Hero Inc.

Here’s the next set of reviews from my Netflix queue.

Lost Season 5 Thanks to Watch Instantly I was able to quickly remind myself why season 6 will be amazing Rating:	Serenity I didn’t watch Firefly, but I think I might have enjoyed it after the movie. Rating:
The Protector Twitter Movie Review text… Rating:	Sliders Seasons 1 & 2 The visuals are pure 90’s, but I still enjoy the story for some reason. Rating:
Seaquest DSV A boat hasn’t been this entertaining since the Red October Rating:	Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Just another way to make Men in Tights funnier and Morgan Freeman is present Rating:

Now that I have settled into my new city and been placed on a new project at work, it is time to deal with the commute.  Please understand that this commute is by no means terrible even if it is about an hour and forty minutes each way (morning and afternoon).  The trip is a straight shot based on the MUNI (if it is running correctly that day) and BART.  I am able to have a internet connection for about 90-95% of the trip so if I need to do work I have that option.  Some may say the BART is terrible, but I am provided an easy laugh twice a day as I read the “Committed to Excellence” Oakland Raiders sign that rests on the stadium.

However, there are those days where I don’t need to do any work and I can just sit back and enjoy the ride.  Now my sister will tell me that I should pick up a book to read.  Well I have picked up a book, which is just a book I started while at the beach this summer but never finished.  It’s just that I can’t force myself to read along this trip because I’m very picky about my reading spots.  That and I’m of the generation who doesn’t know what reading is.  We won’t laugh about that in the future, but we can laugh now.

Anyway, I decided to get back into listening to podcasts on my Creative Zen Vision W, or the Betamax player as it is known on my project team.  I have been away from podcasting in general for several years so I wasn’t sure what was still out there or what new good ones were available.  Here’s a quick list of the ones I have found that I have enjoyed so far.

