tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13393636074532333312024-02-19T02:32:53.328-05:00Caliban's RevengeOpinionated Nonsense and Ramblings About Theatre, Film, TV, Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Politics and LGBT Issues - Among Other Things...Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.comBlogger1752125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-73536186062981590782015-07-05T00:55:00.000-04:002015-07-05T00:59:26.856-04:00Goodbye, Thank You and a Few Last Things<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZfHRkf-wzFVi8E7DHksfvEjX-CHHIyVCdTG-ayGq1adfZva6dM4w-5W3zei7_1ZI2_8LuOz_2qU0oavYrbjUECqXhg4uayc-6GvvqU32hnz5Zjwadrd25cJDesSx4fCwwjiUr73-i-DD/s1600/000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000+HAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZfHRkf-wzFVi8E7DHksfvEjX-CHHIyVCdTG-ayGq1adfZva6dM4w-5W3zei7_1ZI2_8LuOz_2qU0oavYrbjUECqXhg4uayc-6GvvqU32hnz5Zjwadrd25cJDesSx4fCwwjiUr73-i-DD/s400/000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000+HAM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Party's Over</td></tr>
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Well, this should come as no surprise to anyone. I reach more people on Facebook than <i>Caliban's Revenge</i> ever did. And it's quite obvious from the lack of posts that I have been, let's say "otherwise occupied," of late. My life has changed so very much since I started this blog on July 9th, 2008.</div>
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At the time, my intent was document the production process of a play I was directing. It was not only on the main stage of my <i>alma mater</i>, it was also being showcased at the first International Thornton Wilder Society Conference being hosted by said <i>alma mater</i>. The play was <i>The Skin of Our Teeth</i>. My concept was Steampunk and it was awesome, if I do say so myself! Of course, we hadn't even had auditions when I first posted and I needed something to talk about... so I posted about one of my other passions: Movies. Specifically, <b>10 Fantasy/Horror/Sci-Fi Movies that Need to Be Re-made</b>. Which you can read <a href="http://calibansrevenge.blogspot.com/2008/07/ten-fanatsyhorrorsci-fi-movies-that.html" target="_blank">right here, if you are so inclined</a>. And since I'll be closing out with very same topic, you might be interested to see the differences between the two (several have been or are in the process of being made by now).</div>
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As I wrote more and more, reviewing movies; commenting on politics; promoting charities; raging against the machine; promoting LGBT issues or just being silly for the sake of being silly, I poured an awful lot about myself onto these posts. And enough people responded to make it fun. I met the amazing Stephen Rutledge and Stephen Rader (and a few other amazing folks) thanks to this blog. And I have corresponded with folks all over the world, thanks to this blog. Since I started, I lost my mother and met an extraordinary man who came to me exactly when I needed him the most. The world, to paraphrase Tolkien,'has moved on.' And I, with it. </div>
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I hope I have entertained you; made you laugh or made you angry or made you feel anything at all. If I did, then I win! If not, then why did you bother reading? I am still doing lots of writing for myself and J has encouraged me to get back to revising some of my 'almost' screenplays, so I am going to do just that. And who knows? I may be back. I'd love to do a Home Cooking blog. Yes, I know; done to death. But by a gay bear who is REALLY good at it?</div>
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Anyway, below is Uncle P's final post on Caliban's Revenge:</div>
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<b>10 Sci-fi/Horror/Fantasy Movies that Need to Be Re-Made</b><br />
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10. <i>Something Wicked This Way Comes. </i>Ray Bradbury's amazing novel was done a disservice by the Disney version. The novel was a significant influence on me at a young age and remains one of my all time favorites. It needs to be done right.</div>
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9. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082449/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Ghost Story</i></a>. Peter Straub's terrifying novel is given very short shrift in John Irvin's eviscerated film version. A quartet of once-greats can't save this mess, though it did introduce genre favorite Alice Krige to U.S. audiences. A more faithful adaptation of the novel is long overdue, even it means a sprawling 3+ hours run-time. Straub's complex story deserves no less.</div>
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8. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080745/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Flash Gordon</i></a>. Yes, I said it! Even the cheesiest of cheese lovers admit how queso this 1980 cult classic is. And trust me, I adore it as much as anyone else, probably even more. It is exactly the kind of movie the word 'Camp" has come to describe and it is it's own perfect thing. But in the character's heyday, Flash Gordon was a serious Sci-Fi Adventure tale and an imaginative, serious reboot is certainly worth exploring </div>
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7. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068615/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Frogs</i></a>. With James Patterson's "Zoo" taking TV by storm this summer, I MUST talk about this 1972 AIP stinker about animals striking back, if only to prove that everything old is new again. Replace Sam Elliot with Ryan Reynolds; Ray Milland with John Mahoney Joan Van Ark with almost anyone. Seriously.... A doll whose lines are dubbed in by Andie McDowell, even. (Some of you are laughing VERY hard at that joke... I hope).</div>
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6. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070047/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>The Exorcist</i></a>. Yup. Still on the list. Because I've <i>never </i>found it scary! In fact, the whole 'head-spin' effect is so obvious, I laughed the first time I saw it. That wasn't scripted as a funny moment... I still do not understand the mass hysteria that accompanied the film's initial release. And yes, I understand that one must believe in the devil to be afraid of the devil... But there are movies that have scared me. This just isn't one.</div>
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5. <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Shining</a>. </i>Kubrick was wrong! And while Mick Garris' TV version was closer, neither actually conveys the growing sense of danger and terror as King's prose manages to do. I don't know about you, but I would gladly sit through a 195 minute, R-rated Frank Darabont version!</div>
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4. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055207/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank"><i>Mysterious Island</i></a>. The unofficial sequel to <i>20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</i>, the 1961 film version of <i>Mysterious Island</i> is set during the U.S. Civil War. It has a terrific Bernard Hermann score and some of Ray Harryhausen's most memorable stop-motion effects. A modern Steampunk version that is more faithful to Jules Verne's novel could be a hit in the right hands. The 2012 version starring Dwayne Johnson does NOT count.</div>
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3. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075931/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_33" target="_blank"><i>Demon Seed</i></a>. Didn't see that one, coming, did you? Dean Koontz (the poor man's Stephen King) wrote the novel about a woman living in a fully computerized house is raped by and gives birth to said computer's hybrid offspring. There is talk of this remake happening. The original is really... odd. </div>
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2. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074812/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank"><i>Logan's Run</i></a>. I will always push for the movie this dystopian novel deserves. And yes, I am aware of the original's many charms. I still say "Meh." It could (and should) be done better. Persistent rumors of this remake happening make me think it might never be...</div>
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1. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057129/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank"><i>The Haunting</i></a>. The scariest movie ever made was re-made by an action-movie buffoon as one of the most ridiculous movies ever made. Like <i>King Kong</i>, it deserves a remake that respects the original. And I still dare any of you to watch Robert Wise's film alone, with the lights out. You'd wet yourselves, you wimps!</div>
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And so ends 7 years of "Opinionated Nonsense." At least on this forum. You can <a href="https://www.facebook.com/director.brian" target="_blank">follow</a> and/or friend me on Facebook. To friend request, please send a Private Message with the phrase "Sea Monster."</div>
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Here's the thing:</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>"Now my charms are all o'erthrown,<br />what strength I have's mine own,<br />Which is most faint: now, 'tis true,<br />I must be here confined by you,<br />Or sent to Naples. Let me not,<br />Since I have my dukedom got<br />And pardon'd the deceiver, dwell<br />In this bare island by your spell;<br />But release me from my bands<br />With the help of your good hands:<br />Gentle breath of yours my sails<br />Must fill, or else my project fails,<br />Which was to please. Now I want<br />Spirits to enforce, art to enchant,<br />And my ending is despair,<br />Unless I be relieved by prayer,<br />Which pierces so that it assaults<br />Mercy itself and frees all faults.<br />As you from crimes would pardon'd be,<br />Let your indulgence set me free."</i></b></span><br />
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No More, anon.<br />
BrianProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-65396232317848007202015-05-26T23:15:00.001-04:002015-05-27T00:27:49.077-04:00Mini-Review: "Mad Max: Fury Road"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, before I start the actual review, I have to rant a bit. I am an AMC Theater regular. I cross state lines to see a movie at the closest AMC. The actual nearest cinema used to be a United Artists theatre, renovated about 10 years ago to include stadium seating in its relatively small auditoriums. The last movie I saw there (which was the first in a long time) was <i>Lemony Snicket</i>... More recently, it was acquired by Regal and re-renovated to include assigned seating in exceptionally plush recliners! Because J was at my house, and neither of two closest AMCs were showing <i>Mad Max: Fury Road</i> in 2D, we ended up in the Regal and J couldn't help but give in to the plush, falling asleep twice. But... I blame the seat, not the movie.</div>
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Anyway...</div>
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Original creator/writer/director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004306/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank">George Miller </a>(<i>Gremlins</i>; <i>Babe</i>) is back with the latest in the continuing adventures of a character he created nearly 40 years ago. <a href="http://batman-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/tom_hardy.jpg" target="_blank">Tom Hardy</a> (<i>The Dark Knight Rises</i>) takes over for Mel Gibson in the title role, joined by Academy Award winner <a href="http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article96544.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/charlize-theron-664311583.jpg" target="_blank">Charlize Theron</a> and <i>X-Men</i>'s <a href="http://nowmagazine.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/11140/00000d771/d9f0_orh400w300/NicholasHoult1.jpg" target="_blank">Nicholas Hoult</a> (<i>Warm Bodies</i>) in what is basically a 2 hour car chase through the Australian (South African) desert. Captured by the sadistic Immortan Joe, AKA 'Daddy' (Hugh Keays-Byrne - of the original film), Max is branded and tattooed an 'O+ Universal Donor' and soon finds himself caged as a living "blood bag" for a cancer-ridden 'War Boy' named Nux (Hoult). When Daddy's best war-machine driver Imperator Furiosa (Theron) goes rogue, Nux sets out in pursuit to win Daddy's favor, strapping Max to the front of his car. Furiosa is also soon in pursuit by The People Eater and The Bullet Farmer, impeding the deal she'd made to ensure safe passage for her cargo, Daddy's concubines (one of whom is <b>very</b> pregnant). As with Miller's previous films in the series, Max's will to survive is paramount, though his compassion and his need to do the right thing overrides his personal well being and he ends up helping Furiosa to defeat to tyrant (Not-Such-A-Spolier-Alert). </div>
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Of course, the story (as in all the Mad Max films) is really secondary to the action and stunts, and <i>Fury Road</i> delivers plenty of that! J and I particularly liked the guys on the poles who were able to reach in and snatch people out their vehicles. The performances are fine all around, though Hardy's Max sounds an awful lot like his Bane, particularly near the end. Theron continues to build her repertoire of tough bitches and Hoult is obviously having fun as the lost soul redeemed by love. The effects are superlative (I believed Theron was an amputee) and the visuals quite often amazing. Sadly, while <i>Fury Road</i> is most certainly a <i>Mad Max</i> movie worthy of the franchise, it can't compare to the franchise's decidedly best entry, <i>The Road Warrior.</i> Still, it was great, loud, mindless fun and the chance to hold hands in the dark with a certain special someone (even if those evil seats made him fall asleep twice)! </div>
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Fans of the franchise won't be disappointed, though after all these years, I had hoped Miller might have something new to say about the character. *** (Three Out of Four Stars). <i>Mad Max: Fury Road</i> is rated "R" by the MPAA for "<span itemprop="contentRating">intense sequences of violence throughout, and for disturbing images." </span></div>
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More, anon.<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-47595836872355935362015-05-17T21:31:00.001-04:002015-05-18T00:51:06.805-04:00Retro Review - "Hercules"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?" ~ Captain Oveur (<a href="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-100315-Peter-Graves/ss-100315-Peter-Graves-1982.ss_full.jpg" target="_blank">Peter Graves</a>) in <i>Airplane!</i></div>
