"Book of Eli." Another post-apocalyptic story, which follows "The Road" and "2012."
SPOILERS!!!
Eli (Denzel Washington) is heading west with the Bible (we learn that this is the only Bible known to man as the Bible was ordered destroyed since people felt that the influence of the Bible had caused the war, which we as the audience now witness the aftermath). The world around him is desolate. It is essentially the wild west out there with small, chiefdom towns scattered across the U.S. In his travels, he runs into various street criminals who loot and rape.
He comes across a small town run by Carnegie (Gary Oldman). Eli finds himself not welcomed in the local bar. A fight breaks out, which leaves more than a couple individuals dead. Carnegie finds this intriguing and wishes for Eli to stay in town. Eli isn't persuaded as he wishes to continue heading west. Carnegie attempts to persuade Eli by sending him his step-daughter, Solara (Mila Kunis), as a prostitute. Eli refuses; however, Solara uncovers the fact that Eli is carrying the Bible with him. Carnegie is in search of the Bible. He wishes to use the Bible at a means of religious control.
And so we get to the thrust of the movie. Eli feels he is called by God to head West. Carnegie wants the Bible to control the population. Eli escapes town. And Solara, encouraged by her mother (Jennifer Beals), joins him -- via a bit of persistence. They are chased down by Carnegie and his gang. (There is a bit of a humorous plot twist here that I won't give away in full. Eli and Solara come across a house occupied by an elderly couple. Much fun, in a sick way.) Carnegie leaves Eli for dead and carries Solara and the Bible back with him. Solara is not some push over girl and manages to take control of one of the vehicles. She returns to get Eli. Carnegie, having what he wants and not having the fuel to give chase, let's her go. Solara finds Eli, not dead, pushing onwards. And so the head onwards to San Francisco where another lovely plot twist occurs.
I enjoyed this movie. Well made. Dark. And if it does well enough at the box office, maybe there will be a sequel with Mila Kunis leading the charge . . .
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Santa Anita Racetrack: Free Fridays
Off to the Santa Anita racetrack I went for Free Fridays. Tried my mathematical formula again that I developed at Hollywood Park. It did not work. The mathematical formula looks at the jockey, trainer and suggested picks from experts.
For the first race, I went with Call Me Dutchess. Didn't even finish in the top three.
For the second race, I went with Space Age Lovesong. One and only victory.
Third race I went with Major General. The horse placed, but I still didn't make any money.
For the fourth race, I went with Onefunsonofagun. The horse didn't finish in the top three.
For the fifth race, I went with Elegant. The horse placed, but once again I was out of luck.
For the sixth race, I went with Victory Dash. The horse didn't finish in the top three.
In the seventh race, I went with Jet Blue Girl. Once again, this horse didn't finish in the top three.
For the final race, I went with Lending Freeze. Once again, the horse didn't finish in the top three.
I'm obviously not very good at picking winners. One winner. Two horses that nearly came in for me. Five horses that just failed to even rate.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The Hundred Days, Bathroom Murders and The Mulhollands @ Club Moscow
It was an interesting night at Club Moscow with a nice variety of musical styles. Nearly everyone should have seen a band that met their musical style.
First up was The Hundred Days. They hail from San Francisco. I’m betting they could fit in just great at Spaceland. Interestingly, they started to play just as people were being allowed inside. When they started to play, there actually might have been more people waiting in line than those inside the venue. Sorry, but Club Moscow should have opened the doors five minutes earlier or given The Hundred Days a slightly delayed start time. Too bad more folks didn't get to see them.
The next band up was Bathroom Murders. They had a huge sign that they hoisted above the stage. I have to say that initially I had no clue what it said. I couldn’t read it, honestly. It said, “Bathroom Murders,” but for the life of me I wouldn’t have known that except for the fact that they mentioned their band name. (This may be a sign that I'm getting old.) They could probably fit in perfectly at a club attended by various Hollywood starlets. Their set was fun and they pumped up the audience. I loved the fact that they had a song called “Freaks Come Out At Night.” I say this band is like Michael Buffer (“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” fame), pumping you up for thirty minutes of mad dancing.