Podcast Name	Description
	DiggNation is pretty much where my world of podcasting started out. DiggNation, hosted by Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, discusses the week’s top stories from the social news site, Digg.com. I truly enjoy the way the two hosts play off of each other and the topics can range from tech, news, sports, etc. It is usually a random assortment of “news” selected by those that post to Digg. I have listened to this podcast since it was first started as just audio. Now with video, so much more is added to the experience.
	I’m not a huge fan of the news, mainly because it is usually so depressing and only certain stories are stressed in the political realm. NPR’s 7AM news report provides me a fast and effective update for the day’s news stories. The report is offered in the audio clarity that only NPR can offer and usually is not much longer than 5 minutes in length. Perfect for a quick update.
	Pardon The Interruption has become my true DVR pleasure. Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser are always entertaining and provide a quick shot of all the latest sports news. I love watching this show daily but I ran into an issue recently where I didn’t have time to watch the show each day. Thanks to the podcast, I don’t miss a beat. The audio only version of the show is not as good as the real thing but it is as close as you are going to get if you just don’t have the time to sit in front of a TV to enjoy. This one is not a push (Wilbon’s trademark).
	If DiggNation was my first podcast, then This Week In Tech is my tied first. A weekly discussion of the week’s tech stories is hosted by Leo Laporte. This is truely a geek’s show but I still find my chance ot laugh and enjoy another dose of tech talk.
	Provided by the same group that produces This Week In Tech and Security Now, TWIG (as it is known) follows the top stories related to Google or cloud computing. I’ve only had a chance to enjoy a single episode, but I did find it interesting enough to give it another shot. I’m just wondering if too much Leo Laporte in one week is good for me.
	Not long after I was listening to TWIT and DiggNation while in college, Security Now! began. I gave it a listen a few times in order to find out more within the security industry (might need this for work), but I just haven’t been able to consistently enjoy it. That basically means I’ll drop it soon, but for those that are concerned with their computer security, then give the show a chance. The show does find itself able to explain even the high level security issues so that normal users can understand them and how they could be affected.
	DiggNation was the first of many shows to come for the Revision3 online network. For those familiar with the days of TechTV, you’ll notice many old faces. AppJudgement provides a simple review of applications or “apps” for smartphones. These reviews are for both iPhone and Android phones. Since I’m close to purchasing a smartphone (NOT AN IPHONE), I thought it’d be a great idea to begin finding some apps that I’d find useful. The show runs between 5-10 minutes so it is easy to get in, learn, and get out.
	With my enjoyment of Alex Albrecht from DiggNation (that’s too many plugs for that show), I thought I would try his second Revision3 show, The Totally Rad Show. TRS discusses movies, video games, and comic books. I tried a single episode and enjoyed it but not sure if I will continue thanks to a few of the other shows below.
	Need a review of current and future video games? Well, CO-OP is a well produced show that does just that. My introduction to the show was an older episode that discussed Uncharted 2 and Super Mario Bros. Wii since I had just played both of them recently. My time to spend playing games is not what it used to be but I might follow this show every now and then if I’m looking to find a new game to try.
	InstMsgs had the most interesting concept in that they dramatize all things web. From instant messages to craigslist ads, they do it all. I first heard of this show from the first podcast listed above (I can’t name it again or I might have to start paying fees) and thought “Why not?” Well I jumped on for episode 8(Mad Men?) and that’s about as far as I’m going to get. The show was good and interesting but I don’t know if it is enough for me to keep going with it. Those who find lolcats funny might want to try episode 10.
	A podcast about comics? I’m so there! The discussion is sporadic in the episode (I’m only one in as of posting), but that’s the only way to describe comic book stories. Finding new comics, diving deeper into stories, or providing interviews, this is a great stop to keep up or find out more about the world of comics.
	Since moving to Linux, I wanted a chance to learn more on a more consistent basis. When I found Linux Outlaws, I thought that a podcast could be the perfect place if it was done correctly. Well I’m only one show in (Simple Doesn’t Equal Shit) and I have a few thoughts. First, I will not continue with this one if the running time is around 2 hours for each show. I need shows that are an hour or under to truly enjoy a show during the commute. Two hours is just way too much for me. Second, the content is there in this one. They discuss different flavors/distros, new application updates, and news within the Linux world. As long as the time is shortened for future episodes, I’ll continue listening along.

Anyone have any others I should try? I am interested in checking out others that are not only tech based but I do like what I like.

Here’s the next set of reviews from my Netflix queue.

The Spirit This is not Sin City. Rating:	The Magnificent Seven My bromance with Steve McQueen continues. Rating:
The Hangover Maybe not as funny as everyone made it out to be (over hyped) but still truly funny Rating:	The Ugly Truth An ugly movie that I wish I had not finished Rating:
Sudden Death This is no Bloodsport, but man I still enjoy it. Rating:	IT Crowd: Season 2 Decent British comedy, but not as good as season 1 Rating:

I don’t really know why this movie looked interesting to me. I already knew how it would end. I hate fake southern accents. And it is filled with coaches I didn’t like from teams I hate. Well, it looks like it was a good move to see this movie.

The Blind Side tells the story of Michael Oher, who was a homeless African American kid that was taken in by a well off white family.  Due to Oher’s large size, he was a perfect fit for football and the rest of the movie sells itself.

Now let me start by saying that I could have done without the first few minutes of the movie even though I didn’t see it because my eyes were closed.  I just didn’t need to see the Theismann leg break.  Sure I was told they didn’t show it, but I didn’t want to make the mistake because it is just scary to watch.

Also, it is sad to see great coaches perform so badly in acting.  I mean, how hard can it be to portray yourself?  You are acting as yourself and you fail?  That is just epic failure.

Other than those negatives, the movie was funny, heartfelt, and provided me a great message that I need to start timing all homeless people to see their 40 yard time.  If you have nothing else to see, check it out.  Oh yeah, I knew I was in California watching this movie when no one understood the Bear Bryant joke.