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I really have to hand it to Dwayne Johnson. The Samoan superstar who started out as a professional "wrestler" has become a household name (though I promise more people refer to him as "The Rock" than Dwayne) through a very successful and eclectic film career. He has done well in both action and family films and has a stellar reputation as a genuinely nice person and a very professional performer. And while he may be very unlikely to win an Oscar, genre awards are certainly within his reach. Last summer, Johnson hit theatres in terrible action director Brett Ratmner's <i>Hercules </i>(the second of 2 Hercules movies last year; <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1043726/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1" target="_blank">the other</a> starred the Aryanesque <a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/07/29/article-2381005-1B0DAD37000005DC-715_634x916.jpg" target="_blank">Kellen Lutz </a>and was directed by rival terrible action director Renny Harlin). Based on a graphic novel by Steve Moore, this version is a rationalist's delight with a dash of 'magic' which results in a very mixed bag of a movie and happily surprising, not at all what J and I were expecting when we sat down to watch it Friday night. </div>
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Johnson's Hercules is a the leader of a band of mercenaries, all devoted to him and to promoting the legend of his own creation. When hired by the beautiful Ergenia (Rebecca Ferghuson), daughter of Lord Cotys (<a href="http://cdn.bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/v_for_vendetta29.jpg" target="_blank">John Hurt</a>) to unite Thrace and free the land from a monstrous army of 'demons' and 'centaurs' led by the vicious Rhesus (Tobias Santelmann), the group sets out for a promised payout of twice Hercules' weight in gold, enough for all of them to retire and live out their lives in peace. Among team Herc are mystic warrior Amphiaraus (<a href="http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/229/files/2014/07/Hercules-Amphiaraus-850x560.jpg" target="_blank">Ian McShane</a>); Autolycus, King of Thieves (<a href="http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2014/07/31/1227008/803793-19d699a8-139d-11e4-bbaf-47cb7c4f86b3.jpg" target="_blank">Rufus Sewell</a>); Amazon warrior Atalanta (<a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNTk1Mzk4NzM5OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDA0NDYzMjE@._V1_.jpg" target="_blank">Ingrid Bolso Berdal</a>); nephew and story-teller/barker Iolaus (cutie-pie <a href="http://alpharevista.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Falcao-vs-Hercules-1140x500.jpg" target="_blank">Reece Ritchie</a>) and silent berserker Tydeus (<a href="http://static.cinemagia.ro/img/db/actor/02/35/24/aksel-hennie-223911l.jpg" target="_blank">Aksel Hennie</a>). Also on hand is <a href="http://vipfanauctions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/KingE.jpg" target="_blank">Joseph Fienes</a> in the small but pivotal role of King Eurystheus, for whom Hercules slew the 'Hydra.' </div>
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Almost everything (except McShane's drug-induced predictions) is refreshingly given a very rational and sensible explanation (I'm not sure if I liked the 'Hydra,' the 'demons' or the 'centaurs' more). The fairly good CGI is equally used to create gigantic sets and armies as well as a few hallucinogenic creatures. There are several violent and bloody battles which (I reluctantly must admit) Ratner's team actually handles quite well, with none of the blurring and confusion generated in so many similar battle/fight sequences. The massive Johnson* (who looks about as Greek as I do) holds his own in uncomplicated role, while McShane and Sewell are more than up to the task of pulling off some of the sillier bits. Unfortunately not even Fiennes' appearance (last seen in "American Horror Story: Asylum") can make up for some of truly ridiculous things in that keep this movie from being worthy of a higher rating. For example...</div>
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J and I continue to grow closer and literally had the following same comments/complaints at the same time:</div>
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"If this is Ancient Greece, why does everybody except Hercules have a British accent?" (somewhat excusable, I suppose, given the mostly British cast)**</div>
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"How does everyone know who he is without every having seen him before?"**</div>
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"She (Ingrid) needs to play <a href="http://a4.files.biography.com/image/upload/c_fill,cs_srgb,dpr_1.0,g_face,h_300,q_80,w_300/MTIwNjA4NjMzODY5NTM0NzMy.jpg" target="_blank">Nicole Kidman</a>'s younger sister."**</div>
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"A training montage in 2014?"**</div>
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"Saw THAT coming fifteen minutes into the movie."**</div>
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Action/Fantasy fans should have a good time with their brains in 'park.' There are all sorts of different eye-candies to go around for everyone but if you're expecting the kind of cheesy beefcake provided by Steve Reeves in the 50's and 60's, this isn't what you're looking for. Let me put it this way: Looking for a new take on classical story that provides loads of action liberally peppered with humor and rationalism? Enjoy. Looking for the classical Greek myth? Don't watch this or Sam Raimi's 90's TV show of the same name. **1/2 (Two and a Half Stars). <i>Hercules</i> is rated PG-13 in the U.S. for "<span itemprop="contentRating">epic battle sequences, violence, suggestive comments, brief strong language and partial nudity." It is available on Showtime OnDemand. </span></div>
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<span itemprop="contentRating">** Paraphrased/consolidated from similar comments/thoughts J and I shared about the movie.</span><br />
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<span class="ghost"></span>Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-50069674386457916662015-05-10T22:30:00.001-04:002015-05-10T23:51:33.530-04:00Retro Review: "Big Hero 6"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, J and I had a three lovely nights and 2 and a half days together this weekend. We shopped for and planted my flower garden, cooked and lazed and even gave one another hickeys (yes, "EW!"). We also watched Disney's take on Anime, <i>Big Hero 6</i>, a movie that hit theaters not long after he and I started dating and now available OnDemand.</div>
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Hiro (voiced by Ryan Potter) is a young genius bored by school and obsessed with battling robots until tricked by his brother Tadashi (Daniel Henney) into accompanying him to his "Nerd Lab" at a prestigious tech college where Professor Callaghan (<a href="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140716004040/disney/images/5/5c/James_Cromwell.jpg" target="_blank">James Cromwell</a>) encourages Hiro to enter a contest for a full scholarship. Inspired by Tadashi's health care bot, "Baymax" ("30 Rock" alum <a href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/v5cache/TBS/Images/Dynamic/i88/jfl13_ScottAdsit_715x353_050820131037.jpg" target="_blank">Scott Adsit</a>) and his own Battle Bot, Hiro creates a set of thousands of microbots that can form any shape their controller can imagine. When Tadashi is killed in an explosion at the lab, Hiro gives up his dream of attending school, much to the dismay of his Aunt Cass (<a href="http://p1cdn02.thewrap.com/images/2013/11/MayaRudolph.jpg" target="_blank">Maya Rudolph</a>) and the displeasure of tech millionaire Alistair Krei (<a href="http://www.actorsexposed.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Alan_Tudyk_shirtless_01_thumb.jpg" target="_blank">Alan Tudyk</a>) who wants to buy Hiro's tech. Hiro soon discovers that his microbots have been stolen and are now being used for seemingly nefarious purposes. Aided by an up-graded version of Baymax and his brother's nerdy friends Fred (<a href="http://cdn.splitsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/tj-miller-get-him-to-the-greek.jpg" target="_blank">T.J. Miller</a>); Go Go (Jamie Chung); Wasabi (<a href="http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Coach-e1423583401521-665x385.jpg" target="_blank">Damon Wayons, Jr.</a>) and Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), Hiro sets on a mission to not only retrieve his invention but to also stop the mysterious Kabuki-masked villain who is apparently using them for revenge.</div>
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Based on the graphic novel "Man of Action" by Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle and co-directed by Disney veterans Don Hall and Chris Williams, <i>Big Hero 6</i> is a delightful take on both the Superhero and Robot Sci-Fi genres. Baymax (an auto-inflatable health care bot programmed to ensure the well-being of its patients), a delightful, childlike robot with much to learn about the world outside of boo-boos and fevers, is especially amusing when deflating or running low on battery power. Hiro (with his over-sized, <a href="http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/286/b/a/bae29485720006a0016ac60aa448a856-d5hpd4f.png" target="_blank">Anime-style eyes</a>) is a typical rebellious Disney teen who learns to take responsibility for himself only after a tragedy. Among the supporting characters, Fred (whose father turns out to be - <span style="color: red;">SPOILER ALERT</span> - none other than the one and only <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/438023348329525248/9aY6jBmJ.jpeg" target="_blank">Stan Lee</a>) and Callaghan are the standouts.</div>
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J and I both thoroughly enjoyed <i>Big Hero 6</i> and are honestly looking forward to the further adventures of the Superhero team that comes into its own at the end. And certainly (like almost every animated Disney movie), terrific animation, clever jokes and sly references to other genre films outweigh the cliches and tropes associated with Anime; Superheros; Sci-Fi and Coming-of-Age stories. Sit back, park our brain and just enjoy this latest entry n the growing number of non-Pixar Disney CGA films. <i>Big Hero 6</i> is loads of fun for fanboys and families. **** (Four Out of Four Stars) <i>Big Hero 6</i> is rated <span itemprop="contentRating">PG in the U.S. for "action and peril, some rude humor, and thematic elements."</span></div>
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<span itemprop="contentRating">PS - Watch for the cleverly hidden <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2294629/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank"><i>Frozen</i> </a>Easter-egg early on at the police station... </span></div>
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Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-81202440767930516992015-05-02T22:35:00.000-04:002015-05-03T02:08:24.407-04:00Review "The Avengers: Age of Ultron"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Holy cow! I'm actually blogging! In fact, I may blog several times this month as there are at least two other movies coming out and another currently playing on my Must See list and I am determined to see at least two. But that's another post.</div>
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So today marked several significant things for your Uncle P. It was the first movie I've seen in a theater since Christmas; it was the first 'Tentpole' movie of the season; it was the next Marvel movie in an increasingly interconnected series unlike anything that's ever been attempted before and (most importantly) it was the first time that J and I went to the movies together. I love that while J doesn't quite share my enthusiasm for movies, he likes that I have that enthusiasm. The last movie he'd seen in a theater was a <i>Harry Potter</i> movie and he had never seen a 3D movie (poor, sheltered thing - LOL - I love you, Honey!) so it was more than just out first movie together for him, too (yes, we're saving our ticket stubs - we're mushy that way!).</div>
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Sorry... You want to know what I thought of the movie. Or, at least I hope you do. Any way...</div>
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When we last saw The Avengers as a team, they were eating schwarma after defeating Loki and the alien invaders, much to the chagrin of first-glimpsed villain, Thanos. The Avengers now operate as an independent team under the direction of Steve "Captain America" Rogers (Chris Evans) and we join them in the midst of an assault on a HYRDA compound in Eastern Europe to recover Loki's scepter. Once recovered, Tony "Iron Man" Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) asks to study the sceptor for 3 days before Thor (Chris Hemsworth) returns it to Asgaard. When Stark's computer, Jarvis (Paul Bettany) studies the staff, it discovers the gem inside (one of the <a href="http://marvelcinematicuniverse.wikia.com/wiki/Infinity_Stones" target="_blank">'Infinity Stones</a>' which have featured in several of the films) houses an artificial intelligence. Seeing this as an opportunity to create a sentry for humanity, Stark and and Bruce "Hulk" Banner (Mark Ruffalo) attempt to interface Jarvis and the AI to create what is intended to be a world-wide guardian named Ultron* (James Spader). Of course, as in any good Frankenstein story, a monster arises, instead.</div>
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Thankfully, <i>Age of Ultron </i>manages to just barely avoid the Marvel plot formulas that were becoming a little too familiar and this time around we get to learn more about the humans inside the Superheros, particularly Clint "Hawkeye" Barton (Jeremy Renner) and a seemingly impossible romance for Banner and Natasha "Black Widow" Romanov (Scarlett Johansson). There is plenty of the usual Marvel action and banter, with lots of tension-relieving jokes and one-liners in between the grand-scale destruction and over-the-top action sequences (a very funny scene about them all trying to lift <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mj%C3%B6lnir" target="_blank">Mjölnir</a> turns into an important plot point later on). We are also introduced (I won't say how or when) to the character Vision (Bettany) and a pair of 'enhanced' twins (Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Quicksilver** and Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch). Add appearances from Marvel regulars Idris Elba; Hayley Atwell; Don Cheadle; Cobie Smulders; Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson and you have a very entertaining movie, indeed. But I must give a special nod to Spader's voice performance, which is dead-on. I knew but had forgotten that Spader was cast, and both J and I were going crazy trying to figure out whose voice it was, because his smarmy inflections and turns of phrase were so very familiar. When the credits rolled we both said "D'oh!"</div>
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Yes, we both very much enjoyed the movie, though I thought the 3D was completely unnecessary. It honestly did nothing to enhance the movie and at the end of the 141 minute run-time, my eyes were very tired and J had a headache (he said, "I don't ever need to see another 3D movie, Honey"). Truth be told, I liked the first <i>Avengers</i> movie much better. Writer/Director Joss Whedon obviously has a vision for the franchise and I expect the next film in the series (<i>Infinity Wars</i>) will be the <i>Empire Strikes Back</i> of the series. *** 1/2 (Three and a Half Stars). </div>