My final band of the night was The Mulhollands. They had some technical problems that made watching their set-up amusing. Sarah Jeanette was trying to get the microphones set-up. The wires weren’t reaching across the stage. Jeff on bass was having issues plugging into the right socket. And then when they started their set, their new guitarist, Taylor, had wire/pedal board problems. These are the occasional problems that one hits when being in a band. It doesn’t matter, of course, to me. I thought they were awesome. A number of their friends were up close to the stage. Sarah Jeanette was looking rather sophisticated. Murray on guitar was playing rather dramatically. And The Mulhollands' sound: sweet vocals backed up by a pop-rock sound.
I am always amazed by how quickly bands at Club Moscow switch in and out. If you took a stopwatch out, I'm betting the switchover is quicker at Club Moscow than any other music venue.
First up was The Hundred Days. They hail from San Francisco. I’m betting they could fit in just great at Spaceland. Interestingly, they started to play just as people were being allowed inside. When they started to play, there actually might have been more people waiting in line than those inside the venue. Sorry, but Club Moscow should have opened the doors five minutes earlier or given The Hundred Days a slightly delayed start time. Too bad more folks didn't get to see them.
The next band up was Bathroom Murders. They had a huge sign that they hoisted above the stage. I have to say that initially I had no clue what it said. I couldn’t read it, honestly. It said, “Bathroom Murders,” but for the life of me I wouldn’t have known that except for the fact that they mentioned their band name. (This may be a sign that I'm getting old.) They could probably fit in perfectly at a club attended by various Hollywood starlets. Their set was fun and they pumped up the audience. I loved the fact that they had a song called “Freaks Come Out At Night.” I say this band is like Michael Buffer (“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” fame), pumping you up for thirty minutes of mad dancing.
My final band of the night was The Mulhollands. They had some technical problems that made watching their set-up amusing. Sarah Jeanette was trying to get the microphones set-up. The wires weren’t reaching across the stage. Jeff on bass was having issues plugging into the right socket. And then when they started their set, their new guitarist, Taylor, had wire/pedal board problems. These are the occasional problems that one hits when being in a band. It doesn’t matter, of course, to me. I thought they were awesome. A number of their friends were up close to the stage. Sarah Jeanette was looking rather sophisticated. Murray on guitar was playing rather dramatically. And The Mulhollands' sound: sweet vocals backed up by a pop-rock sound.
I am always amazed by how quickly bands at Club Moscow switch in and out. If you took a stopwatch out, I'm betting the switchover is quicker at Club Moscow than any other music venue.
Friday, January 29, 2010
A Movie Review: Youth in Revolt
"Youth in Revolt." I must say I found this movie a bit dull. Recent teen movies I've seen (and perhaps it is because these are the only teen-type movies I will see) have this more-sophisticated-than-I-was-when-I-was-a-teen feel to them. This one is no different when within ten minutes the two teen lovers are talking above the heads of probably many of the folks who are watching the movie. I do love these types of movies, but in this case the whole thing got on my nerves -- maybe I've just seen one too many of these types of movies recently.
Anyways, the whole plot line with our lead male (Michael Cera) going to extremes to unite with the girl of his dreams (Portia Doubleday) is stupid. I just felt it when on and on and on with him doing the dumbest most parent-disrespectful actions. This is one of those few movies where you actually have to say the parents are more likable than the teenager.
Anyways, the whole plot line with our lead male (Michael Cera) going to extremes to unite with the girl of his dreams (Portia Doubleday) is stupid. I just felt it when on and on and on with him doing the dumbest most parent-disrespectful actions. This is one of those few movies where you actually have to say the parents are more likable than the teenager.
We Barbarians and Union Line @ Bootleg Theatre
I caught We Barbarians and Union Line at the Bootleg Theatre this past Tuesday. I’ve wanted to catch Union Line for awhile. I noticed in the past that they were occasionally on the same schedule as Local Natives. I just wasn’t ever able to go on those specific nights. Well, Tuesday was the night I finally got to see Union Line.
First off I caught We Barbarians.
Comment from the lead singer: We have a new LP out. Not many people know it is out according to the iTunes sales. Hopefully, that will change after tonight.
