UrbanRhetoric

UrbanRhetoric

12.31.2010

Most Played in 2010....

....not to be confused with 'played out'.  Which is a whole other entry.

Since we are not so intrigued by posting a "Best of" list, we thought it would be interesting to see what folks were listening to the most in 2010. 

Come on Down -De La Soul feat. Flavor Flav [Paj1]
Shutterbug -Big Boi [IMTHATDUDE]
Untitled Track (Recovery Album) -Eminem [Dough]
All I Want Is You -Miguel feat. J Cole [pemora]
Outstanding -The Gap Band [missDTM]
Tangerine -Big Boi feat. TI & Khujo Goodie [Kev frum BK!]
Grenade -Bruno Mars [DJ Shakez]
Swing -Zero 7 [jayare20k]

Thanks to our loyal readers (all 4 of you) for contributing as well....what song did you listen to the most in 2010?

And, to the 4 loyal readers, Happy Freaking New Year!  Here's hoping to get a 5th reader in 2011!

12.25.2010

Tron: Legacy [review]....by IMTHATDUDE

Tron: Legacy

After decades of chatter, sci-fi geeks have finally gotten what they’ve been clamoring over since Tron first hit the big screen in 1982. A sequel. And we all know how awesome sequels tend to be. Instant Correction: We all know how awesomely LAME sequels tend to be. Tron was no different.

First time feature the film director Joseph Kosinski helms Tron: Legacy, which is written by first time feature film writers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (they did write for several TV shows including Lost and the inimitable Birds of Prey! If you haven’t seen Birds of Prey, think Cleopatra 2525 but way worse). Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart, The Big Lebowski) reprises his role as Kevin Flynn, the inventor of Tron. It also stars Garrett Hedlund (Country Strong, Troy), Olivia Wilde (Year One, Alpha Dog & TV’s House) and Bruce Boxleitner (Tron, TV’s Babylon 5). FYI: Legacy does get to boast of one good thing… they saw fit to give a smidget of screen time to one of my babies’ mamas – Christine Adams. Yes, I did say one of, because I have quite the substantial list of candidates ranging from starlets to writers. One day I will post that list, which is always subject to change (eg, Zoe Saldana’s recent departure from the list. Lo Siento, Zoe, but,if it makes it any easier for you, it was a difficult decision).

IF YOU MUST KNOW:

Here’s the quick and dirty for the sci-curious. Tron is a videogame, but more. It’s a cyber world created by Flynn (Bridges) based on a video game. Flynn’s been missing for over 20 years and left his son Sam (Hedlund) and the rest of the world wondering what happened. In actuality (not a SPOILER) Flynn’s been stuck inside of this cyber world the entire time until Alan (Boxleitner) gets a mysterious message from a disconnected number which accidentally leads Sam to get sucked into the world of Tron. Sam then has to track down his pops and fight his way home. Of course, this is no easy feat. First, Sam has to figure out the rules of this world, which include deadly games for digital survival (which of course has real implications in the real world) In the Tron world, unlike the Matrix, your actual physical body gets thrown inside the program, so if you die, there’s no trace of you homey.

You’re like Jimmy Hoffa or Nicki Minaj’s talent.

People will be wondering where you are for a long time.

If I told you more about the story, I’d be removing what little twisty bits of story the writers and directors pray will keep you in your seat and stop you from walking out or falling asleep.

Obviously, the best part of this movie was the effects. However, that was a little disappointing too. At times, I couldn’t help but think about how George Lucas must feel watching some of these Darth Maul rip-offs flit about the screen. There was anything groundbreaking about the graphics like Avatar and there was nothing incredible about the story or the story telling. It was obvious what would happen, how soon it would happen, and even HOW whatever was going to happen would happen. The only things that make this movie tolerable are the action sequences (which could be better and after 28 years, SHOULD be much better), the Christine Adams sighting, Olivia Wilde and Beau Garrett in their skin tight outfits, and the occasional Dude-isms from Bridges.

Also, Disney, it is NOT cool that I couldn’t find the original on DVD anywhere, which made it impossible to remember or figure out why I vaguely recall semi-liking it. I suspect, I probably didn’t like the original anydamnway. I absolutely hate not being able to compare films for continuity, quality, and character development. I think Disney didn’t want people to do that and Netflix is in on it with them. I smell a C-O-N spiracy.

Put in the most simple way I can, if you planned on seeing a good Jeff Bridges movie this season, then you need to go see True Grit (review coming soon).

That Dude gives Tron-Legacy: 2

RATING SYSTEM:

1. They make crap this pure?
2. Couldn’t be more under-whelmed.
3. Not too shabby, I won’t ask for my money back.
4. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good./Worth the 12 bucks.
5. Why are you reading this and not seeing this movie? Jackass.