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<i>The Avengers: Age of Ultron</i> is rated PG-13 <span itemprop="contentRating">for "intense sequences of sci-fi action, violence and destruction, and for some suggestive comments." </span><br />
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<span itemprop="contentRating">*In the original comics, Ultron was invented by Hank Pym, the original "Ant-Man." One of the trailers we saw before the movie was for Marvel's next 'Phase Two' movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478970/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Ant-Man</i></a> starring Paul Rudd ("Oh, Paul!") and Michael Douglas as... Hank Pym!</span><br />
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<span itemprop="contentRating">**We previously saw a very different version of Quicksilver as played by Evan Peters in <i>X-Men: Days of Future Past</i>, apparently the result of multiple studios owning various rights to the character, though Taylor-Johnson's version remains truer to the comics.</span><br />
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<span itemprop="contentRating">Well, this was fun. I'm pretty sure you'll hear from me again this month!</span><br />
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<span itemprop="contentRating">More, anon.</span><br />
<span itemprop="contentRating">Prospero</span>Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-20124884378884697352015-04-06T00:01:00.000-04:002015-04-06T00:36:48.343-04:00A Creepy Peeps Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlett</td></tr>
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The game is still afoot, it seems. I arrived home on Friday afternoon to find a pink gift bag hanging on my doorknob. I immediately knew it was another dolly for my growing collection. The eerily beautiful creation on your right came with the following (edited by me) note:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Dearest Brian,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Who needs an Easter egg hunt when you can continue wondering which of your loving friends is behind your creepy peeps?!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>We bring this one to your door as she is magnificent, ceremonial and resplendent with colorful joy! A match to your present state of bliss and wonder with this (J) person we keep hearing about. Ah yes, you thought perhaps your blissful state had gone unnoticed? We're creepy, not blind dear one.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>We do hope he shares your love for the unusual surprises in life!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Wishing you, the other (cartoon doll heads, colored in order of receipt: <span style="color: #783f04;">brown</span>, <span style="color: #6aa84f;">green</span>, <span style="color: #d5a6bd;">pink</span> and <span style="color: #f1c232;">yellow</span>) and (J) every happiness!!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Love,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>The Royal Order of Creepiness.</b></span></div>
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The fact that they know about J means they are Facebook friends or followers, which doesn't help in identifying them in the least! Still loving this game! While more than one friend has expressed their jealously, several still find it genuinely creepy.</div>
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Of course, now that I have five, I thought it was time to name them. In order of reciept (you can see <a href="http://calibansrevenge.blogspot.com/2014/12/uncle-p-and-mystery-of-creepy-peeps.html" target="_blank">the first four here</a>) they are: Aja; Jade; Temperance; Hanael and Scarlett. And yes, all of those names have meaning to your crazy old Uncle P. </div>
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Hope your life is as full of fun and surprises as mine has been, of late. </div>
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More, anon.</div>
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Uncle P </div>
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PS - Did I happen to mention that I have fallen madly, deeply and hopelessly in love with J? Because I have. And amazingly, so has he with me. Life is good.</div>
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<br />Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-64661241909484903632015-03-06T20:42:00.000-05:002015-03-06T22:47:02.074-05:00Why I Love Mid-Season TV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Miss me? I've been kind of busy nurturing a newish and amazing relationship while trying to direct a play that has had the dice stacked against it from the beginning (but which I am determined to bring into fruition if it kills me). But that's not what tonight's post is about.</div>
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Tonight, I want to talk about Television. Specifically Mid-Season Television. Mid-Season has traditionally been the time where the shows the networks weren't sure about were poised to take the place of the ones cancelled by the Holiday Hiatus. Lately, Mid-Season has become the place where the networks are more willing to gamble and experiment. Three very interesting new Mid-Season shows premiered this week and I have managed to catch - thanks to yesterday's snow day - two of them ("American Crime" is still on my DVR, waiting to be watched).</div>
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First up was ABC's "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3516878/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt" target="_blank">Secrets and Lies</a>," starring <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/articles/74213-ryan-phillippe-looks-ripped-shirtless-hits-beach-in-miami-pictures/1402411760_ryan-phillippe-zoom.jpg" target="_blank">Ryan Philippe</a>; <a href="http://media3.popsugar-assets.com/files/2014/01/16/066/n/1922153/b3cc7d2a61b637d7_463089687.jpg.xxxlarge_2x/i/Juliette-Lewis.jpg" target="_blank">Juliette Lewis</a>; <a href="http://ilarge.listal.com/image/593953/936full-kadee-strickland.jpg" target="_blank">Kadee Strickland</a> and <a href="http://wallpaperzoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/natalie-martinez.jpg" target="_blank">Natalie Martinez</a> and based on the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3103340/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank">Australian series of the same name</a>. Philippe is house painter Ben Garner who, while out on an early morning run just before Christmas, discovers the body of a beloved 6 year old neighbor in the woods. His memory of events before his run are more than fogged from a night of heavy drinking (which followed an intense argument with his wife) and Ben is soon the focus of what has become a murder investigation. Strickland (last seen on Shonda Rhimes' "The Practice") is Ben's wife Christy and Martinez ("Under the Dome" and "Eureka") is the boy's mother, Jess. Lewis (<i>Cape Fear</i>; <i>Natural Born Killers</i>) is the severe and intense Homicide Detective Andrea Cornell, determined to find justice for the young victim. The first two hours had as many plot twists and secret revelations as the season finale of last year's breakout, bat-shit insane drama "How to Get Away with Murder" combined with some powerhouse performances from the four leads and their supporting cast members. Directed by Timothy Busfield (who has a small role as a high-powered defense attorney), the two-hour pilot flew by, leaving this viewer exhausted by a roller-coaster of emotions. If you missed it, go OnDemand or to HULU or ABC.com and watch it, now! If you aren't as immediately caught up in it, I will email you a personal apology. Well-written and beautifully acted, "Secrets and Lies" is some terrific TV drama. **** (Four Out of Four Stars).</div>
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Next, I caught the extended premiere of the latest from "Heroes" creator Tim Kring, the USA network's apocalypse mini-series drama "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3597606/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Dig</a>." Part police procedural and part supernatural thriller, "Dig" stars oddly attractive DILF <a href="http://www.haaretz.com/polopoly_fs/1.373706.1310903780!/image/1234518793.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_640/1234518793.jpg" target="_blank">Jason Isaacs</a> (best known to American audiences as Lucious Malfoy in the <i>Harry Potter</i> movies) as FBI agent Peter Conelly on assignment in Jerusalem. His boss and occasional lover, Lynn (the questionably sane <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Anne_Heche_July_14,_2014_%28cropped%29.jpg" target="_blank">Anne Heche</a>) is trying to help him get over the recent loss of his daughter. When a case involving a terror suspect and the murder of a young archaeologist (who reminds Ben of his daughter) intersect with an ancient prophesy about a red cow (yes, a red cow - it's in the Bible or something), the apocalypse is apparently nigh. Oh, and it has something to do with clones, maybe? It's deeply twisted, high-concept mythology and I adored it! The fact that my beloved <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lauren-ambrose-3.jpg" target="_blank">Lauren Ambrose</a> ("Six Feet Under;" <i>Psycho Beach Party</i>) is some sort of religious acolyte who seems opposed to what's going on and <a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4svncDfjg1qfwxizo1_1280.jpg" target="_blank">Angela Bettis</a> (<i>May</i>; <i>The Woman</i>) is a murderous religious fanatic makes it so very much better. Fans of "Lost," "Fringe" and "Heroes" (Season 1, anyway) will probably love this show as much as I think I do. It is supposed to be a limited, 10 episode run. I hope they stay smart and keep it that way. It's nice to see an American series follow a European model, ala the original "The Returned." I hope the rest of the series is as insane and maddening and satisfying as the premiere. **** (Four Out of Four Stars)</div>
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I'm truly hoping that ABC's other much-hyped Mid-Season show "American Crime" is as good as both of these. I'll let you know. </div>
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More, anon.<br />
Prospero Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-92094479682113298102015-02-16T02:20:00.003-05:002015-02-16T02:42:10.641-05:00The Gayest Things You'll See This Week<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqPmDAtoZytWnrfRmouEBbspSAOeNi2x7oA9MMGRcxbmdGVE_9MZ1qJ4cwJZ55lJzNXrpgYa0EPXopuWZMDfFURTtAFQqijxnO2PISkkIRqXx_NSWhyphenhyphenYndXoDF9poumoHzPYXG-BYH-Zu/s1600/0000000000000000000000000000000000000000+salem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqPmDAtoZytWnrfRmouEBbspSAOeNi2x7oA9MMGRcxbmdGVE_9MZ1qJ4cwJZ55lJzNXrpgYa0EPXopuWZMDfFURTtAFQqijxnO2PISkkIRqXx_NSWhyphenhyphenYndXoDF9poumoHzPYXG-BYH-Zu/s1600/0000000000000000000000000000000000000000+salem.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kenythmogan.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Kenyth Mogan</a></td></tr>
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It's been quite a while, I think, since I've done a Gayest Things post. Not that Uncle P is any less gay than before... whatever. </div>
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Anyway... this post is about me and one of the best things to happen to me in a long time and the difference a chance encounter has made in my outlook. I know I've talked about my battles with depression in the past. And while I haven't talked about it much, Mom's death in 2013 left me with some very unexpected financial burdens which I'm still trying to sort out. Things were pretty bleak for a while (and in some aspects, still are). Then two things happened. First, I was cast in <a href="http://calibansrevenge.blogspot.com/2014/09/back-in-saddle-again.html" target="_blank">a terrific show</a> with some terrific folks and spent time doing something comfortable, familiar, challenging and cathartic (and something Mom would have wanted me to do).</div>
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Second, prompted by another of Mom's wishes, I joined several online dating/meeting sites, though I had honestly given up on finding anyone at my age, who might even offer the hope of romance. But that changed last October, about a week after the anniversary of Mom's passing, when I agreed to meet with someone I met on one of the sites I'd joined. I'll admit, I had my trepidations. The last guy I met online (while Mom was still alive) turned out to be a selfish social-climber whose home was filled his <a href="http://donnasmailboxesandmore.com/zencart/images/sunbathing%20frog,%20tropical%20fish%20mailbox%20001.jpg" target="_blank">ceramic frog</a> collection and wooden signs spouting meaningless platitudes and 'motivational' cliches. Can you say 'douche?'</div>
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But I did go to that <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/healthfitness/2008/04/large_unos.jpg" target="_blank">Pizzeria Uno</a> that Sunday night and was very pleasantly surprised to meet a man I not only found very attractive, but with whom conversation was so easy, natural and pleasant. And as different as we are, we had more than enough in common to make a connection. Our first kiss at the end of that first date was.... electric! Four months later and we're like... well...</div>
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<b>J</b> is sweet; kind; funny; tender; attentive; romantic; a great kisser and (TMI alert) outrageously good when it comes to 'intimate activities.' He's 6' 3" tall, adorable and solid! His giggle is infectious and he is cuddly as all get out. This past weekend saw our first overnight together and I can honestly report that I am still aglow from those 18 hours -- and if his Facebook posts are to be believed (and I have no reason to doubt so), so is he. When I am with him, everything else goes away... and after we part, the glow of my time spent with him is astonishing. I can't (for lots of reasons and circumstances) use the "L" word, yet, but this is the closest to it I've been in a long time! </div>
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All of that having been said, I found the below video on <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/" target="_blank">Towleroad</a>, thinking it sweet, funny and oddly appropriate for the intoxicated mood in which I find myself. Please enjoy Kenyth Mogan's Oz-inspired video for his newest single, 'Unlock Your Heart.'</div>
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More from Cloud Nine, anon.<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-1970491858872283692015-02-09T22:39:00.001-05:002015-02-09T23:23:13.701-05:00Exciting News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, having last directed <i>Top Girls</i> for Shakespeare '70 and <i>Die Mommie Die! </i>for the JTMF almost 5 years ago, I am about to take up the mantle again with a sort of unusual production of Jonathan Harvey's groundbreaking 1993 play <i>Beautiful Thing</i>. </div>
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I say unusual not meaning the production itself will be (though that may well prove false, as well), but unusual in the way in which the show came about. </div>
