The Pilot to the hit 1980s series is just that. A TV Pilot. From the 80s. As such, a certain lens must applied when watching it. The lens, of course, is necessary to filter through the fashions and enrivonment as an acccurate depiction of a time in history– a time of which this piece of entertainment is exemplery. And you know what, it’s a solid program.

The job of a pilot is to get viewers interested in the world and characters of the show, and that is exactly what the pilot for Miami Vice accomplishes.The overall plot and development really play out like a made-for-TV movie, and it leaves one hungering for adventures in the underbelly of the seeming Florida paradise. It not only establishes the two main cops, Ricardo Tubbs and Sonny Crockett, but also the world of Miami, the grime beneath the shiny exteriors and gorgeous women, the fragility of security, and the overall appeal of such an environment. In the pilot, Jimmy Smits and Mikelti Willaimson also make notable appearances; and it makes for danged good TV.

I am giving the Miami Vice Pilot a solid 5, and I hope to start getting into the series.

Okay, I totally thought I wrote a meview for The Da Vinci Code; but apparently I didn’t save it, which sucks because NOW I am only willing to write a short blurb to get the movie up on the site. Ok, here ya go.

First, the movie isn’t really exciting, but I thought it was interesting. Though I consider its fundamental history to be fictional or, at the very least, grossly misrepresented, it made for interesting viewing experience. At least for me.

Second, I felt it was adequately produced. It was well directed, with a few noteworthy shots but nothing truly awe-inspiring. The performances, less the female lead, were good, with Ian McKellan particularly making himself endearing despite villainous intent. Overall I felt that it made for a watchable outing.

Okay, that being said, Da Vinci Code gets a 4 from me. It’s adequate, even if it is off in its historicity.

“Rain fo Fire” Wesley Statuette

from the television show, Angel

Figure:
“rain of Fire” Wesley Statuette

Series:
Angel

Recipe:
This statuette was pretty complicated. This figure was made by taking a Dusty Trails gangster “Spider” and adding sleeves and hands (from the bicep, down) from a DST “Rain of Fire” Wesley. I also added the jacket from Wesley as well, and painted the jacket, shoulders and sleeves a single color brown. The head is simply from a “Rain of Fire” Wesley places on the cut neck of “Spider”, after I removed his head with an exacto-knife. The figure was painted to match Wes’ appearance from the episode, “Rain of Fire”.

Accessories:
This figure includes a base and Wes’s two pistols.

Reasoning Behind The Effort:
I got 6 Dusty Trails Spider figures for next to nothing, and I had to use the parts. WES was an easy and obvious choice!

Additional Thoughts
This figure really came out well. He captured Wes at his most awesome, and the dynamic pose was a huge departure from my standard Angel figures. I really felt this was one of my best figures. I sold this one, but I intend to make myself another! (FIGURE COMPLETED IN FALL 2006)

Well, friends. Grace and Peace to you. Behold! I am a nerd. If you don’t believe me, check out this post! It’s Nerd-riffic

The Line That Just Won’t Die.

History has a funny way of repeating itself. In 2003, Moore Action Collectibles announced that their beloved Buffy, The Vampire Slayer and Angel figure lines would be discontinued. Their previewed sculpts, which included several highly anticipated fan favorites, would never see production; and many key characters from both shows, would never be made. In standard Whedon-fan fashion, collectors of both Buffy and Angel rallied support from select online retailers and convinced Diamond Select Toys to continue the figure line once the license became available. In February 2004, less than a year after Moore’s announcement, DST announced their taking the license. Since that time, they’ve released over 100 unique figures as well as a display playset; and the overall line was successful depsite having no ongoing TV show to support it(Angel was cancelled before the first DST figure hit shelves). It’s been a very good, long run.