True Grit [review]...by IMTHATDUDE

True Grit

Now, this is a how you do a remake. True Grit is so worth the venture out of the warmth of your crib and onto the frozen tundra. Just don’t do like I did and see it in a touristy area like Union Square or Times Square. Why, you ask… Because I nearly lost my temper and took it to the wild west on this skinny jean wearing youngster sitting behind me who couldn’t stop clipping my chair with his feet all because he couldn’t sit still. Here’s a hint for you douchebag, wear looser clothing! You’re a DUDE. If you don’t let ‘em breathe, they’ll demand their freedom, moron. I’m sorry, but I had to vent for a second.

So . . . Ethan and Joel Coen (Fargo, No Country for Old Men) these brothers (not brothAs) got busy on the rewrite of the classic John Wayne film and jumped behind the camera to direct what is a truly laudable reincarnation.

Jeff Bridges (Tron, Tron: Legacy), Matt “How ‘bout dem apples” Damon (Bourne Trilogy, Good Will Hunting), Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men, Jonah Hex) and Barry Pepper (Saving Private Ryan, Casino Jack) all take a back seat to Hailee Steinfeld (some TV and Shorts, but no features).

IF YOU MUST KNOW:

14-year old Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) has come to collect her murdered father and settle his business. She intends to have justice for his murder and is determined to find the lawman capable of bringing in Tom Chaney (Brolin), the man who shot and killed her father. Did I mention she’s doing this on her own? Young, but incredibly wise beyond her years, the razor-tongued Mattie has gets her sights set on one Rueben “Rooster” Cogburn (Bridges) as her champion. Rooster happens to be an ill-tempered US Marshal, a war veteran, a dead shot shooter, and a serious drunk. But he’s also honorable and a straight talker… to everybody, whether you happen to be a killer with a gun pointed at him or a adolescent girl dangerously out of her depth. Mattie contracts Rooster to find and bring Chaney to justice (preferably so he can be “hanged” or in the alternative shot on the spot), but there’s a Texas Ranger also on the trail of Tom Chaney. LaBoeuf (Damon) is hunting Chaney and crosses paths with this vendetta-driven 14 year old and the aging agent.

In typical Coen brothers form, True Grit is very well written, especially the speaking parts for Mattie. Trust me, Urban Fam, we will be hearing from lil Hailee Steinfeld for many years to come in the same way we now hear from Abigail Breslin, Dakota Fanning, etc.

I had two issues with this flick (well, three if you count the euro-tool in the seat behind me) were 1) the pacing seemed a little off at times and 2) the Coen brothers seem to like to leave some sort of thought provoking statement at the end of their films and it doesn’t always work (for example, in No Country, when Tommy Lee Jones gives his soliloquy and then the movie just ends… WACK. I liken it to Spike Lee’s “WAKE UUUUUUUUP!” moment at the end of School Daze. So completely unnecessary.

That Dude gives True Grit: 4

RATING SYSTEM:

1. They make crap this pure?
2. Couldn’t be more under-whelmed.
3. Not too shabby, I won’t ask for my money back.
4. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good./Worth the 12 bucks.
5. Why are you reading this and not seeing this movie? Jackass.

Black Swan [review]....by IMTHATDUDE

Black Swan

microwave review

Written by Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz, this new film by Brooklyn boy Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler) is aight, but I’m sorry to say, the more time I have to think about it - the more lame I think the movie was. There were some great things about it. Cinematography, dramatic performances by Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, visual effects… yet… increasingly lame. So I talked to one of my fellow movie addicts after she saw it and she had a couple of simple ideas that would’ve made it a better movie – ideas different from the things I thought would’ve made it a better movie. The point is, if two non-movie makes can sit through the critically acclaimed film and come up with a bunch of easy fixes that could make this movie tighter, better, smarter, or cooler, then the movie can’t be THAT good.

It wasn’t. Like I said, it was just aight.

IF YOU MUST KNOW:

The story’s about Nina (Portman), a troubled up and coming ballet dancer, and her pursuit of perfection in the performance of her live – Swan Lake. That’s all folks. That’s all you MUST know.

Again, Natalie Portman’s performance was stellar, as usual. Hopefully, she went out and had some grub IMMEDIATELY after this movie was over. FYI: Natalie will be costarring in my sleeper pic of 2011, Thor – directed by the great Kenneth Branagh. You heard it here first - great expectations for Thor. It looks so much better than the other stuff on the horizon (like Green Lantern and Green Hornet).

Mila Kunis, impressive yet again – she was the best thing about two crappy movies in a row (Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Book of Eli). Who’d’ve thunk that Jackie from That 70s Show would turn out to be the best actor on the show? Mila is one of the two best things about Aronofsky’s flick. I hope she starts getting larger roles and better movies really soon.

That Dude gives Black Swan: 2.5 (that number could drop by the time I get around to doing my best of 2010 list)

RATING SYSTEM:

1. They make crap this pure?
2. Couldn’t be more under-whelmed.
3. Not too shabby, I won’t ask for my money back.
4. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good./Worth the 12 bucks.
5. Why are you reading this and not seeing this movie? Jackass.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows [review]....by IMTHATDUDE

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

With a run time of two hours and twenty –six minutes (give or take a lifetime), I have to say I absolutely LOVED....leaving the theater.  LLLLLOVED IT.  Sweet Baby Jesus - this movie felt like a two hour twenty-six minute stint in a crowded maximum security prison shower with no guards – I’ve never been there, but it’s safe to assume you would really REALLY not like being there, especially if you knew that when you finally got to leave, it wouldn’t actually over yet because there’s a Part TWO! in just a few months.

I know, I know.  The Harry Potheads out there will disagree and chase me down like a finch at a quidditch tournament.  Yikes! Scary thought.  Oh, wait… grown ass people really do that.

Do I have to say it?  I mean… word?  Do I? 

Alas, to the flick deets.  The story is by Paper Stacks (government name “JK Rowling”) and on the keyboard is Steve Kloves (all the other HP’s except Order of the Phoenix, me thinks).  David Yates (Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince) directs the usual cast of characters, Daniel Radcliffe (aka “Potter. Harry Potter” – is it just me or is that name kinda soft core porn-ish?  Just me?  Emma Watson is Hermione Granger and Rupert Grint is Ron Weasley.  SIDE NOTE: People always make fun of black/brown folks names - what’s wrong with names like “Shamik Tetteh Pabon” – huh, pemora & paj1?  “Rupert Grint” is his real name!  I rest my freaking case. Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, and several others are all back for the penultimate HP movie.

IF YOU MUST KNOW:

This is Harry Potter’s seventh jaunt into the film world thanks to JK “Paper Stacks” Rowling who is sick with the pen.  Not that I read any of these books, but I tried to read Chamber of Secrets at a Barnes & Noble bookstore once but I don’t really get into stuff like this – unless, it’s onscreen.  If I’m going to get all cozy with a book, it aint gonna be about a tween wizard playing with brooms and wands.  A-yo!  I’ll pass.  I did read about 12 pages of one of these uber-best sellers from Paper Stack can write her tiny British bum off.

So, Harry reluctantly rallies his crew – Hermione and Ron.  Somehow they are foiled at nearly every turn as the try to find and destroy the mystical Hulcruxwhosiwhatsits. I think I should remind you – if you haven’t read the books or seen the previous flicks SPOILER ALERT ………………………………………………..Again, SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!

I should remind you that Dumbledore is dead as a doornail. For my Latinos - Albus es finito, mi hijo.  (Can you tell I’ve been practicing mi espaƱol?)  Voldemort (the villain who sounds like an STD – so let’s just call him VD, shall we?) is pooling his evil resources to effect the takeover of the ministry of magic and then… the WORLD. 

Bwahahahaha!  Who wouldn’t be scared of this face? 


If it wasn’t for Potter, Hermione, Weezy gumming up the works, he’d have an easy go about it to. 

As ominous as Voldemort and his death-eating crew seem, there really are only about 8 of those fools.  Yet, the good guys, who are plentiful, have the strength of a big bowl of puddin’ – more on this later.
So, Harry, Weezy and Hermione get their whosiwhatsit destroying quest under way, but they have to fend off the constant threat of the VD gang.  Long story short, it’s a race against time in this NEVER ending saga of good vs. evil and goody for us, they let us watch it slowly unfold over the course of 6 days (or 2 ½ hours, whatever).

My problem:  Too many good guys not enough bad guys.  Are the good guys that “pudding” or are the bad guys so freaking g’d up that the good guys and all their goodness were simply impotent against them?  That may not be what the books portray, but the movies do.  The book MIGHT explain that, but the movie… sho’ don’t.  I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again before my time on the intrawebs is over – Every movie should stand and feel complete on its own merit.  I shouldn’t need a workbook or companion manual to go along with the film.

Listen, the special effects were very good.  They usually are.  The plot, as an individual movie, was a little weak.  Pretty weeny, in fact.   Again, let me say Paper Stacks is an exceptional writer.  I just couldn’t help the feeling that I was sitting through what was largely a placeholder until the actual movie started.  How would you feel if the coming attractions lasted nearly 2 hours and the movie was only about 26 minutes long?  Well, that’s how it felt?  Me and the throngs of Potheads basically shelled out our doe as the studios maximized the total revenue yield from the Deathly Hallows.

It had so much potential from the outset.  People dying.  Darker tone.  All that good stuff.  Not your little sibling’s Mr. Potter. But then… it just kinda got lame and returned to lame-status quite frequently throughout the one hundred and forty-six minutes of run time.  Potheads unite against me if you will. 

But I’m like Severus.  You aint about to kill me, baby.  Oh… wait…

(PS: JK, I see you. If you’re ever in need a brother to give you some Severus BLACK Snape, holla at me.  I’m kidding.  I just wanted to get my point across about the character names in this series.)

That Dude gives Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I: 2

RATING SYSTEM:

 1. They make crap this pure?

                                 2. Couldn’t be more under-whelmed.
                                 3. Not too shabby, I won’t ask for my money back.

                                 4. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good./Worth the 12 bucks.
                                 
5. Why are you reading this and not seeing this movie? Jackass.