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So, I've talked about my friend <a href="http://www.elliottsfancydress.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/295x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/b/o/boys-angle-greek-boy-wm.jpg" target="_blank">Matty</a>, who is a very talented actor and writer. Well, it seems Matty is just a few credits shy of receiving his degree from The College of New Jersey. While a full time student there, Matty and his friend Steve caused a bit of a media storm by attempting to not only break the <a href="http://math.ucsd.edu/~fan/ron/images/guiness.jpg" target="_blank">Guinness</a> record for the Longest Continuous Kiss, but to also be the first same-sex male couple to do so. Matty and Steve's story inspired novelist <a href="http://davidlevithan.com/" target="_blank">David Levithan</a> to write the 2014 Lambda Literary and Stonewall Honor Book Awards-winning novel "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Two-Boys-Kissing-David-Levithan/dp/0307931900/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423540198&sr=8-1&keywords=david+levithan+two+boys+kissing" target="_blank">Two Boys Kissing</a>." David has since become another of Matty's mentors and they came up with a way for Matty to earn his degree with performance credits. </div>
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So, when Matty asked if I would direct, I couldn't refuse. I have so far been able to cast both of the remaining male roles with actors I know and love and trust (my own dear David - not to be confused with Dear D - and my <i>Hairspray</i> and <i>Jeffrey</i> cast mate Chris) and am currently looking for the two women I need. I'm hoping to have our first read-through next week, as the show goes up the third weekend of March! </div>
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Because the JTMF was such an important part of his non-academic theatre education, he insisted that ticket sales be donated to our favorite LGBTQ causes.</div>
<br />I'll be sure to keep you all up to date. I'm very excited to stretch my creative muscles again! <br />
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The play was adapted into a rather excellent film in 1996:<br />
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More, anon.<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-32626371285000970202015-01-23T23:39:00.002-05:002015-01-25T01:40:08.801-05:002015 Horror Movies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I see you shiver with antici.....</div>
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...pation!</div>
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Sorry. It was very late when I thought of this post and I didn't want to forget to do it. </div>
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Whatever regular readers I have left know about my love of Horror movies, good and bad. And I'm always on the lookout for some interesting, original and startling works. And 2015 seems quite promising for this jaded genre guru. </div>
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Four upcoming Horror movies have particularly caught my attention with some rather intense trailers. And while I'd love to talk about Guillermo del Toro's Gothic ghost movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2554274/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_4" target="_blank"><i>Crimson Peak</i></a>, there isn't any footage from the closely-guarded film to share just yet. Still, these four upcomings movies are pinging high on my personal radar! </div>
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First up, a film from writer/director Adam Green (<a href="http://www.philip-radvan.com/samples/hatchet3-movie01.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Hatchet</i></a>; <a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91Hryd5WfqL._AA1500_.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Frozen</i></a> - no <i>not </i>the Disney one). In <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1991031/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Digging Up the Marrow</i></a>, genre veteran Ray Wise plays a man who claims to have discovered an underground realm in which real monsters reside. </div>
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New writer/director David Robert Mitchell makes his wide-distribution debut with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3235888/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>It Follows</i></a>, an interesting take on "Tag. You're It!" Starring no one you know, the very atmospheric trailer seems like it could be the start of several careers.</div>
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Chris Sparling, writer of the claustrophobic <a href="http://assets-s3.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/photo_galleries/regular_galleries/2523-celebrities-best-movie-shape-movies-tv-roles/photos/1403298905_ryan-reynolds-560.jpg" target="_blank">Ryan Reynolds</a> movie <i>Buried</i>, directs <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3280916/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl" target="_blank"><i>The Atticus Institute</i></a>, about an attempt by the military to weaponize demonic possession. It's one of the most insane movie concepts I can imagine and I can't wait to see it!</div>
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And while this last movie is actually a prequel, I'm still very excited to see it. James Wan's <i>Insidious </i>was one of the most effective Horror movies of the last 10 years, though it's sequel disappointed. Wan's long-time writing partner Leigh Whannel makes directing debut with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3195644/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Insidious Chapter 3</i></a>:</div>
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I know there will plenty more Horror movies in the coming year. What movies are you looking forward to seeing in 2015?</div>
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More, anon.<br />
Prospero <br />
Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-63230409460833962122015-01-17T02:41:00.001-05:002015-01-17T02:41:51.136-05:00Why "Selma" Won't Win<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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"Racism is dead in America." ~ <a href="http://www.morethings.com/images/ann_coulter/evil/lk_coluter_350.jpg" target="_blank">Anne Coulter</a>.</div>
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By now you should know how I feel about Awards shows in general. Admittedly, I'll watch the Oscars this year, just to see NPH (loved his lunacy on "American Horror Story" this season). Like most Americans, I have seen very few of the nominated movies. I've seen <i>Boyhood</i> (which I didn't care for enough to even bother reviewing) and <i>The Grand Budapest Hotel</i> (which I did review and honestly wanted to like more than I did). With the exception of <i>Birdman</i>, I honestly have no interested in seeing the other nominated films. Not that you shouldn't see them or that they shouldn't be seen. And while I guess if was a professional critic, I would have seen them all, but probably grumbled about seeing more than one. Oddly, the rest of the nominees are all biopics... <i>American Sniper</i>; <i>The Imitation Game</i>; <i>The Theory of Everything</i>; <i>Whiplash</i> and <i>Selma</i> are all real-life stories. Fictionalized, of course, for dramatic interest. </div>
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But it is <i>Selma</i> in particular, which seems to have generated the most controversy. First, it was <a href="http://carpetbagger.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/30/questioning-the-historical-accuracy-of-selma/?_r=0" target="_blank">reported that the movie was historically inaccurate</a> and portrays Lyndon Johnson as opposed Dr. King's march in Alabama and the Voting Rights Act. And then the Oscar nominations came out. And while <i>Selma</i> is nominated for Best Picture, not one of its cast were nominated. In fact, not a single person of color was nominated in any performance category. Not a single Black, Latino, Asian or multiracial person on the list! No Inuit; Pacific Islanders; Native Americans; Maori or Aboriginals, either. That's just... I mean, how does a film get nominated for Best Picture, without a single nomination for any actor that's in it or the director who made it? One might also ask how <a href="http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/great-movie-the-color-purple-1985/hero_EB20040328REVIEWS08403280301AR.jpg" target="_blank"><i>The Color Purple</i></a> didn't win a single one of its 11 nominations. Or why <a href="http://imageserver.moviepilot.com/movie-haiku-of-the-week-brokeback-mountain.jpeg?width=1280&height=821" target="_blank"><i>Brokeback Mountain</i> </a>lost to <a href="http://piratesale.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/crash_2004.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Crash</i></a>. Oh, wait, wasn't <i>Crash</i> about racism? Sure, but in a really awful, hit-you-over-the-head way that went way out it's way to prove a point. Plus, it didn't have any icky man-on-man kissing. </div>
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Hollywood, that supposed bastion of liberal hedonism, is racist, sexist and homophobic. Now, I know I'm not saying anything new here. But the Oakland Tribune headline up on the right just put it so succinctly and hilariously, that I had to comment, especially when the country is about to enjoy a three-day weekend in celebration of Dr. King's birthday. It's like the Academy voters are saying "We like the idea of civil rights; we just don't like the people who are asking for them."</div>
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<i>Selma</i> doesn't have a chance of winning Best Picture on February 22nd. Because the more things seem to change, the more they stay the same. </div>
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For what it's worth, here are the trailers for this year's Best Picture nominees:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5bP1f_1o-zo" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VSHATHMg0C8" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IiDztHS3Wos" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zru-1DbbcsA" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nuPZUUED5uk" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/x6t7vVTxaic" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LUayjO_KgsQ" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tYkuvB2f5XU" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
So, I guess... Yay, White People!? Ugh! Oh, and by the way... F*ck You, <a href="http://queerty-prodweb.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/docs/2011/08/ann_coulter.jpg" target="_blank">Anne Coulter</a>!<br />
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Uncle P used to participate in a charitable event every MLK weekend as my Day of Service, but they and I parted ways a while ago and I focused my volunteering on the JTMF. Of course, JTMF is all but dead (only our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/JTMF1/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> remains), though a last gasp may be at hand with a project I'll be talking about (and directing again!) soon.</div>
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If you are lucky enough to be off, enjoy your holiday. Don't feel obligated to do a Day of Service because it's MLK Day. You should always fee obligated to do service whenever you can. But if you need a special day for it, so be it. </div>
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More anon,<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-64833328511229984502015-01-10T02:33:00.001-05:002015-01-10T02:33:31.063-05:00Dear Leelah<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFRKH35hW2T06Rjm-vjA2cKWa_8QaWItUpelACsik3yHtyaybubbwgH-_vDOHLbHW8anHULD2arWgvkmABTV741baZlwyRe7YfVJThPcIsONLKYX37KWEnAmsFLK6b0ddwh3wN68lbXOX/s1600/FG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFRKH35hW2T06Rjm-vjA2cKWa_8QaWItUpelACsik3yHtyaybubbwgH-_vDOHLbHW8anHULD2arWgvkmABTV741baZlwyRe7YfVJThPcIsONLKYX37KWEnAmsFLK6b0ddwh3wN68lbXOX/s1600/FG1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leelah Alcorn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dear Leelah;<br />
<br />
Why didn't you ask for help? Why didn't you seek out those who understand? Why were you afraid?<br />
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The answer is simple: Superstition. <br />
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My heart is broken, once again. I cannot understand a parent who does not truly unconditionally love their children (or those who do not truly grasp the definition of that word).<br />
<br />
We've all experienced emotional pain in our lives. Uncle P has seen his own struggles with it and I can remember more than one time when I registered higher than a 7 on the Suicide Scale. But I recognized the need for help and sought it. Even now, I have to say that counseled therapy was the best thing I ever did for myself. Of course, I was well above the 'Age of Consent' when I did so. Still - there can be no justification for anyone taking their own lives because their religion or their families tell them that they are somehow defective, wrong and/or evil just because of who they are.<br />
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Leelah was just 17 when she took her life by stepping into traffic on an Ohio highway. last month. She was still considered a minor and by Ohio was bound to follow her religious parents rules and preconceptions. Her parents, while still claiming to have loved her 'unconditionally' have still refused to acknowledge Leelah's own gender identity.<br />
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Reach out. Offer an ear or a save haven. Make sure that those who need help, get it! STOP this horrific epidemic!<br />
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Share anti-suicide information. Support <a href="http://www.thetrevorproject.org/" target="_blank">The Trevor Project</a>; <a href="http://www.tylerclementi.org/" target="_blank">The Tyler Clementi Foundation</a> and/or your local anti-suicide charity. Too many lives have been wasted, Too much potential has been lost.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b_VRpgaaLY0" width="640"></iframe> <br />
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I can't wait until I never have to make this rant again.<br />
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More, anon,<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-16182727233669758972015-01-01T22:46:00.002-05:002015-01-01T22:54:05.862-05:00New Year, New Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW84cPjto0gE7z2Y8NOO9YkPwJWNWghA9nt-czuvrtCbcymw2NYKBPNcWIYU4NwrWsZCDk_xJQosoNeRqfxneWJpLwConH_T7bmqrc1gi3RWbIOl1IMVIW_HZdjkFmtMkgBxY5bWPQ_CMP/s1600/balloon-farts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW84cPjto0gE7z2Y8NOO9YkPwJWNWghA9nt-czuvrtCbcymw2NYKBPNcWIYU4NwrWsZCDk_xJQosoNeRqfxneWJpLwConH_T7bmqrc1gi3RWbIOl1IMVIW_HZdjkFmtMkgBxY5bWPQ_CMP/s1600/balloon-farts.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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First post of the New Year! </div>
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2014 was a <i>very</i> mixed bag for Uncle P. Plenty of great stuff happened: I met someone amazing; I was in an exceptional show (<i>Bluebird</i>); I completely redecorated my living room and kitchen; I got a new washing machine; I got a new vacuum; I got to visit San Francisco again and went to Vegas for the first time. </div>