Rating:

Here’s the next set of reviews from my Netflix queue.

Borat Funny but not my style and therefore did not finish. Rating:	Dan in Real Life I really don’t like Dane Cook, but I loved this movie. Yay, another Romantic Comedy that I enjoyed. Rating:
I.O.USA It is time to “Wake Up America” and fix this national debt issue or someone’s kids will need to pay (and pay big). Rating:	The Dirty Dozen If I’m going to war, I’m bringing Lee Marvin and possibly Jim Brown, Donald Sutherland, Charles Bronson, and Telly Savalas. Rating:
Tron Quite cheesy even for me, but at least I’m ready for the sequel. Rating:	Twilight Not really a Netflix movie (someone lent it to me). As bad as I thought it was going to be, but “you shine like diamonds.” Rating:

Zombies, Van Halen, Humor, Killing Zombies, Pop Culture. What else does one actually need?

The Earth has been overcome with a plague that turns all who receive the bite to become a zombie.  You have now entered Zombieland.  There are only a few humans left and those humans must fight to survive.  Simple enough story.

Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenber, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin all bring something different to the film. Woody is your off his rocker man just wanting to kill zombies. Emma is your love interest. Abigail is the little sister to bring a “family” element. Jesse……well…..Jesse is your poor man’s Michael Cera. Michael probably turned down the role and Jesse was just enough to fool the average movie watcher.

Now I knew the movie would be funny based on the trailer, but I never expected how funny it could be.  You’ll need a vast array of pop culture knowledge to truly enjoy this movie but you will still laugh until it hurts.  The banter between Woody and Jesse will get you started.  Enter the two female leads and your sides will hurt.  Break out an ultra A list celebrity and you will be on the floor gasping for air.  Bless you celebrity.  Bless you.  (FYI, don’t go looking at IMDB or other sites to see who it is.  It’s worth it to be surprised.)

Great soundtrack that keeps the movie rocking.  Filmed in Georgia (congrats Coweta).  Instantly quotable (a must).  I’m still laughing.  If only Jesse wasn’t a wannabe Michael Cera, I’d be able to give this movie 5 out of 5.  Oh well.  close enough.

Rating:

It’s about time that Quentin Tarantino’s war epic made its appearance. I remember reading about his possible script a few years ago. Nearly double the size of a normal script and filled with every ounce of talent he had. Well, I’m hear to say that he probably produced one of his best movies yet.

I’d love to state that this movie centers on the Inglorious Basterds (a group of no-holds bar Jewish soldiers), but I just can’t.  Quentin weaves a story with many players (as always) but is able to easily make you remember and connect with each one.  Maybe not all of the Nazis, but you get the idea.

Christoph Waltz, or as I term him the Merovingian’s older brother, was perfect. As the creepy Col. Hans Landa, Waltz is able to make you hate and laugh in sometimes the same scenes.  If it wasn’t for his character, I’d have to say that Brad Pitt shined with his hard Tennessee accent.

Overall, I came into the film expecting more gore and basterds but was given less on both fronts.less gore than I thought.  Normally this may leave me wanting more, but Quentin was able to satisfy everything I needed in this movie with one exception.  I really wasn’t big on the ending even if it reminded me of the old war movies (Dirty Dozen, Kelly’s Heroes, etc.)

Rating:

I’ll leave this review short since I’m so late to seeing this movie (over a month old).

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was probably one of my least favorite books so I was skeptical of how I would receive the movie.  However, I think the Potter movies are continuing to get better.  This could be due to the acting skills getting better for the kids that have grown up on screen for us or that the subject of each book/movie has allowed the presentation to age for the better.

David Yates is the man at the helm for the final chapters of the Potter saga and I believe he gets it.  He allows a good collection of the elements that made the books so entertaining:  humor, awkward situations as the kids grow, fear, action, etc.  Here’s hoping that he can also make the final chapter (my true least favorite book) come alive on the big screen.