Observation: There were times when I thought that two of the band members were close to knocking heads.
Next up was Union Line.
Much like Local Natives, there was a bunch of switching around on various musical instruments.
There was a lone cymbal out there that eventually got some love.
Comment: Someone say something!!!
Last song of the night was called “Pearls.” This would appear to be the fan favorite. As they were about to play their last song, the band teased, “We’re not playing ‘Pearls’ tonight.” There was an audience cry, but as soon as they started playing it there were screams of delight.
It seemed like an OC girls night out.
We Barbarians Photos:
Union Line Photos:
First off I caught We Barbarians.
Comment from the lead singer: We have a new LP out. Not many people know it is out according to the iTunes sales. Hopefully, that will change after tonight.
Observation: There were times when I thought that two of the band members were close to knocking heads.
Next up was Union Line.
Much like Local Natives, there was a bunch of switching around on various musical instruments.
There was a lone cymbal out there that eventually got some love.
Comment: Someone say something!!!
Last song of the night was called “Pearls.” This would appear to be the fan favorite. As they were about to play their last song, the band teased, “We’re not playing ‘Pearls’ tonight.” There was an audience cry, but as soon as they started playing it there were screams of delight.
It seemed like an OC girls night out.
We Barbarians Photos:
Union Line Photos:
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Up on intraffik.com: January Playlist
I am up on Intraffik.com with my January playlist.
My January playlist includes:
The Mo-odds
Matt Kollar and the Angry Mob
High Life Cavaliers
Brandi Emma
Mack Winston and the Reflections
Tamaryn
In Waves
The Meeting Places
Katy J
Costa Nova
Bonus Track: Pu$$y Cow
Go check it out. Plenty more there; including song listings, photos, videos and a little commentary.
My January playlist includes:
The Mo-odds
Matt Kollar and the Angry Mob
High Life Cavaliers
Brandi Emma
Mack Winston and the Reflections
Tamaryn
In Waves
The Meeting Places
Katy J
Costa Nova
Bonus Track: Pu$$y Cow
Go check it out. Plenty more there; including song listings, photos, videos and a little commentary.
Duke Basketball vs. Florida State: 70--56
Duke over Florida State: 70-56
Over the last couple games, Coach Mike Krzyzewski seems to be going back to his typical trend of using a short bench. To me, he’s using a six person rotation with Andre Dawkins and Mason Plumlee filling in as needed. Hopefully, Dawkins and Plumlee start getting more playing time. In my unsophisticated basketball mind, I don’t include someone as part of the rotation until they start playing 10 minutes a game. And, I also suspect such a short rotation causes exhaustion during March Madness.
I wish Brian Zoubek could play more minutes, but he always commits fouls.
I missed the first 15 minutes of the game.
Duke seemed to be pulling away mid-way through the second half, but then faltered for a bit. During that drought, Florida State played some amazing defense. Duke steadied the ship; however, and pulled away again. I think the turning point was when Florida State had this series of missed free throws, offensive rebounds, missed put-backs. Just guessing, but all the effort might have drained the energy away from Florida State, especially when there isn’t any positive feed back (points on the board) gained by that effort.
Over the last couple games, Coach Mike Krzyzewski seems to be going back to his typical trend of using a short bench. To me, he’s using a six person rotation with Andre Dawkins and Mason Plumlee filling in as needed. Hopefully, Dawkins and Plumlee start getting more playing time. In my unsophisticated basketball mind, I don’t include someone as part of the rotation until they start playing 10 minutes a game. And, I also suspect such a short rotation causes exhaustion during March Madness.
I wish Brian Zoubek could play more minutes, but he always commits fouls.
I missed the first 15 minutes of the game.
Duke seemed to be pulling away mid-way through the second half, but then faltered for a bit. During that drought, Florida State played some amazing defense. Duke steadied the ship; however, and pulled away again. I think the turning point was when Florida State had this series of missed free throws, offensive rebounds, missed put-backs. Just guessing, but all the effort might have drained the energy away from Florida State, especially when there isn’t any positive feed back (points on the board) gained by that effort.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Forest Lawn Glendale: Museum
Forest Lawn - Glendale. I headed off to Forest Lawn - Glendale recently. I've lived near Forest Lawn for five years and never entered the grounds. I decided to break that streak and visit the museum.
Below are some pictures of the grounds.
The below is where "The Crucifixion" is seen. No photos of "The Crucifixion" since that isn't allowed, but let me tell you it is something to see. A massive painting.
Photos in the museum were allowed so here are some photos of Christmas Windows.
Oh, and a photo of an Easter Island statute -- small scale, of course.
And one thing I did not know, theft of flowers at a cemetery can send you off to jail.
Below are some pictures of the grounds.
The below is where "The Crucifixion" is seen. No photos of "The Crucifixion" since that isn't allowed, but let me tell you it is something to see. A massive painting.
Photos in the museum were allowed so here are some photos of Christmas Windows.
Oh, and a photo of an Easter Island statute -- small scale, of course.
And one thing I did not know, theft of flowers at a cemetery can send you off to jail.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Movie Review: Brief Interviews with Hideous Men
Saw a movie on DVD recently called "Breif Interviews with Hideous Men." The basic plot of the movie is about a young lady named Sara Quinn who is working on her graduate thesis. She is interviewing men regarding how feminism has impacted them – at least, I believe this is the direction her questions take (the ending of the movie implies that she could potentially have taken a different direction). She interviews various men, which is then juxtaposed with her own life. The interviews were interesting. There was an interview with an African-American man who had distanced himself from his father. He was obviously a successful man while his father had worked as an attendant in a high end hotel men’s bathroom. The man was disgusted that his father made a living doing that sort of work, but he also realized that his father had made sure his children grew up with opportunities. Many of the other interviews dealt with relationships men had with women.
I’ll admit I didn’t enjoy the movie very much. First, the silly complaint, in my opinion, there were too many characters, some who looked very similar to each other. This sometimes caused some confusion regarding the plot line. I wasn’t the only one feeling this way as at least one other person who saw this movie that night had the same impression. Second, the movie looks for the raw base hideous human motives, but I’m not sure that this is really what drives us. Yes, we all have these hideous desires, but I think we human beings (less serial killers and such) are more complex than just these base desires.
Updated February 2nd: I discovered that this movie doesn't street until March. This must have been a pirated/stolen copy. It wasn't a screener. I feel a bit dirty at the moment.
I’ll admit I didn’t enjoy the movie very much. First, the silly complaint, in my opinion, there were too many characters, some who looked very similar to each other. This sometimes caused some confusion regarding the plot line. I wasn’t the only one feeling this way as at least one other person who saw this movie that night had the same impression. Second, the movie looks for the raw base hideous human motives, but I’m not sure that this is really what drives us. Yes, we all have these hideous desires, but I think we human beings (less serial killers and such) are more complex than just these base desires.
Updated February 2nd: I discovered that this movie doesn't street until March. This must have been a pirated/stolen copy. It wasn't a screener. I feel a bit dirty at the moment.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Restaurant Review: Cruzer Pizza
Someone I know mentioned to me that there was a vegan pizza restaurant on Hillhurst and Prospect. So off I went to check it out. It is called Cruzer Pizza. It is located at 4449 Prospect Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, phone number (323)666-0600.
I went with the Vegan Meat Pizza. I got the medium size. With taxes, it came out to about $17. So I’d say this is on the more expensive side.
The question of course is: how was it? Honestly, real cheese pizza is better, but . . . the Vegan Meat Pizza passed the test. I ate the whole thing. On the other hand, the fake meat has a bit of an after-taste, my opinion.
The second question is: will I go back? I think I will. I wrote a blog on another vegan restaurant called Pure Luck. I think Cruzer Pizza is far better than Pure Luck.
Anyways, for a more in-depth review, check out this blog by someone named Quarry Girl.
The Ignorant and Pu$$y Cow at Juanita's
This is one of those nights I wish I could have shown up earlier and stayed later, but I was feeling rather ill. Anyhow, it was a must attend, because it was Pu$$y Cow's double CD release party.
I have to admit I wasn't even planning on seeing The Ignorant. I atttempted to time my arrival so I'd just catch Pu$$y Cow and then hopefully head straight home. Thinking about it now (when at the moment I'm feeling better, though not well) I'm happy I caught their set.