Veteran Buffy and Angel collectors experienced déjà vu last week, however, when Diamond Select Toys confirmed rumors that their final wave of Buffy figures was cancelled. The announcement was a harsh one for Buffy fans, who had seen this last wave (which included a build-a-figure) cancelled and resurrected last fall. At that time, Diamond altered case assortments and solicited the line once again, in hopes that a new, more varied set of figures would appeal to fans and retailers alike. All seemed well the last 10 months; and fans, many of whom had pre-ordered the figures by the set as well as duplicates for making customs, believed the figures would finally be in their hands this September. In fact, promotional inserts included in DST’s latest releases, the third wave of Deluxe Buffy/Angel figures, shows the cancelled figures as “available now”—applying lemon juice to the wound created by the cancellation announcement. It’s been a heartbreaking week for the Buffy collecting community, and it seems the line is now undeniably finished.

Or is it? In traditional Whedon-fan fashion, the die hard collectors over at SlayAlive and the Buffy Figure Forum have refused to let the line die. From the moment the cancellation was confirmed, their primary goal was developing a way to keep it alive. Posters at the forums swamped the inboxes of DST and retailers, asking how they could “save” this last line from fading into obscurity; and while an over arching plan is still in development, the fans have begun taking measures to ensure DST knows interest is alive and well. The initial step they have put together is the official “Buy-a-Figure” day. Described in detail below, the event is a fan-initiated attempt to show Diamond Select Toys that demand for the Buffy figures is still alive, and many fans are committed to continually supporting it. The below “press release” was issued from SlayAlive and BTVS figs forum late last week:

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Save BUFFY Figures!

On August 22nd 2007 Chuck Terceira, Director of Diamond Select Toys pulled the plug on the upcoming releases of Buffy the Vampire Slayer action figures. In less than a day fans rallied to take action. In hopes of securing a release for the said figures, Philip M, administrator of SlayAlive and BtVSFigs has organized the Save BUFFY Figures campaign! A one day event; where participants purchase at least one figure directly from Diamond Select. This day-long event will happen August 29th, 2007. International customers are encouraged to join as well, by ordering through other venues. Polls created on both sites will decide which figure will be purchased on the 29th. Fans are also encouraged to buy more that just a single figure, if possible. Ideally the goal is to decide on a single figure, and buy all of Diamond’s stock in that product!

In 2001, previous BtVS license holder Moore Action Collectibles cancelled their figures as well. Fans reacted in the same fashion then, which resulted in Diamond’s take over. To date, DST has produced over 100 unique action figures under their Buffy the Vampire Slayer license, as well as a variety of other products ranging from plush to statues and prop replicas.

If you would like to take part in this event, follow-up at SlayAlive or BtVSFigs and contact the administration team for more information.”

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The question now, of course, is whether or not the fans can generate the buzz and interest needed for the line to reach production. As unlikely as it may seem, it could very well work. It was this same fanbase (or at least, it’s younger sibling) that helped Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy, Angel, and the show Firefly) convince Universal pictures to invest $40 million into the sci-fi film, Serenity. Hopefully, these collectors will be able to find success again, even it is in a bit smaller scale. They’ll at least have me and the stage backing them up!

Paul Newman and Robert Redford are considered to be one of the many dynamic duos of the silver screen; and with good reason. They are a charismatic pair with good looks, acting chops, and an overall good nature that comes off the screen perfectly. The Sting is one of their most beloved pictures; and serves as a perfect exemple of their chemistry at work.

The story follows Redford as Johnny Hooker, a grfiter who is on the run after conning a mobster. When his partner in the scheme is killed, Hooker is forced to run to legendary conman Henry Gondorff (Newman) for aid. Together the two concoct a scheme to get revenge on the man who killed their old buddy. And they get him good.

The movie is most comparable to Ocean’s 13, another classic revenge picture built around the humiliating the enemy more than killing him; and it’s fun to follow the men through the process. Director George Roy Hill expertly crafts the tale with interludes telling the audience what stage of the con, or “The Sting” is about to occur. It allows us to be taught by the movie how this type of scheme would work, much in the same way Newman’s character is teaching Redford’s. It’s good stuff. There was one bit in the story I didn’t get, and it’s a big deal for me personally, but I may have just missed something (it has to do with Redford being hunted by the mob while being a main player in the scheme. How did they not put 2-and-2 together to know who he was?? If you know, please tell me).

Anyway, overall the film is a great time. It’s a good concept that’s well-executed, clever, and entertaining from start to finish. and I give it a strong 5

Grace and Peace to one and all. Be of good cheer and drink a beer as a symbol of your love for Rock.

Now, my good freind Chandler, who is arguably Aerosmith’s greatest fan, may or may not appreciate this list. In fact, he may fly out here and burn my face with hot vegetable oil if I’m not careful. At least I didn’t include “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing”, apparently the band’s most known song, which wasn’t even written by them. In fact, I’m not trying to say these are Aerosmith’s BEST songs. They are just my favorite ones. So, I am putting this out there for everyone. It’s just my opinion. Hopefully, that’s okay.

(1) “Dream On” - Okay, I’m going out on a limb. Other than “Kashmir”, “Black Dog”, and “Immigrant Song” by Zepellin, “Dream On” is, in my opinion, the best Rock N’ Roll epic of all time. Yes, I think it’s better than anything by Queen, AC/DC or any other band not mentioned above. “Dream on” is awesome. It’s braod, epic, powerful, and moving, and it’s not only a great song, it’s easily one of my favorites.
(2) “Cryin” - Not unlike “Dream On”, “Cryin” is a great piece of rock music. I don’t know if I’d consider it a power ballad. Maybe. Steve Tyler belts the lyrics like his life depends on it, and it’s good stuff.
(3) “Crazy” - To be honest, I used to get “Crazy”‘ and “Cryin” mixed up. They have a fairly similar sound, and they are both good. That being said, if “Cryin” is on the list, “Crazy’ must be as well.
(4) “Fly Away From Here” - I know this is new Aerosmith and becuase of that, some people will hate it because Rock is dead and all that vogue stuff people say. Well, whatever. This is a powerful song about grabbing your lover (or at least a hot hook up) and heading toward the future together, riding on a moving melody. It’s a trip I like taking.
(5) “Jaded” - coming off the same album as “Fly Away”, “Jaded” is another one of those songs that purists will hate by virtue of the time in history is written, but I still think it’s a fun song. Tyler, as a vocalist, carries this song. His performance is just solid as stone. I dig it.
(6) “My Fist your Face” - I should not have this on the list. It’s from the most notoriously disliked album Done With Mirrors, adn it’s not even that great of a song. HOWEVER, it is also entitled, “MY FIST YOUR FACE”, which is excellent, and it’s not a bad song in and of itself. It’s got melody and frankly, it’s a good time for a rcok fan’s ears.
(7) “Rag Doll” - This is just a fun song.

So there they are, my top 7 favorite Songs by Aerosmith. Flame me for it!

Garden State isn’t a bad movie. It’s good. While his style is a bit self-aware, Zach Braff shows commpentance and skill in directing. The writing is engaging, with plenty of interesting and eccentric characters working their way through angst, numbness, dissatisfaction, and sorrow. There’s also some good “indie” music and several bits of humor. All that considered, however, I just didn’t love it.

I wanted to. I wanted to think it was heartfelt and sweet and engaging. I wanted to laugh, maybe cry. I wanted this to be a new favorite (I want that for all movies); but it just didn’t do it for me. That’s just me, though. If you love it, more power to you. If you hate it, to you, power as well. For me, it was just kinda “Meh. That was a movie.” I know some of you love it, and that’s great; but it just wasn’t for me.