The one drawback to this movie for me was that I felt more emotional connection during the chase scene within the fields than I did at the final climax of the movie.  This is odd for those that know what happened.  It should have been the reverse but I just didn’t feel it like I should have.

Rating:

As a side note, I was able to see this movie at the Chinese Mann Theater in LA.  Sure, it wasn’t the main screen where all of the premiers take place, but it was still cool to attend.  It’s amazing how great a screen can look and sound with the right technology behind it.  This theater also had the new D-BOX seats.  I didn’t try them (not for $20 at least), but my seats were close enough to “feel” the experience.  I’d say overall it seems more like a novelty than a great way to see a movie.

Wow. I went into this moving thinking it would be pretty good, but I walked out thinking it was simply amazing.

For those that somehow don’t know anything about this movie, it is produced by Peter Jackson and could be well on its way to being one of the best Sci-Fi movies.  I pulled the following synopsis from Imdb:

Thirty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa’s District 9 as the world’s nations argued over what to do with them. Now, patience over the alien situation has run out. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens’ welfare – they will receive tremendous profits if they can make the aliens’ awesome weaponry work. So far, they have failed; activation of the weaponry requires alien DNA. The tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head when an MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA. Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world, as well as the most valuable – he is the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology. Ostracized and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9.

For a relatively newcomer in terms of directing, Neill Blomkamp delivers a great movie that mixes action, comedy, and drama.  With a documentary style (interviews, non-steadycam), Neill makes the audience feel as if the events are unfolding before them or have already happened in the current world.  Along with newbie Blomkamp, we are also introduced to another somewhat first timer in our “hero” Sharlto Copley who plays Wikus Van De Merwe.  Copley’s character easily morphs from the laughable failure to the man fighting to do the right thing.  Apparently Copley had no previous acting experience and was only given the role after Blomkamp tossed him into the mix while filming Alive in Joburg, which is the short film that inspired District 9.

Just as a warning to those who are squeamish, this movie is filled with gore.  I don’t believe it is gore for the sake of gore (i.e. what you mind find in most modern horror movies).  It’s more of a gore that you might see if you combined Saving Private Ryan’s opening season, Aliens, and some really cool futuristic weapons.  It is interesting to see an audience flinch when a man pulls his fingernails off but a soldier’s body exploding is normal.

With the great detail Blomkamp offered in terms of action and technology, I say give the man Halo.  Give him Iron Man.  Give him anything he wants.  With Halo he could actually end the curse of bad movies based on video games.  Those weapons.  That mech warrior.  The aliens.  All of it looked amazing.

Most of you know how I hate to over hype a movie, but this is probably the best movie I have seen since The Dark Knight.

Rating:

Based on the reaction I’ve heard from people when I told them I wanted to see this movie, it doesn’t seem to be one that is on many people’s radar even though it is heralded as a “near perfect war film“. The Hurt Locker follows 3 soldiers in Iraq as they perform their duties as a bomb disposal unit. The trailer has a wonderful visualization that is seen in the poster above.

The Hurt Locker is a very good film but it is slow which will bother many people.  The two hour plus timespan does feel like it but you find yourself wanting to finish to see how these characters turn out, particularly Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner). Of course, it’s also fun to see who might pop up next in the movie if you want a few name droppers:  Lord Voldermort (Ralph Fiennes), Kate (Evangeline Lilly), Leonard from Memento (Guy Pearce), or Cmdr Adam Beck from The Negotiator (David Morse).

As the movie begins, the presented quote that “war is a drug” really sets the statge for wanting to discover what makes Staff Sergeant James, pardon the pun, tick. Renner doesn’t have long dramatic dialogue but he does have everything he needs to make you understand what is possibly going on in his head.  Why does he face his life ending job with such disregard?  Why does he seem a half a step away from really losing it and making his unit hating the fact that they ever were assigned to each other? So far this has been the best character I’ve seen this year (that’s not saying much) but here’s hoping at least a nomination is in his future.

Rating: