Tuesday I was on The Screen Savers discussing the merits of Napoleon Dynamite, Shaun of the Dead (DVD commentary during which the star and director discuss, among other films, Battle Royale, Goodfellas and Suspiria? Have to love them) and Catwoman which is terrible but terribly fun. Check me out next Tuesday at 4 PM.
As for now, watch my appearance here:
http://www.dvdtalk.com/video/ssavers011805.asx
And, three current obsessions:
1. The Shield: The Complete Second Season: The second season of one of TV’s greatest cops shows becomes even more over the top, highlighting how Mackie (Chiklis) is overwhelmed by his job, personal life and that dirty money train he and his crew continually discuss (it ends up providing a great moment of silent recognition by series end—that’s all I will say about that). The Shield has been heralded as gritty, real-life entertainment but I think and, even more so in the second season, it takes on comic book levels darkness. There’s even an episode called “Co-Pilot” that, like the unveiling of comic book origins later in a series, explains some of the show’s foundation. Any show that WORKS while featuring a mastermind gang leader/drug dealer who hands out free heroin to elementary school children for future customers (that’s bordering on Christian Pamphlet propaganda) is on the edge of brilliance.
2. Emails from a female friend (one of three sadly) who shall remain anonymous:
I want to do a research project in praise of rage. I want to come up with some people who did great things because they were pissed off. I am so annoyed by over nurtured pussies. I started thinking about it after we spoke of Michael Moore last night. Like, what are you really mad about buddy? And then I thought about John Kerry. Where is the anger? Why you aren’t completely pissed off? Did you ever have rage or was this whole serving your country to help the little guy just a choice you made one day? You have to deeply hate the corrupt rich people to be able to beat them. It has to be in your gut. I think something has happened in this country because people have been overly parented or something. A little overboard on the anger management thing. Totally wussified. Makes me want to hang out with Tanya Harding. She could do the triple axle because I’m sure she was pissed off.
3. The Runaways: Cherie Curie, Joan Jett, Lita Ford and Jackie Fox. "Cherry Bomb." Real teenagers who look like they’d drag you into a back room for either a good time or a crack on the skull. The Live in Japan concert. And, uh…Cherie Curie in garter belt. You’ll never listen to The Donna’s again.
Can't stay at home can't stay in school...
Has anyone watched Battle Royale 2? It doesn't beat the first one, but pretty cool nonetheless.
Posted by: RK | January 21, 2005 at 06:38 AM
I guess your friend doesn't subscribe to the whole "anger leads to hate..." thing.
Posted by: Steve Brady | January 21, 2005 at 01:06 PM
Not enough rage? The left wing has been full of rage for a couple of years now. It's become their defining characteristic. The rage of Michael Moore (sincere or a brilliant marketing gimmick to make him even richer?) and his ilk was an enormous gift to President Bush, greatly aiding his re-election effort. Your friend wants the left to become even more whacked out on rage? She must be a covert Republican operative leading the opposition to oblivion by encouraging their worst tendencies. Good work!
Posted by: RW | January 21, 2005 at 03:24 PM
I just love The Runaways. While Lita, Joan & Cherie were the primary forces in the group some people forget that Michael Steele of Bangles fame was in the group for like maybe a month or so. she played the material from the Born to be Bad album but I'm not certain if it was recorded or not. There are a few bootlegs out there of her playing material from "Born to be Bad" though
Posted by: digitaldd | January 24, 2005 at 08:35 AM
Hey, just saw you on TSS and thought I'd check out your blog. I like movies, so I'm trying to convince myself I dropped by to read reviews instead of looking for pictures of a pretty blonde(?). Glad I did, love the pictures.
BTW, your friend is misguided. Anger can be the catalyst for doing something, but there are plenty of pissed off people sitting on their asses not doing a damn thing. DETERMINATION & PERSERVERENCE make things happen.
John Kerry was never pissed off. He never had anything but the dream of becoming JFK II and would do anything to get there (even lying about his fellow soldiers in Vietnam). Fortunately, most of the country sees through that and doesn't let their anger guide their actions.
Posted by: Mospeada | January 25, 2005 at 04:34 PM
Ah yes...The Runaways...I actually saw them live back in 1976 I think(OK, I'm old...) and their opening acts were Tom Petty and the L.A. Heartbreakers and Cheap Trick! Great Show!!
And by the way, great job on Screen Savers, keep up the good work!!
Posted by: Riff | January 25, 2005 at 04:55 PM
You forgot Sandy West. She was only the drummer and one of the founding members. How do you think this would make her feel???? :)
Posted by: Chad | January 25, 2005 at 10:40 PM
FYI, these days, Cherie Currie is an artist secializing in chainsaw art...that's right, I said chainsaw art. http://www.cheriecurrie.com/
Posted by: theron | January 26, 2005 at 08:04 AM
Hey Kim great articals, keep up the great work.
Posted by: jedi1 | January 27, 2005 at 02:13 AM
who do you think would win in a spelling bee.....
Posted by: rianblade69 | November 17, 2005 at 08:53 PM