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Conversely, plenty of other stuff sucked: I lost two very sweet and talented friends; my washing machine, chest freezer and vacuum all went the way of all things; I found out that my father's second wife's children might have a claim to my house* and there's a ton of taxes owed on the property I inherited and I have no idea how I'm going to pay it; I found out my mother fell victim to the mortgage frauds perpetrated by Fannie Mae and Bank of America in the first decade of the 21st Century and taking on a an unwanted (but needed) boarder has proven difficult (he's a bit of an irresponsible slob - though he's working on it) and not as financially beneficial as I'd hoped. </div>
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This year, I already have two potential shows (plus a special tribute show to one of those lost friends) lined up and I am determined to find a way out of the financial mess Mom left me (I loved her dearly, but am angry at how much she kept from me). I am hoping to continue to repaint and redecorate the rest of my house while continuing to write plays, screenplays and this blog.</div>
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I am thankful for the loving and supportive people in my life (both online and IRL) and the steady paycheck from the Day Job (no matter how much I may complain about our clients, it's still a great place to work). </div>
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My wish for all of you in 2015 is prosperity; good health; solid relationships and the kind of astonishingly loving and supportive network of friends I am lucky enough to have. </div>
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here's to 2015 being better than 2014!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Sg9nh-lC60U" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
More, anon.<br />
Prosper<br />
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*They've since all agreed to sign off on their claims. It would have cost them more in legal fees than they might possibly have gained, anyway.Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-90141510869954047562014-12-26T23:51:00.004-05:002014-12-27T15:03:59.859-05:00Uncle P and the Mystery of the Creepy Peeps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlutQs8oFkXlawaeRQ4B0fxeRW9D6JzRc2oUlJTxMXRCDnphgkNNVAXl8t1K-e0ERbszTgM16rVN_YKDc_b0ZcKNeiuGsN62mk8pfbV4nekEa9_1hwsEDfwtHp1Daitfy502g1bOJf_5b/s1600/dolly+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlutQs8oFkXlawaeRQ4B0fxeRW9D6JzRc2oUlJTxMXRCDnphgkNNVAXl8t1K-e0ERbszTgM16rVN_YKDc_b0ZcKNeiuGsN62mk8pfbV4nekEa9_1hwsEDfwtHp1Daitfy502g1bOJf_5b/s1600/dolly+7.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Among my friends there are two distinct camps when it comes to this story: those who, like myself, find it hilarious and fun and those, like my BIL, who think Uncle P is being stalked by a serial killer. I'll let you decide.</div>
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Last November, just about a month after my mother passed away, I came home to find an Apple box stuffed in my mailbox. When I pulled out the tissue paper and ribbons, I found the nightlight you see to your right. And yes, the bulb inside is red. There was no card or note. Nothing on the box but the Apple logo. When I posted it to Facebook, the two camps immediately made themselves apparent. Of course, my friends and regular readers know my taste for the odd (indeed, the macabre) and unusual. And they also know I tend to have a rather dark sense of humor. I thought it was hilarious and plugged it into a kitchen outlet (it gets too hot for practical use, but is fun to switch on when I have guests). In the months that followed, people would occasionally ask me if I ever found out who sent it, but I almost forgot about. Until...</div>
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Just around my birthday this year, I came home and opened my screen door and a box tumbled out onto the mat. Inside was not only the green planter below, but a note!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxZhAEhsM0cTVdiVc3YeXVjJ_HoxJg-EhAV5t_DH2aRHXic9yvr1PElGoRalSeovH97U-SnSj4jUJ5imnQ_nzlH6J57MDIlId2RalJKOnWM8HXgq6lmMqz5aahIqic40TMs_f8E1Cj7b2/s1600/dolly+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxZhAEhsM0cTVdiVc3YeXVjJ_HoxJg-EhAV5t_DH2aRHXic9yvr1PElGoRalSeovH97U-SnSj4jUJ5imnQ_nzlH6J57MDIlId2RalJKOnWM8HXgq6lmMqz5aahIqic40TMs_f8E1Cj7b2/s1600/dolly+6.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dear Brian,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The psychic creepy doll network has determined you and your red eyed nightlight needed a friend.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Therefore please welcome this new addition to your home. We trust you will admire and enjoy it.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With much love, a shared sense of humor and best wishes,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"</span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Your mystery/anonymous creepy peeps.</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"</span></div>
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The box was a sturdy gift box from the Frenchtown Metalworks, an art jeweler in New Jersey. </div>
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How exciting! Contact had been made! But how much was to be believed? Is this the work of more than one person? Do they live in or near Frenchtown? He, she or they obviously know where I live and when they can deliver packages when I'm not home. More friends freak out. I laugh and hope that all will be revealed, eventually. Speculation continues. </div>
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Next - right before Halloween, I came home to find a bag on my kitchen table. My boarder had brought it in (whew!) after finding it hanging on the doorknob, outside. In the bag was a square box, also from Frenchtown Metalworks. It had a black ribbon and written on it in orange and black markers was "Happy Halloween!" And in the box was the delightfully odd electric tealight holder you see below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Oux6Xo1VVO82LrATt-8OVEVlmNXlHcZ-02Zxzd576DuCGJ31fYHPLM4pC16a1JCR4pZGU3TJ1c759RE1euOpTXmE2edJ_GM4mFOCUdz42eH89UnPnOO-1cF6egqz-H9EU_2_hbGOFK2A/s1600/dolly+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Oux6Xo1VVO82LrATt-8OVEVlmNXlHcZ-02Zxzd576DuCGJ31fYHPLM4pC16a1JCR4pZGU3TJ1c759RE1euOpTXmE2edJ_GM4mFOCUdz42eH89UnPnOO-1cF6egqz-H9EU_2_hbGOFK2A/s1600/dolly+5.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Cozy, isn't she? The yellow flickering eyes in the very pink head are far more effective than the red bulb in the nightlight, don;t you think? No note this time but I didn't need one. </div>
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Most recently, I came home from picking up my Christmas Eve dinner from Wing Wah, to find a USPS Priority Mail package sitting in my carport. My sister's package had already arrived, as well as a package from friends who couldn't wait to see me to give me my gift. I looked for the sender only to see "Santa" with no return address. I knew immediately who it was from.</div>
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I ate my dinner, opened the rest of my mail and then set to the package. Inside was a letter and the most elaborate dolly of all. Wrapped in a blankie and painted yellow all over; her hair cut off and phrases, slogans and bits of poetry written all over her, she is quite magnificent! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05ZNzSvB0A9I7jLtenKkVeBegdrvTDPd24jsVr_i6KLlp5L_4NWhevasFgH0tveWI4zqa8Rsv2ldYDSCH6-t-2bab2sgkn4HvqNtHLkKTN-C4CAR6P_t09IkVTA5-RB6MSTCxMNopupx9/s1600/dolly+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05ZNzSvB0A9I7jLtenKkVeBegdrvTDPd24jsVr_i6KLlp5L_4NWhevasFgH0tveWI4zqa8Rsv2ldYDSCH6-t-2bab2sgkn4HvqNtHLkKTN-C4CAR6P_t09IkVTA5-RB6MSTCxMNopupx9/s1600/dolly+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The letter reads: </div>
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"<i><span style="color: red;">ho ho ho</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Brian</span><span style="color: red;">!</span></i></div>
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"<i>I fear you've not been naughty enough this year so was tempted to not deliver this wee child to you for the holidays.</i></div>
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"<i>Alas your creepy peeps network has informed me that exists</i> (sic)<i> in you a certain scorn for the Christmas merriment... the stories behind the story as it were.</i></div>
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"<i>That has set you in my good graces and so I bestow upon you your very own baby - one of poetry for your reading pleasure as you sit by the fire.</i></div>
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"<i>So master yourself an icy cold martini, sit back and enjoy the season.</i></div>
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<span style="color: red;">"<i>All my best, </i></span></div>
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" <span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Santa, the creepy one</i></span></div>
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"<i>PS... my supply of treats for you has run low... but I have my sources and so perhaps we shall continue this adventure into yet another year</i>"</div>
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The font colors are theirs. So they also know that I am an atheist and enjoy an icy cold Sapphire martini now and again. The plot thickens. Or does it? Loads of folks know that. The doll itself, is fascinating. She reminds me of something out of a Clive Barker movie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZw1ZqBzmoMNIBlPWtDVYEigzJyJCe5B8HdQiulD-NS4zuwqmUChbbebztTF7rDbC-DzUz6JWRe6NRx7YuM7NN9wgmEks6DvZSrdl69c_v5abAbv9lZ6hSV4pj4_EasxqfxzrqNHxn02B/s1600/dolly+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZw1ZqBzmoMNIBlPWtDVYEigzJyJCe5B8HdQiulD-NS4zuwqmUChbbebztTF7rDbC-DzUz6JWRe6NRx7YuM7NN9wgmEks6DvZSrdl69c_v5abAbv9lZ6hSV4pj4_EasxqfxzrqNHxn02B/s1600/dolly+3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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On her face is: <i>LETS DO EMPTY OUR POCKETS AND DISAPPEAR * MISSING ALL OUR APPOINTMENTS AND TURN ING UP YEARS LATER UNSHAVEN OLD CIGARETTE PAPERS STUCK TO OUR PANTS LEAVES IN *** OUR HAIR Her torso reads: LET US NOT WORRY ABOUT THE PAYMENTS ANYMORE LET THEM COME ND TAKE IT AWAY WHATEVER IT WAS WE WERE PAYING AND US WITH IT </i>On her left arm and side:<i> I AM A SOCIAL CLIMBER CLIMBING DOWNWARD AND THE DESCENT IS DIFFICULT</i> On her right arm: <i>THE UPPER MIDDLE CLASS IDEAL IS FOR THE BIRDS AND THE BIRDS HAVE NO USE FOR IT</i></div>
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On her left leg: <i>LETS CUT IT OUT LETS GO TO THE REAL INTERIOR OF THE COUNTRY WHERE HOCKSHOPS REIGN MERE UNBLIND ANARCHY UPON US THE END IS NEAR BUT GOLF GOES ON</i>. On her right leg: <i>LET US ARISE AND GO NOW TO WHERE DOGS DO IT OVER THE HILL * WHERE THEY KEEP THE EARTHQUAKES BEHIND CITY DUMPS LOST AMONG GAS MAINS AND GARBAGE</i>. On top of her head: <i>JUNKMAN'S OBBLIGATO</i> On the back of her head: <i>LAWRENCE FERLING HETTI</i> (the artist, perhaps?) <i>MY BODY IS HUNG UP TOO LONG IN THE STRANGE SUSPENDERS GET ME A BRIGHT BANDANA FOR A OCKSTRAP</i> (sic) On her back: L<i>ET US NOW YOU AND I LEAVING OUR NECKTIES BEHIND ON LAMPOSTS</i> (sic) T<i>AKE UP THE FULL BEARD OF WALKING ANARCHY LOOKING LIKE WALT WHITMAN A HOME MADE BOMB IN THE POCKET I WISH TO OESCEN</i> (?) I<i>N THE SOCIA</i> (?) <i>IS LOW</i> On the back of her right arm: <i>LOSE THE WAR WITHOUT KILLING ANYONE</i></div>
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So, Uncle P's question for you... Would you be freaked out, or just as amazed and amused as I am? That a friend or friends would go this far and long without cracking is just awesome. I know there will be a grand reveal, eventually and I will be face-palming myself for not figuring it out. Until them, I very much love this game!</div>
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More, anon.<br />
Uncle PProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-34995689243496323602014-12-25T22:20:00.000-05:002014-12-26T20:48:56.757-05:00Review: "Into the Woods"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp1xXxbJXdD65D8msIQaVU4uR1CpJ8b5a25ryy2i-kOcSwUpFzHpUlmIRHbyaM6nBCDC_Hs14ZQU-qalJXNSJuw8BRdDUahLe2tObJmpzWLo0Rzwyd0DjvjiNBE-PuSTsZMHNQpZAEO9m/s1600/sarlaac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp1xXxbJXdD65D8msIQaVU4uR1CpJ8b5a25ryy2i-kOcSwUpFzHpUlmIRHbyaM6nBCDC_Hs14ZQU-qalJXNSJuw8BRdDUahLe2tObJmpzWLo0Rzwyd0DjvjiNBE-PuSTsZMHNQpZAEO9m/s1600/sarlaac.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></div>
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Adapting stage musicals into films is very tricky in the 21st Century. If one thing doesn't work, the whole thing falls apart. For every <a href="http://youtu.be/KA6R1DMb-Z8" target="_blank"><i>Chicago</i></a> there's a <a href="http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/nine-2009/large_2PSmbXIUWgUVsXq2U1MoVj3f38g.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Nine</i></a> or <a href="http://www.impawards.com/2012/posters/rock_of_ages_ver2_xlg.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Rock of Ages</i></a>. Even <a href="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/50a173f0eab8ea7440000005/heres-how-anne-hathaway-lost-25-pounds-for-her-role-in-les-misrables.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Les Miserables</i></a>, the biggest stage musical in the world, didn't really work on film; it's theatricality lost in closeup after closeup. And don't get me started about the last time someone adapted Sondheim for the screen. The less said about Tim Burton's grim and humorless version of <a href="https://furiousreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/sweeney-todd-poster-sweeney-todd-460606_694_1024.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Sweeney Todd</i></a>, the better. So I went to see <i>Into the Woods</i> with a bit of a chip on my shoulder. Yes, director Rob Marshall made the amazing <i>Chicago</i> but he also made the very-less-than-amazing <i>Nine</i>. I was encouraged by the trailers and knew I had to see it (I adore the show). So tonight, I met a Facebook friend for first time IRL (Hey, Michele!) and went to the 7:15 at an AMC I usually avoid, because it was central to both of us.</div>
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Let me start by saying that if nothing else (and there is plenty else), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2180411/?ref_=hm_otw_t1" target="_blank"><i>Into the Woods</i></a> is a truly gorgeous movie to look at. It's almost like the first time you're old enough to realize that <i>The Wizard of Oz</i> goes from sepia to full color. Even though the majority of the action takes place at night, it's just stunning to look at. Director Rob Marshall assembled an amazing artistic team which includes his go-to cinematographer Dion Beebe who works wonders and costumer Coleen Atwood whose gorgeous pieces are truly magical. James Lapine's screenplay (based on his original libretto) does a nice job paring the show down to just over 2 hours without losing any of its emotional impact though the very amusing character of the Narrator is reduced to a few minutes of voice-over. If you aren't familiar, <i>Into the Woods</i> is about what happens after 'Happily Ever After' and combines the stories Jack & the Beanstalk; Cinderella; Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood by introducing us to a childless Baker and his Wife. When a witch bursts in and offers them a way to lift the curse that has kept them childless, everyone is off and running.</div>