The main event was Pu$$y Cow, of course. They had about a four song set list and then allowed their friends to shout out song suggestions. As always, they had an all-girl mosh pit going. For one song, the lead singer from Bobot Adrenaline took over the lead singer role.
I have to admit I struggled to stick around towards the end. I could feel my fever spiking. All worth it though. I wouldn't have wanted to miss the night.
I have to admit I wasn't even planning on seeing The Ignorant. I atttempted to time my arrival so I'd just catch Pu$$y Cow and then hopefully head straight home. Thinking about it now (when at the moment I'm feeling better, though not well) I'm happy I caught their set.
The main event was Pu$$y Cow, of course. They had about a four song set list and then allowed their friends to shout out song suggestions. As always, they had an all-girl mosh pit going. For one song, the lead singer from Bobot Adrenaline took over the lead singer role.
I have to admit I struggled to stick around towards the end. I could feel my fever spiking. All worth it though. I wouldn't have wanted to miss the night.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Resonant Heads and Silver Needle @ El Cid
I headed off to El Cid for a Rob Z night. First up for the night were the The Resonant Heads.
Next up was Silver Needle.
It was a night of Kiss or Kill bands. There might not be many who come across this blog who have heard of Kiss or Kill. It was a weekly club that featured three bands a night. Many of the people who went to this club have formed friendships.
It was a nice night. I had to leave before the final band of the night as I was feeling a bit under the weather. Oh well.
Photo of Resonant Heads.
A couple Silver Needle shots.
Rob Z always has the coolest theme decorations.
Next up was Silver Needle.
It was a night of Kiss or Kill bands. There might not be many who come across this blog who have heard of Kiss or Kill. It was a weekly club that featured three bands a night. Many of the people who went to this club have formed friendships.
It was a nice night. I had to leave before the final band of the night as I was feeling a bit under the weather. Oh well.
Photo of Resonant Heads.
A couple Silver Needle shots.
Rob Z always has the coolest theme decorations.
Accomplishment and Changes for Blogging
I've pretty much been posting a blog on a daily basis for a year now. A couple missed days here and there. Double posts here and there.
It was a fun venture.
I'll be changing things a little in regards to my postings. Who knows, maybe there will be daily posts still, but I'm not sure. In all likelihood there will be similar number of posts in 2010 as in 2009, but there could be times where there are multiple posts on a single day and perhaps stretches of time where there are no posts. We'll see how it all works out.
And hopefully I get even more readers in 2010.
It was a fun venture.
I'll be changing things a little in regards to my postings. Who knows, maybe there will be daily posts still, but I'm not sure. In all likelihood there will be similar number of posts in 2010 as in 2009, but there could be times where there are multiple posts on a single day and perhaps stretches of time where there are no posts. We'll see how it all works out.
And hopefully I get even more readers in 2010.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
GettLove
GettLove is an organization that feeds the homeless in Los Angeles. They provide food in the mornings at Vista Del Mar Street/Hollywood Blvd. I got to help out once. I suspect 100 folks show up in the mornings. An important, small organization that not very many people probably know about in Los Angeles.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Aushua @ Silverlake Lounge
I saw Aushua briefly at Spaceland back during Local Natives residency. I decided I’d check out a full set at Silverlake Lounge.
Observation: I’ll go right to the end. The lead singer thanked the audience and then gave us all a nice round of clapping.
Comments: “Anyone else want to take a deep breath?” “Is there anyone in love with me at the moment? Can they get me a water?” Someone did eventually bring up a water bottle. I believe I heard the lead singer say it was his sister. Of course, I’m not sure he actually drank any water.
Quote: Today is powerless against a reckless thought.
I wanted to stick around for the residency band, The Steelwells, but the night seemed to have started a bit late with Aushua not going on stage till 10:45-ish. Yes, sounds a bit early for the music crowd, but The Steelwells didn’t look like they would go on until closer to midnight so I had to call it in for myself. Totally worth the trek; however, to check out Aushua.
Observation: I’ll go right to the end. The lead singer thanked the audience and then gave us all a nice round of clapping.
