was just so frustrating because...despite how bad we played...we were in position to win the game. It's gut-wrenching. On the other hand...they didn't give up...they played tough...they probably didn't deserve to win the game...but...I don't know. Ultimately I'm still confident in this team...they can be champions again.
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