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For the most part, the casting is perfect. <a href="http://cinemasalem.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Anna-Kendrick.jpg" target="_blank">Anna Kendrick</a> uses her fine voice at its best as Cinderella and though new to American audiences, adorable Brit <a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/9/30/1317403708982/James-Corden-008.jpg" target="_blank">James Cordon</a> is terrific as The Baker.* <a href="http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Daniel+Huttlestone+ZRu38M-2flEm.jpg" target="_blank">Daniel Huttlestone</a>'s Jack sounds exactly like his Gavroche and <a href="http://i.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/lilla__oPt.jpg" target="_blank">Lilla Crawford</a>, making her feature debut, is perfect for this version of Red. The most surprising voice belongs to <a href="http://images.fashionnstyle.com/data/images/full/51449/into-the-woods.jpg" target="_blank">Chris Pine</a> as Cinderella's Prince, whose sweet tenor in the duet "Agony" with <a href="http://photos.laineygossip.com/articles/woods-princes-03oct13-09.jpg" target="_blank">Billy Magnussen</a> as Rapunzel's Prince is lovely in a brilliantly staged scene amidst a rocky waterfall. There are also some really terrific supporting performances by <a href="http://www.nndb.com/people/703/000022637/tracy-ullman.jpg" target="_blank">Tracey Ullman</a> as Jack's Mother; <a href="http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/29800000/24th-Annual-Power-Lunch-For-Women-christine-baranski-29857112-1756-2560.jpg" target="_blank">Christine Baranski</a> as Stepmother; <a href="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Lucy+Punch+Elizabeth+Glaser+Pediatric+AIDS+jKxcFUkvlHKl.jpg" target="_blank">Lucy Punch</a> and <a href="http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/4eac2be36e161413150f6a706700a283.jpg" target="_blank">Tammy Blanchard</a> as the step-sisters and screen legend <a href="http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Frances+De+La+Tour+Hugo+New+York+Premiere+fZjiBDfnuXSl.jpg" target="_blank">Frances de la Tour</a> as The Giant. Happily, <a href="http://moviesdrop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Johnny-Depp-Facts.jpg" target="_blank">Johnny Depp</a> has only one number and few minutes of screen time as the Wolf. The man should never be allowed to sing on screen again. The truly overt sexual overtones of "Hello, Little Girl" were watered down, I imagine because of Crawford's age - Red is usually played by an adult and the Wolf's choreography, makeup and costuming are more suggestive on stage - though the lyrics weren't changed.</div>
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But I quibble, because all of them are simply outshone by <a href="http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141130180757/disney/images/9/90/Emily_blunt.jpg" target="_blank">Emily Blunt</a> as The Baker's Wife and <a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTU4Mjk5MDExOF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTU1MTMyMw@@._V1_SY317_CR6,0,214,317_AL_.jpg" target="_blank">Meryl Streep</a> as the Witch. In the original Broadway production, these roles were played by Theatre Legends <a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/06/04/article-2335509-1A2222C8000005DC-477_634x470.jpg" target="_blank">Joanna Gleason</a> and <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/fromsinking/bernadette%20post%20pics/Picture2-5.png" target="_blank">Bernadette Peters</a>. They were iconic, indeed signature, performances. Happily, Blunt is more than up to the task as the story's most sympathetic character, with a sweet singing voice and total commitment to the role. Streep, of course, is always amazing and she takes the part and makes it her own. Her rendition of "Stay with Me" actually made me cry. </div>
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If you don't know the show, Rob Marshall's excellent adaptation is a good place to start. If you know and love the show as I do, then I think you'll be very pleased by it. Finally, film justice for Stephen Sondheim! A perfect Holiday Movie for Families and Musical Theatre Geeks alike! **** (Four Out Four Stars). <i>Into the Woods</i> is rated PG for "<span itemprop="contentRating">thematic elements, fantasy action and peril, and some suggestive material."</span></div>
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<span itemprop="contentRating">*Corden will soon be taking over for the departing Craig Ferguson on the "The Late, Late Show." </span><br />
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<span itemprop="contentRating">More, anon.</span><br />
<span itemprop="contentRating">Prospero</span>Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-31616895538951030802014-12-25T01:18:00.000-05:002014-12-25T01:18:14.429-05:00Silent Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Merry Christmas!Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-63502352804278293052014-12-24T22:13:00.001-05:002014-12-25T00:11:00.984-05:00Traditions, Both New and Old<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGOgG82dPg2FOgxRIwdN4stA8auCh8CsjX7tfU_3KYnswEc_imSyte1DQidU-gNQ9NVAxJX98BfBPV8ke6fCuRI6GCcnbFphyphenhyphengYIVpKRvvpIAWO1nY83PWimJm7kRqkx3nZ3Rs0XmMZP8/s1600/10847844_10204645765857861_4206327532391417793_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGOgG82dPg2FOgxRIwdN4stA8auCh8CsjX7tfU_3KYnswEc_imSyte1DQidU-gNQ9NVAxJX98BfBPV8ke6fCuRI6GCcnbFphyphenhyphengYIVpKRvvpIAWO1nY83PWimJm7kRqkx3nZ3Rs0XmMZP8/s1600/10847844_10204645765857861_4206327532391417793_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days Gone By (Not Our Real House)</td></tr>
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It is still Christmas Eve in the U.S. as I write this and while Uncle P celebrates Christmas as a secular holiday in which we acknowledge, spend time and share gifts with those we love, for many it remains a deeply religious holiday celebrating the birth of their 'savior.' And since this isn't a post about religion, I'll leave that alone and get to the point.</div>
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While venturing out late in the afternoon to get a bottle of wine for tomorrow's dinner, I was struck by how the Holidays (like most of life) has changed over the years. Early Christmas memories evoke the many toys and gifts my mother's mother gave us each year, much to our father's consternation. The schadenfreude she derived from his jealously must have been some powerful juju! After she'd had a particularly good year in tips (she was a barmaid), our house was literally filled with presents and I'm surprised Dad didn't have a apoplectic stroke on the spot! At some point "Grandmom Cookie" (so-called because of her always full <a href="http://d2qss72tiioiku.cloudfront.net/image/620x0/napco-cookie-jar-9398.jpg?0" target="_blank">cookie jar</a>) started spending Christmas Eve with us and we would open her presents then and Santa's and Mom and Dad's presents on Christmas morning. After she passed, we started opening all of our gifts on Christmas Eve. By then I was in college and working part time and Christmas Eve soon evolved into an open-house event where friends and co-workers came and went all night long, I still wonder how we fit so many people into that tiny house. I moved in and out of the house over the years following, but always managed to spend Christmas Eve there. New traditions for the evening continued to evolve after my parents divorced and other folks came into and/or left our lives. For a solid 10 years, Christmas Eve meant broasted* chicken from <a href="http://pics3.city-data.com/businesses/p/5/2/3/5/9705235.JPG" target="_blank">Chicken Holiday</a>; Southern Comfort Manhattans; two embarrassing piles of presents; shrimp cocktail and my rock, K. </div>
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That changed again when Mom passed away last October and I spent Christmas Eve with my sister and BIL in <a href="http://www.homecuresthatwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Christmas-in-FL-by-Flickr-Gregory-J.-Urbano.jpg" target="_blank">Florida</a>. The night before, <a href="http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/2800000/Ouiser-steel-magnolias-2897405-264-194.jpg" target="_blank">K</a> and <a href="http://image.blingee.com/images14/content/output/2007/12/14/331890862_c9c94158.gif" target="_blank">M</a> came over for chicken and such. And while we had a good time, the food wasn't up to their usual standards (I blame a different staff). So this year, even though I'm staying in PA, I decided to cook. On Sunday I made a lasagna and a Caramel Pumpkin Cream Cheese cake. Monday night I steamed and peeled a pound of shrimp and Tuesday night reheated the lasagna; glazed the cake and made cocktail sauce while frying up some battered green beans. Thank goodness M got here early, as I quickly dispatched him on a candle lighting mission. K arrived soon after and then lots of food and drink were consumed, presents were opened and much laughter was shared. </div>
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While it was the first of several similar holiday experiences to come over the next few weeks, last night's Christmas Eve Eve has become what I hope will continue to be a new holiday tradition. For a while, at least. Until things change again, which is inevitable. Cultural traditions may seem steadfast and unchanging, but they are simply slower and less fluid than personal traditions. </div>
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I continue to be in awe of the family who have chosen me to a part of theirs, as much as I have chosen them. K, Q, Dale, M, D and so many others never let me forget that I am not alone and never will be. And there's my astonishing sister. Strong, smart and always supportive, I can only hope you have a sibling who is half as amazing as she is (and yes, it's Christmas! I'm allowed to get gushy!). If you have even half the love in your life as I am blessed to, you know what I mean.</div>
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I have received (and will continue to do so) some very cool gifts (Mia's incredible "Zombie Batman" figurine got some stiff competition from Mary & Phil's <i>Nightmare Before Christmas</i> fleece and my sister's standing plush Mickey Skellington - all three of which are rendered in B&W).</div>
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None of that stuff, as cool as it may be, really matters. Like all of us, these things will be dust in a thousand years. What matters is the love we share here and now. I guess what I'm saying is I am grateful for everyone who cares about me and bothers to read my nonsense. Be kind to one another. Know the difference between what does and doesn't matter. Give money or time to a charity that speaks to you, when and if you can. Smile at strangers. Say "Please" and "Thank You." Hold the door for the person behind you. Open the door for the person coming out ahead of you. Acknowledge those who do the same. Share the belief that most people are as good, but no better than, you. Never assume anyone is evil. Help people. Tell those you love that you love them as often as you can. Enjoy the things you have, but take nothing for granted. Enjoy your life. It's the only one you have! </div>
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Merry Christmas, my friends and readers! </div>
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More, anon.</div>
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Uncle P.</div>
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*Pressure fried with no coating<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie Batman from Mia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mickey Skellington from Barbara </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-13285986814227429902014-12-19T23:49:00.000-05:002014-12-20T01:10:29.959-05:00Sony's Own Sally Starr's Dilemma?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I am sure you are all aware by now, Sony Pictures has decided not to release <i>The Interview</i> after threats from punk-ass hackers in North Korea. While I happen to whole-heartedly agree with our <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/President_Barack_Obama.jpg" target="_blank">POTUS</a> that Sony made the wrong choice, they were also faced with their own version of <a href="http://calibansrevenge.blogspot.com/2014/04/sally-starrs-martian-dilemma.html#uds-search-results" target="_blank">Sally Starr's Dilemma</a>.</div>
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In case you've been living under a rock for the past month or so, let me quickly recap. <i>The Interview</i> is a movie starring <a href="http://www.ivillage.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/preganancy_article_main/sethrogah.jpg" target="_blank">Seth Rogen</a> and <a href="http://www.jacarandafm.com/media/uploads/2014/05/12/james-franco-105.jpg" target="_blank">James Franco</a>, involving a talk-show host and his producer who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while interviewing him for his first Western TV interview. And while North Korea apparently had no problem with a puppet version of Kim's father being killed in Trey Parker's and Matt Stone's <a href="http://youtu.be/tvMduWKHNpY" target="_blank"><i>Team America: World Police</i></a>, a live-action satire about his son was just too much. <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Kim-Jong-Un-7.jpg" target="_blank">Beloved Leader</a>'s crack team of cyber-bullies hacked Sony's internal files, revealing awkward emails from execs; personal information and SSI numbers of employees and threatening to bring about 9/11 style retribution against theaters that would dare show the film. After several theater chains decided not to exhibit the movie, Sony capitulated to the hackers' demands and pulled it's release, completely. </div>
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Personally, I am appalled that Sony gave in to these ridiculous demands, letting a tinpot dictator quash Free Speech and Artistic Expression in a country whose First Constitutional Amendment expressly allows both. And it makes no difference whether the movie is good or bad (personally, I find most of the comedies Rogen and Franco have made together to be pretty hilarious - with the exception of <i><a href="http://www.impawards.com/2011/posters/your_highness.jpg" target="_blank">Your Highness</a> </i>- even though they can hardly be considered "High Art"). </div>
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At the same time, I understand Sony Picture's reluctance to be held accountable for any deaths and/or destruction which might have occurred during any screenings of the movie. It is literally a 'Damned If You Do/Damned If You Don't' situation.</div>
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Still...</div>