Comments: “Anyone else want to take a deep breath?” “Is there anyone in love with me at the moment? Can they get me a water?” Someone did eventually bring up a water bottle. I believe I heard the lead singer say it was his sister. Of course, I’m not sure he actually drank any water.
Quote: Today is powerless against a reckless thought.
I wanted to stick around for the residency band, The Steelwells, but the night seemed to have started a bit late with Aushua not going on stage till 10:45-ish. Yes, sounds a bit early for the music crowd, but The Steelwells didn’t look like they would go on until closer to midnight so I had to call it in for myself. Totally worth the trek; however, to check out Aushua.
A Restaurant Review: Frankie's Hamburgers
This food stand is located at 1600 Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale. They have a select vegetarian menu such as meatless BLT, meatless chicken, meatless hotdogs and meatless burger.
There is a decent sized covered eating area with about six circular tables.
The one downside about the location is that the service can be rather slow at times. It can seriously slow down if you head over with a large group. They tend to take their time, but when you do get your meal you'll enjoy it.
There is a decent sized covered eating area with about six circular tables.
The one downside about the location is that the service can be rather slow at times. It can seriously slow down if you head over with a large group. They tend to take their time, but when you do get your meal you'll enjoy it.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Fall 2009 Movie Rankings
Best of the Bunch
Zombieland
Up In The Air
The Princess and the Fox
Blind Side
Pirate Radio
The Road
Whip It!
Not Fabulous, but worthwhile
Fantastic Mr. Fox
An Education
Avatar
Where the Wild Things Are
Sherlock Holmes
It's Complicated
Jennifer’s Body
9
Capitalism: A Love Story
Invictus
2012
I have to say that of the movies I saw, there were none that I just despised. Even Capitalism: A Love Story, which I think it totally bias, is still worth seeing.
Zombieland
Up In The Air
The Princess and the Fox
Blind Side
Pirate Radio
The Road
Whip It!
Not Fabulous, but worthwhile
Fantastic Mr. Fox
An Education
Avatar
Where the Wild Things Are
Sherlock Holmes
It's Complicated
Jennifer’s Body
9
Capitalism: A Love Story
Invictus
2012
I have to say that of the movies I saw, there were none that I just despised. Even Capitalism: A Love Story, which I think it totally bias, is still worth seeing.
Local Natives: Playing Coachella
So one of my favorite local bands is playing Coachella. Check out the Sunday line-up. Awesome.
Check out a column I wrote about Local Natives over on intraffik.com.
Check out a column I wrote about Local Natives over on intraffik.com.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes
"Sherlock Holmes." This is a nice spin on Sherlock Holmes. I didn't think it was the best movie in the world, but worth a watch. A friend of mine mentioned that he likes Sherlock Holmes (in general), because of the logic used. The movie does put an emphasis on this. I don't really have much to say about this movie so I guess I just view this as a popcorn, fun, non-controversial movie.
Eastern Confernce Champions, Asa Ransom and Hockey at Spaceland
I headed off to Spaceland on Saturday night. My friend had an extra ticket so I took it.
First band of the night was Eastern Conference Champions. It was like a religious experience. Okay, that's probably going too far; however, from the very start I was blown away. I've always wanted to catch them and I'm so happy I finally got to see them.
Next band up was Asa Ransom. They're from New York. As can be seen in the below pictures, they have this 20's look. They're also just a fun band to watch.
The final band of the night was Hockey. This band was the main act and at this point the place was just packed. It was song after song of pure brilliance and their fans ate it up.
And so I was there all by myself. Yes, strange, my friend never showed up. Oh well, it was worth it.
First band of the night was Eastern Conference Champions. It was like a religious experience. Okay, that's probably going too far; however, from the very start I was blown away. I've always wanted to catch them and I'm so happy I finally got to see them.
Next band up was Asa Ransom. They're from New York. As can be seen in the below pictures, they have this 20's look. They're also just a fun band to watch.
The final band of the night was Hockey. This band was the main act and at this point the place was just packed. It was song after song of pure brilliance and their fans ate it up.
And so I was there all by myself. Yes, strange, my friend never showed up. Oh well, it was worth it.
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