In fairness, however, I certianly felt it was still a good movie; and were I asked to watch it again with someone, I would. It’s kind of like a Cameron Crowe movie with lesser music and harsher realism. I really like Cameron Crowe, and I think that Braff continues to make films, he’ll be successful, and he’ll probably come out with one or two I really dig. Let’s hope.

For now, I am giving Garden State a 4.

Grace, peace, and happy Saturday to you all!

First. I saw Superbad last night. Meview to come. Boo-yah

Second. Thanks to all who left a comment. To those who didn’t, thanks for reading.

Third. Dude, I spent some great time listening to The Hollywood Saloon this week. Nice.

Fourth, I have now finished the second Harry Potter book and begun the third. So far, the third has been the best written, and I am excited to read it each day.

Five, I finished the third season of Scrubs this week, and I dug it. Sadly, however, I think the show is becoming really repetitive, and I hope it devlops more. I am borrowing Scrubs, season 4, and I hope it’s good.

Movie Moment of the week:
I watched Panic Room on Thursday with the wife, and I gotta say, the part where Dwight Yokum punches the girl in the face, knocking her into the mantle, was pretty wicked–especially because she just started screaming like a banshee.

Quote-of-week. “I can appreciate love when it is used as a catalyst for maximum violence.” Doug Nagy, on romance in movies, from The Movie Blog audio edition #28,

REASON-MY-WIFE-IS-AWESOME-OF-THE-WEEK: She is an excellent hostess. My sister-in-law and her boyfriend came over, and my wife was basically the perfect hostess…much better than I would have been.

SONG OF THE POST: “Where Did My Baby Go” from the John Legend album Once Again

Grace, Peace, and Thanks, friends. I come to you with some great news. I live. And live well.

I spent some time updating the archive. I added all the customs and meviews from June 11th to August 24, and they look better than ever. Even if you’re not looking for anything specifically, just click on the buttons, and if nothing else, look at the archives. That’s some hot stuff.

Click these Buttons in the header to visit the archives!

My feelings on Deep Blue Sea are strongly tied to emotional memories and, as such, it receives an immense amount of grace. If my ties to the film were not so strong, it’d be an easy 3, but memories and the power of positive reinforcement are just strong enough for me to give it a pass where I porbably shouldn’t, placing into my “good” category.

I first saw Deep Blue Sea on a July weekend trip to the beach, and we swam the next day in the deep blue sea, or Atlantic shore as it is commonly called. So I saw it under perfect conditions with good friends on a good trip. Yeah, sweet memories. In fact, on later viewings, Deep Blue Sea retains all the goodness and fun of the first time; but it’s weaknesses and faults are much more glaring. Oh well, sometimes that happens.

What is Deep Blue Sea? It’s the story of sharks that are given growth hormones, who in turn grow large brains, and of course, become smarter–so smart in fact that they can solve puzzles, gain new capacities, and manipulate their captors into unknowingly sinking their own laboratory. The captors are turned into prisoners in their own complex and forced to attempt several different escapes only to be picked off one-by-one in standard horror style.

Yeah, it’s bogus. Yeah, I thought the direction, pacing, and overall tone was B-movie execution with an A-list budget. Yeah, the acting is pretty crappy (less the fantastic performances of Tom Jane, Michael Rappaport, and LL Cool J). Oh, and the sharks only look remotely good half the time…

But on the other hand, LL Cool J blows up a shark, prays comically and punches a shark in the face. Sam Jackson gives a harrowing speech to rally the survivors. Tom Jane stars as a “Shark Wrangler”, which is pretty much the coolest job a person can have outside of “Ninja”, “Secret Agent”, or “Croc Wrestler”. There is also plenty of crazy shark action, even if some of it’s goofy. There’s also LL Cool J…and my memory of the first time I caught this flic, at the beach, with good friends, prior to swimming.

So, taking the Pros and Cons into account, Deep Blue Sea retains a strong 4 for me. Despite itself, I really enjoy it and I’ll probably watch it every summer for the rest of my life, along with Jaws.