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Sony has paved the way for fear-mongering asshats to stop the release of any film that might be considered offensive or politically incorrect. If the Westboro Baptist Church had threatened violence against theaters showing <i><a href="http://www.universalstudiosentertainment.com/assets_c/2010/04/62107549_BrokebackMountain_800x445-thumb-800x445-589.jpg" target="_blank">Brokeback Mountain</a> </i>or <a href="http://www.impawards.com/2008/posters/milk.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Milk</i></a>, would those films' studios have backed down? Unlikely. In fact, if detractors and haters had been given their way, AMC's list of the <a href="http://movies.amctv.com/movie-guide/the-100-most-controversial-movies-of-all-time/" target="_blank">100 Most Controversial Movies of All Time</a> would undoubtedly not exist and we would never have seen classics like <a href="http://www.chud.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/the-exorcist-poster.jpeg" target="_blank"><i>The Exorcist</i></a>; <a href="http://impawards.com/1971/posters/clockwork_orange.jpg" target="_blank"><i>A Clockwork Orange</i></a>; <a href="http://www.emmetsburg.lib.ia.us/images/movies-posters/citizenkane-poster/image" target="_blank"><i>Citizen Kane</i></a> or <a href="http://posterwire.com/wp-content/uploads/lolita.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Lolita</i></a>, to name a very few.</div>
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So, where do we draw the line? Do we give into the fear of retaliation from a despotic regime of a very Third World country or do we continue to be the leaders of Free Speech and Artistic Expression? Do we let the Catholic League tell us something is obscene or do we decide for ourselves what we will or won't watch? As far as <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSgTDG1pJvgybgKwiwHu9En1ifSRRp-8azhsHj0ZW4BQqyFPYD1YsxsToR-OxbmLMsNVCNtTNsyjgzOXd9ZeE5msNho0tvKAfU7-nnGQxcG8UcFvr-ntA9bVvheRfN4YLSb6WgkRItmc/s1600-h/gross-old-man.jpg" target="_blank">Uncle P</a> is concerned, by giving in to these asshats, Sony has added another chip in the wall of Democracy that our forefathers fought so hard to secure. And that makes me very sad.</div>
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F*ck you, Kim Jong Un! F*ck you and anyone who tries to take away the freedoms so many Americans have fought for and died to protect. And F*ck you Sony Pictures for letting them do it!</div>
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More, anon.</div>
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Prospero</div>
Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-5193545365888920482014-12-12T00:42:00.001-05:002014-12-12T00:50:20.569-05:00Time to Say "Goodbye?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Is it time to pack it in, kids? It's been almost an entire month since I've posted anything. I've gotten so poor, I don't go to the movies even half as much as I used to. The last show I did seems like forever ago, already and I'm battling an early-onset bout of S.A.D. Vegas, while interesting and another city off my Bucket List, wasn't nearly as exciting as I'd hoped (being poor is no fun in Sin City). And Thanksgiving dinner alone in an Italian restaurant -- even if it is one of the best Italian restaurants in town -- is hardly a Holiday meal. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my trip but I have no need to go back any time soon and I certainly wouldn't go alone, again. Still, it was better than my last Thanksgiving (shh... don't tell Auntie).</div>
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Uncle P's life has changed so drastically over the last 14 months... And while the promise of a fulfilling creative venture looms, nothing is set is stone. Everyday seems like a struggle... Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not going anywhere. There's depressed and then there's <i>depressed</i>. I've been <i>depressed</i> and have no intention of going back there. This is most definitely NOT a suicide post. </div>
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It is, however, about the possibility of ending <i>Caliban's Revenge</i>. That doesn't mean I'll stop using social media. Hardly. I seem to reach way more people on Facebook and Twitter (even though I hardly use Twitter) than I do here. And who's to say I wouldn't start a new blog about something different. Food, maybe. Cooking is one of my other great passions. "Prospero Cooks" That could work. </div>
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Anyway, this is just an end-of-year ramble which may or may not signal the end of The Revenge. We'll see how well I survive the holidays before making any rash decisions. Just know that I am thrilled if you still read me. I'd be more thrilled if you let me know you still read me.</div>
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More, anon (at least once more),</div>
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Prospero</div>
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PS - The trailer for <i>Mad Max: Fury Road</i> is one of the many things that makes me want to live:</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><b>BOOM!!!</b></i></span></div>
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Ciao.</div>
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P</div>
Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-84726564522348966662014-11-17T23:27:00.001-05:002014-11-18T00:21:58.945-05:00Betty White on AHS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionW_ctnTEscntYhWfKTvZw0lzsnMemhidzS_lK5PUcEDKfgO1o7Oru_vuoplP5uY4lejoLzqhJwP2zeMRljf9fHKtR_Q8eVDnEheLMHUyQQ7P8NFoXmQQPha9tVHRZrHYCK2T7Q7-KKfz/s1600/00000000000000000000000000000000000+Aliens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionW_ctnTEscntYhWfKTvZw0lzsnMemhidzS_lK5PUcEDKfgO1o7Oru_vuoplP5uY4lejoLzqhJwP2zeMRljf9fHKtR_Q8eVDnEheLMHUyQQ7P8NFoXmQQPha9tVHRZrHYCK2T7Q7-KKfz/s1600/00000000000000000000000000000000000+Aliens.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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From an offhand comment by a Facebook friend (Hi, Michelle!), came my latest 'thing.' Now hear me out on this one.</div>
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The incomparable <a href="http://www.spin.com/sites/all/files/141009-jessica-lange-david-bowie-american-horror-story-freak-show.png" target="_blank">Jessica Lange</a> has already announced her departure from "<a href="http://cdn3.rickey.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ahs-wallpaper-american-horror-story-28905384-1600-1000-1.jpg" target="_blank">American Horror Story</a>," the anthology/repertory genre series that won her two Emmy Awards, after this season. </div>
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America's Favorite Dirty Old Lady/Sweetheart has just learned that TVLand has cancelled her often quite hilarious sitcom "Hot In Cleveland." Yes, Lange has been the show's 'star,' but other company members (<a href="http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/american-horror-story-sarah-paulson1.jpg" target="_blank">Sarah Paulson</a>; <a href="http://happynicetimepeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/American-Horror-Story-The-Coven-3-702x1024.jpg" target="_blank">Frances Conroy</a>; <a href="http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/26900000/evan-American-Horror-Story-evan-thomas-peters-26948968-756-420.png" target="_blank">Evan Peters</a>; <a href="http://data1.whicdn.com/images/83956521/large.jpg" target="_blank">Lily Rabe</a>) have been the backbones of many episodes and seasons. Who better to be the next Grand Dame of whatever nastiness Ryan Murphy and company have cooking for Season Five. It certainly wouldn't be her first foray into genre work. Remember her hilarious turn as a foul-mouthed farm widow in <i>Lake Placid?</i></div>
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She'd fit right in with newer company members <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ-8xV4YKftQhoRSjTGpNzmQhu7-zLES_j8lXYEuINgQXdPs4HZ7T_NYRjoOar3_JlgFTMHpAggrdHGMN6AIyaiQ17QkEfktULfLytZuQBtpFhbtAWqv_m2aUVIOLOmjIyet7pYNC72b2/s1600/02-1.jpg" target="_blank">Kathy Bates</a> and <a href="http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20141009172857/americanhorrorstory/images/0/0d/Angela-bassett-american-horror-story-freak-show.jpg" target="_blank">Angela Bassett</a>. I can see them as some sort malevolent troika of evil... deliciously camp and sickly twisted! </div>
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And don't forget, a similar campaign got her a particularly hilarious gig hosting "<a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/147968" target="_blank">Saturday Night Live</a>:"</div>
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She's even hosted her own (rather lame) hidden camera show, "Off Their Rockers." Think 'Punk'd" meets <i>Cocoon</i>.</div>
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Surely Ryan Murphy knows the value of good publicity and ratings. So I am asking you to take to Twitter and Facebook and make the hashtag <b>#BettyWhiteOnAHS</b> trend hard! Let's get Betty another outrageous gig!</div>
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More, anon.<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-7567912701358290622014-11-09T22:48:00.001-05:002014-11-10T00:43:02.256-05:00Mini Reviews - "X-Men: Days of Future Past;" "Horns;" "Magic in the Moonlight."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the many benefits of traveling for my day job is the opportunity to catch up on films I missed in theaters at no additional expense to me. This past weekend's jaunt to San Francisco was no exception and I was able to see two newish movies while flying and a current release in my hotel room. </div>
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First up, Alexandre Aja's take on Joe Hill's second novel, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1528071/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Horns</i></a>. I read 'Horns' over a few nights while staying at my sister's a few years ago, and while I liked it a lot, I thought his first novel, 'Heart-Shaped Box' was better. (Hill, if you don't know, is the son of prolific genre novelist Stephen King, writing under his mother's maiden name). Ig Parrtish (Daniel Radcliffe) is accused of murdering his long-time love Merrin (Juno Temple). When he suddenly sprouts what appear to be demonic horns on his forehead, Ig finds those he encounters incapable of telling him anything but the worst secrets about themselves. Determined to find Merrin's true killer, Ig tears through his Pacific Northwest hometown, exposing the worst among it's residents, including his own family. Aja (<i>High Tension</i>; <i>The Hills Have Eyes</i>) displays his distinctive look in full, giving <i>Horns</i> a very in-your-face style. Radcliffe is impressive in the role, though some may find Harry Potter swearing and having sex a little off-putting. Supporting performances from James Remar; Kathleen Quinlan; Heather Grahame and David Morse are excellent, across the board, though Temple seemed a little flat in a role which consisted entirely of flashbacks. While some critics truly disliked <i>Horns</i>, I thought it a fairly faithful adaptation with some interesting FX and an hilarious comment on the secrets we all try to keep from one another. *** (Three Out of Four Stars). <i>Horns </i>is rated 'R' for <span itemprop="contentRating">"sexual content, some graphic nudity, disturbing violence including a sexual assault, language and drug use." </span></div>
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<span itemprop="contentRating">Next was director Bryan Singer's newest entry in the franchise he created<i>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877832/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">X-Men: Days of Future Past</a></i>. While I've always had issues with time-travel story lines, Singer manages to almost seamlessly combine the casts of both timelines in the series in a story revolving around a group of genetically-altered robots used to root out and destroy mutants. With a plot too convoluted to go into in a mini-review and Hugh Jackman's obviously aging Wolverine as a character who doesn't age, <i>Days of Future Past </i>somehow works, despite minimal appearances from the franchise's most famous members. "American Horror Story" cutie Evan Peters and "Game of Thrones" alum Peter Dinklage join the growing number of terrific actors to appear in the franchise. Great FX and some complex performances from James McAvoy; Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence help make <i>Days</i>... one of the better entries in the franchise. *** 1/2 (Three and a Half Stars Out of Four). Rated 'PG-13' for "</span><span itemprop="contentRating">sequences of intense sci-fi violence and action, some suggestive material, nudity and language."</span></div>
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<span itemprop="contentRating">Finally, comes prolific director Woody Allen's latest period piece, <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2870756/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">Magic in the Moonlight</a>. </i>Set mostly in the south of France in 1928, <i>Magic</i>... is the story of a magician and psychic debunker (Colin Firth) who is pressed by a friend and fellow magician (Simon McBurney) to reveal the fakery of an American medium (Emma Stone). What follows is a rather dull and predictable story in which Firth's character is fooled by and eventually falls in love with Stone's. Allen's oft-studied themes of religion and atheism are at the core, but it's nothing we haven't seen from him before. Supporting performances from Hamish Linklater; Marcia Gay Harden and Jackie Weaver and some lovely period costumes and set-pieces make the movie a bit more palatable, but I haven't seen an Allen film I've loved in a long time. There is really nothing new or interesting about <i>Magic in the Moonlight</i> and I think it may finally signal the call for the once-hilariously brilliant filmmaker to retire. ** (Two Out of Four Stars) <i>Magic in the Moonlight</i> is rated PG-13 for "</span><span itemprop="contentRating"><span itemprop="contentRating"> a brief suggestive comment, and smoking throughout."</span></span></div>
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<span class="ghost"></span> </span>Prosperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-19429329879653356102014-11-02T23:35:00.002-05:002014-11-03T00:53:34.766-05:00Retro Review: "The World's End"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg round out their "Cornetto* Trilogy" (<i>Shaun of the Dead</i> and <i>Hot Fuzz</i> are the first two) with their take on Apocalyptic Sci-Fi, <i>The World's End</i>.</div>
