Sunday, May 25, 2008

The GreatMoose Reviews The Movies!

I'm trying to start a new semi-regular section of this blog, a piece where I review movies (usually on DVD) for my reader(s). I know sometimes it's hard to pick a movie when you're at the video store and staring blankly at the wall of new releases, especially if you're with your significant other, as they will invariably wish to view something else. SO, I will offer up my opinions and recommendations, in the hopes of staving of a disheartening experience at the video store.

MissSpeech and I rented a Will Ferrel movie called Stranger Than Fiction tonight, and in short, it was INCREDIBLE. It's certainly not your typical Ferrel movie, as it's not really a comedy (although it IS extremely funny at times), it's more along the lines of The Truman Show in tone (at least to a certain extent).

The movie is about an IRS auditor named Harold Crick (Will Ferrel), who begins to a hear a voice that appears to be narrating his life. It seems inoccent (if a bit strange) until the voice mentions his imminent death. This causes Harold to try to determine the source of the voice, and what is really going on.

The whole premise could have been used as a joke, but thankfully the film goes where such an idea should lead, into some pretty serious territory, and has a very poignant message at the send.

It's very funny, very emotional, and ultimately life-affirming. Even MissSpeech, who tends to fall asleep at the drop of hat these days (due to her 'condition'), stayed awake and alert through the whole thing. You really are drawn into trying to figure out what is happening the poor Harold. It's highly recommended (even has a 73% Fresh rating on RottenTomatos.com). Check it out when you get a chance, you won't regret it.

GreatMoose rating: 4.5 (possibly 5) Antlers

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Runaways Coming To The Big Screen!

Now THIS is seriously cool news. Runaways is one of the best comics written today, with extremely relateable characters and very cool plotlines.



As opposed to other Marvel characters getting the silver screen treatment, such as the Hulk and Spider-Man -- who have been around since the 1960s and are pop-culture fixtures -- the heroes in "Runaways" are relatively new, with the comic series launching in 2002.

"Runaways" follows a group of teenagers who find that some family secrets are bigger than others when they discover their parents are actually super-villains. Running away from their homes, the teens band together and begin a journey of discovery, both of their parents' origins and of their own inherited powers, while trying to make up for the evil done by their folks.


It's got my favorite comic character, Molly Hayes (aka Bruiser, Princess Powerful), whose mom is a Speech Therapist (an evil one, but what ya gonna do).



She's great in that when she uses her power (super-strength), she gets really tired afterward and falls asleep. It's great.

This is probably my favorite pic of Molly, standing in front of Frank Castle (The Punisher), cause she could totally mess his stuff up.



I really need to pick up the colletions of the series. If you haven't read it (or even you don't read comics), you're really missing out. It's really good stuff. I wonder who'll they'll get to play the crew...

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

It's Finally Happening

They're making a movie about the Branch Davidians.

"Waco" centers on the 1993 stand-off at Waco, Texas, when the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives attempted to arrest David Koresh, leader of the Branch Davidian cult. Four ATF agents, Koresh and 76 of his followers died.


Of course, as any Central Texan knows, it didn't actually happen IN Waco, but whatever. I gotta say, my views on it have changed almost 180 degrees from when it first happened. At the time, I was a freshman in high school, and figured the government wouldn't be assaulting that place if they didn't have a good reason. Now, hindsight is 20/20, but it sure looks like none of this should have ever happened.

The ATF went in ostensibly looking for "illegal weapons", but it turns out that none of the weapons were, in fact illegal.

Why didn't they just arrest Koresh when he went for his morning run (like he did every day)?

Was it really necessary for a freaking stand-off?

I've become much more jaded vis-a-vis the government in my old age. This'll be interesting.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Obama Draws A Whole Mess O' Folks

At rally this weekend in Oregon, St. Obama The Hopeful drew 75,000 worshippers and acolytes, bringing them his hopeful message of hopefully changing hope, with a side order of hope and change.

He then promptly fed them all with a open box of pop-tarts and a bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper. Amen.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Sweet new Hellboy 2 Poster!

This thing is freakin' cool.



I love me some Hellboy. He's a fantastic character. The first movie, while flawed, was a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the character and his world. It had all off-beat humor and creepiness of the comic, and told a pretty simple but effective story. It's also one of the most "Christian" movies to come out in a long time. While it's never explicitly stated that Hellboy is a christian, he DOES believe in God, and works in His service against Satan. It's a pretty cool idea. And it's great to see Ron Perlman getting to be the star of a film again. He's absolutely perfect for Hellboy. I can't wait to catch the new installment.

"Believe it or not, he's the good guy." That's just great!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Quote Of The Day

"You know what I pray for? For the strength to change the things that I can, for the inability to accept the things that I can't, and the incapacity to tell the difference."


- Calvin of Calvin & Hobbes


There really is no debate. Calvin & Hobbes: Greatest comic ever.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Wow, Even SNL Has Bailed On Hill-Dog

This weekend's Saturday Night Live NAILED it. It would have been funny, if it wasn't EXACTLY true. You could even hear the audience's laughter die off as they realized it was true. Check it out:

Friday, May 02, 2008

2 Outrageously Cool Hancock Trailers

If you didn't know, Hancock is Will Smith's new movie. He plays, well, he plays a bum. An alcholic, homeless "superhero" bum. Sort of. It looks like an absolute riot. The first trailer is actually my favorite, but the second is probably the best. Lemme know if you're pumped for this!





"Do I have permission to touch your body?!"
"YEEESS!!"
"It's not sexual!"

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Will Smith is just about the only TRUE movie star we have today. He is only actor I can say that most people will go see no matter what movie he's in. That's how movies used to be, you know. You went for the actor first, then the story. Smith is that guy.

I like.