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Desperate to reconnect to his youthful adventures, Gary (Pegg) talks four old mates into recreating and actually finishing the "Golden Mile" pub-crawl they attempted 23 years ago. 12 pubs in one night, ending at The World's End. But when they return to the town they grew up in, something is... off. None of the regular pub owners seem to recognize them and it looks as if they keep passing the same people on the street over and over again. Joined by pals Peter (<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02225/tw1REXFEATURES_2225882b.jpg" target="_blank">Eddie Marsan</a>); Steven (<a href="https://macabrevideo.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/paddy-considine.jpg" target="_blank">Paddy Considine</a>); Oliver (<a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjE0MjAwOTMzMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDg1MjEyNw@@._V1_SY317_CR1,0,214,317_AL_.jpg" target="_blank">Martin Freeman</a>); Andy (<a href="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130831041801/iceage/images/0/04/Nick_Frost_Attack_Block_London_0xAD9jPhpdDl.jpg" target="_blank">Nick Frost</a>) and eventually Oliver's sister Sam (<a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjE5MjIxMzA1OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDQwNzU0NA@@._V1_SY317_CR7,0,214,317_AL_.jpg" target="_blank">Rosamund Pike</a>), Gary is determined to relive the best night of his life, despite the decidedly weird goings on in their home town. And as difficult as dredging up the past may be for all of them, what's happening in their small village is much worse.</div>
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Pegg's and Wright's script spends the first act on somewhat slow but amusing (and important) exposition before it's gets to the meat of the story, (<span style="color: red;"><b>SPOILER ALERT</b></span>) which ultimately involves an alien plot to pacify the citizens of Earth so they might join an inter-galactic coalition of some kind. The performances across the board are excellent (who knew Frost could move like that?) and the FX are terrific. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and even more moments of quiet humor. <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/PierceBrosnanCannesPhoto2.jpg" target="_blank">Pierce Brosnan</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113189/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank"><i>Goldeneye</i></a>) and "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2654620/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank">The Strain</a>" alum <a href="http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110827082707/harrypotter/images/b/b6/Bradley_3.jpg" target="_blank">David Bradley</a> both lend their talents in supporting roles and the ubiquitous <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_post_349_width/2013/08/bill_nighy_a_p.jpg" target="_blank">Bill Nighy</a> is on hand for some very funny voice-over work at the end. </div>
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While certainly better than <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425112/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank"><i>Hot Fuzz</i></a>, <i>The World's End</i> still can't hold a candle to the brilliantly funn<i>y </i>first film, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank"><i>Shaun of the Dead</i></a>, though it echoes many of the same themes and locales while completing the triumvirate of Horror, Action and Sci-Fi in a mostly satisfying way (and including a rather hilarious fence joke which appears in all three films).</div>
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*** (Three Out of Four Stars). <i>The World's End </i>is rated 'R' for "<span itemprop="contentRating">for pervasive language including sexual references." </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0UsyNndnGXpgSRcn0ZKsYWw-Nf8YjomapFPEugBs4kkMj7r2ipTQsj9jGOMZUeF6p-vmVNKyo4eO7RKg5QdH0UH1RPr5Hkmr7FpL9_ylg-6FqfPC6cZXFNJw28pZf1FEzSmEZqmMpoHX/s1600/00000000000000000000000000000000000+Aliens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0UsyNndnGXpgSRcn0ZKsYWw-Nf8YjomapFPEugBs4kkMj7r2ipTQsj9jGOMZUeF6p-vmVNKyo4eO7RKg5QdH0UH1RPr5Hkmr7FpL9_ylg-6FqfPC6cZXFNJw28pZf1FEzSmEZqmMpoHX/s1600/00000000000000000000000000000000000+Aliens.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
*BTW - Cornetto is a British Ice Cream cone brand, featured in all three movies. <br />
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And here are the trailers for the first two films in the trilogy:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yfDUv3ZjH2k" width="480"></iframe><br />
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I hope to watch all three in a row, some day...<br />
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More, anon.<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-44214818203382475942014-10-26T23:30:00.001-04:002014-10-27T00:28:19.845-04:00The Disgustings, or The Gayest D-Bags You'll See This Week<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqosQU6CPVEAA2wuPcvgCGcPG9sIU2oBEUxipoPZtWakITKiwq9YpvH4kLad53kfbU5mdABrFs3l79rl0PKdf93huuqm-p1fjJe8WaELWdNfVLaxM48U4Dq5xZNH0ze0t18e-4y6v6eGce/s1600/Disgustings_The-1412112671.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqosQU6CPVEAA2wuPcvgCGcPG9sIU2oBEUxipoPZtWakITKiwq9YpvH4kLad53kfbU5mdABrFs3l79rl0PKdf93huuqm-p1fjJe8WaELWdNfVLaxM48U4Dq5xZNH0ze0t18e-4y6v6eGce/s1600/Disgustings_The-1412112671.png" height="188" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew Droege and Jordan Firstman</td></tr>
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Writer/Director/Star Jordan Firstman's short <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3278960/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank"><i>The Disgustings</i> </a>spends time with the kind of gay men we all know... and hopefully avoid: Elitist haters who pretend to be above everyone else and who can take no real joy in life. </div>
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Co-starring and co-written by Drew Droege (best known for his hilarious YouTube videos where he parodies Indie actress <a href="http://youtu.be/S-LRITaHUbI" target="_blank">Chloe Sevigny</a>), <i>The Disgustings</i> is a dead-on look at the kind of narcissistic, self-hating gay men we've all encountered (and wanted to smash in their faces with a trendy cocktail). Judgmental, crass and completely unaware, Jordan and Drew hit every note about what is wrong with modern gay culture in this biting satire.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/109852915" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/109852915">The Disgustings</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5184404">jordan firstman</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Hilarious and sad at the same time, yes? Uncle P (as have many of you, I'm sure) has met his fair share of guys like this. It's no wonder they're taking selfies alone. I hope I never wind up as one of these sad queens who hate everyone and everything, just because I hate myself (which I don't). Thankfully, some exceptionally <a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/a0/a6/03/a0a603b51d1d233038a10c92154a3867.jpg" target="_blank">good friends</a>, my amazing <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Zombie_baker_%286299247631%29.jpg" target="_blank">sister</a> and some very affirming recent experiences (does <a href="http://blog.politicalnonsense.com/images/posts/New_Walmart_Uniforms.jpg" target="_blank">Uncle P</a> have a new <a href="http://zombieportraits.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/male-zombie-pinup1-500x687.jpg" target="_blank">Beau</a>? Stay tuned to find out...) have convinced me that no matter how cynical and jaded I may become, I will never be as awful as these two. If you see yourself in this movie, don't bother to look me up. And get some help, bitch.You need it.</div>
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More, anon.<br />
Uncle PProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-46639088767926822462014-10-19T22:30:00.001-04:002014-10-19T23:59:47.825-04:00Retro Review: "John Carpenter's 'The Ward'"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsn18XDKNlYNwcGQWCfIJF0O7d5yYctfMlUYXtjxZbvD_OF-aAP5PLnEcnqE7HKsALPQ0r-IHAnrVQNGb47G1PCRGBrqdOUbO2OobssycqwGezbIoaypEsglujgw8umy_xpca3KdBj0w3/s1600/0000000000000000000000000000000000000000+salem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsn18XDKNlYNwcGQWCfIJF0O7d5yYctfMlUYXtjxZbvD_OF-aAP5PLnEcnqE7HKsALPQ0r-IHAnrVQNGb47G1PCRGBrqdOUbO2OobssycqwGezbIoaypEsglujgw8umy_xpca3KdBj0w3/s1600/0000000000000000000000000000000000000000+salem.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
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Genre great John Carpenter made his mark with the original <i><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/87/Halloween_cover.jpg" target="_blank">Halloween</a> </i>and has since made some of the most memorable genre films of all time, including <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x8hS6csFAhCPPxYu9AD8rwIaziW8KTvutBJL_lM0dxZE0KOfxQTpGZql-hZTGMcMuwSjcGmnGidA60SuKw-Se5DUfJpCSwHpcK8zpHcHhrTvTqb_B1oYHDWkILTQvyS_5W_DA-TSq24/s1600/tumblr_mdelaxDD141rnpks0o1_1280.png" target="_blank"><i>Christine</i></a>; <a href="http://www.impawards.com/1988/posters/they_live_xlg.jpg" target="_blank"><i>They Live</i></a>; his amazing remake of <a href="http://impawards.com/1982/posters/thing.jpg" target="_blank"><i>The Thing</i></a> and the very campy <a href="http://www.impawards.com/1986/posters/big_trouble_in_little_china.jpg" target="_blank"><i>Big Trouble in Little China</i></a>, among others. This 2010 effort from the now 68 year old director, unfortunately can't hold a candle his previous work.</div>
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<a href="http://netloid.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/netloid_fappening-4-more-leaked-celebrity-pics-of-amber-heard-lake-bell-lizzy-caplan-and-gabrielle-union-released-on-reddit.jpg" target="_blank">Amber Heard</a> plays Kristin, a teen girl found standing outside a farmhouse to which she set fire, and with no memory of anything before that. She is taken to a special ward of the local mental hospital where Dr. Stringer ("Fringe" and "Sherlock Holmes" villain <a href="http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/jared-harris.jpg" target="_blank">Jared Harris</a>) is testing a new kind of therapy on a group of similarly-aged teen girls, each with their own disassociative disorders. Kristin moves into the room formerly occupied by Tammy, who in a prologue appears to have been murdered by some malevolent entity. </div>
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What follows is probably the most un-Carpenter-like Carpenter film ever made. Filled with cliches and genre tropes, this 1966-set 'ghost' movie ends up being little more than a pseudo-psychological thriller ala <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0309698/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_34" target="_blank"><i>Identity</i></a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130884/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank"><i>Shutter Island</i></a>, though both of those movies are superior in almost every way. There are some terrific performances by the young cast, which includes <a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTc2MDk3MTI1N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDM0NjM1Mg@@._V1_SY317_CR1,0,214,317_AL_.jpg" target="_blank">Mamie Gummer</a>; <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/DaniellePanabakerTIFFSept2010.jpg" target="_blank">Danielle Panabaker</a>; <a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMzEyMDUyMzMyMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDE0MzU4Mg@@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg" target="_blank">Laura-Leigh</a> and <a href="http://www.moviemagik.us/files/actors/102/Maxim-Photoshoot-lyndsy-fonseca-14622252-900-600.jpg" target="_blank">Lyndsey Fonseca</a>, all of whom have appeared on plenty of prime-time dramas and assorted smaller films, and all of whom manage to create interesting - if not exactly original - characters. The script by Michael & Shawn Rasmussen is both clunky and derivative, and I am surprised Carpenter agreed to do it. Proof that even if you've got it, you don't get to keep it. </div>
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Want to have a John Carpenter Halloween movie festival? Watch the 5 films mentioned in the first paragraph of this review and avoid this stinker like <i><a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1083910-vampires/" target="_blank">Vampires</a>. </i>*(One Out of Four Stars). <i>The Ward </i>is rated 'R' for "violence and disturbing images."<i> </i>It<i> </i>is currently playing on Cinemax and Cinemax OnDemand, should you wish to waste 89 minutes.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ftNvTUGH1W8" width="640"></iframe><br />
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More, anon.<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1339363607453233331.post-43807942483402568032014-10-16T23:37:00.000-04:002014-10-17T00:12:44.353-04:00Yardbird<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJpyXXib0JC7X92F-nC6ru7pKO_0YT3E1AHaqynepKgV35-os4IzB3jpfTISZamsQdgSkPzw0pm9WYWOYtssIu8Sy8UY5DIkUysAdbCw-i_dVIYpaFqshxkS4gmoub2sgpygmTkuMWryB/s1600/Barker+Fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJpyXXib0JC7X92F-nC6ru7pKO_0YT3E1AHaqynepKgV35-os4IzB3jpfTISZamsQdgSkPzw0pm9WYWOYtssIu8Sy8UY5DIkUysAdbCw-i_dVIYpaFqshxkS4gmoub2sgpygmTkuMWryB/s1600/Barker+Fireplace.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitzi Ruhlman in <i>Yardbird</i> </td></tr>
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I love finding new works from new filmmakers. While Australian director Michael Spiccia's 2012 short <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2366035/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1&licb=0.6057270759302255" target="_blank"><i>Yardbird</i></a> may not exactly be new, it's relatively new to the States, having played at last year's Tribecca Film Festival. I had never heard of it, but thanks to the good folks over at <a href="http://youtu.be/Xs-JfPjgiA4" target="_blank">Neatorama</a>, I discovered it today.</div>
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Written by Julius Avery, <i>Yardbird</i> is about a young girl named Ruby, who lives with her father on a remote Australian junkyard. After saving a cat from being tortured by a trio of young thugs, Ruby and her father find themselves under attack. Unfortunately for the chief instigator, Ruby is... special. Taking cues from Stephen King's "Carrie" and employing some extraordinary SFX, <i>Yardbird</i> should be a lesson to all those who would be bullies. You never know who you're screwing with, so don't screw with anyone. </div>
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Ruhlman, in a silent role, gives an extraordinary performance for such a young actor. Without saying a single word, she manages to convey every thought and emotion she's experiencing simply by letting us read her exceptionally expressive face. A remarkable short film by a team from which I hope to see more. Take 11 minutes to watch <i>Yardbird</i>. You won't regret it (a few NSFW F-bombs):</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/108550980?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&badge=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/108550980">Yardbird</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user32962761">Bridle Path Films</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Not exactly a horror film (though certainly containing elements of the genre), <i>Yardbird</i> is a perfect example of the power of 'quiet' film making. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I and hope you'll share it. It certainly deserves to be seen.</div>
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More, anon.<br />
ProsperoProsperohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03447141018779024939noreply@blogger.com0