On Saturday, I went to see the new Gibson flick, Payback. Actually, you could say I was dragged there. Of course, majority rules. The seats were great (Silvercity rocks!), and the sound was incredible. However, it's the film I had a problim with.
On the one hand, it's a very funny film. It has many intriguing plot twists that keep you asking for more. The cinematography was excellent. If you pay attention, you'll notice the every present motif of the film. Every single scene has a tint of blue-ggrey in it. Even when the scene takes place in broad daylight, the blue-gray tint adds a sense of murkiness to it, which is a manifestation of the plot.
However, after it was all over, I stood up and felt empty. The film left me feeling hollow inside. I didn't feel anything for the characters, or their plight. In fact, I prefered the enemy's character over Gibson's character. The catch line for this film says it'll make you root for the bad guy. It didn't. There were no redeeming qualities found in Gibson's character, "Porter." I am a firm believer that if the acting falls flat, then so does the film. Payback is a toss-up. I really don't know how I should react to it. On the up side, it did make me laugh, but my friends and I found ourselves taking bets during the film over which character would die next. We were right every single time.
Payback made headlines even before its release because Gibson fired the first director. Apparently, Gibson didn't like his style. Mel is a lot like his film: cold-hearted.
(:CHEEKY:)
Attention Mac students! Do you have an unfulfilled dream of disappointing your parents and setting a bad example for your siblings? If so: DON'T FILL OUT YOUR OPTIONS SHEETS!! Let's all throw them in a big pile, and set them on fire. We might as well. They keep telling us that the decisions we make now are "important for the future". If this is true, why the hell do they only give us two days to figure out what we want to be when we grow up, to talk to our teachers about courses available, to ask guidance if those courses will help us get the job we want, then go BACK to the teachers to find out if our marks are high enough to get into the courses we need to get the job we want and finally go home to our parents and convince them that Klown Kollege really IS your true calling in life. Two days later, when you realize you'd rather be an astronaut, you ask guidance to change your courses from gym to physics and they do so without even bothering to check with your parents (which completely defeats the purpose of having them sign it in the first place). WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?!? They could at least give us a few MONTHS to decide what we want to do. The options assembly is a good idea but most people fall asleep during the assembly and what's the point of having that assembly three days before we have to choose(?). So in conclusion, I say we take 8 easy courses and spend our lives living under bridges and eating beans.
P.S.: The deadline of the options sheets is BOGUS! You can hand it in three weeks after and they still accept it.
Melo and Dramatic
Well, well, well. It's Oscar time again and frankly, I'm looking forward to the little, naked, golden, sado-masochist. The reason you ask??? the fairly obscure, critically acclaimed, Italian film "La Vita E Bella" or in English, "Life is Beautiful."
In my humble, movie-watching opinion, it was brilliant. I was ecstatic when I heard that it was up for Best Picture, Directing, Film Editing, Foreign Language Film, Original Dramatic Score, Original Screenplay, Best Picture, and Best Actor for Roberto Benigni.
This is the first time in about 60 years that a foreign film has been nominated for both Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film. I suggest that you go see it, but remember to bring your glasses because you got some reading to do. I hate subtitles but I love the movie. It's far better than The Thin (plot wise) Red Line, Saving Ryan's Privates, and all the other nominees combined.
Hecubis (who the hell wants to read a movie anyway) and Ugly Bob
This past week I have been even more depressed than usual, with regards to the lovable institution we call school. Can you take a wild stab at the reason why? No? Well then I'll tell you: this week, I (along with most of you, I presume) got most of my exams back. Let me tell you, they were, with the exception of a select few (uh, I mean two), pretty darned sad sights to see.
Wow, isn't it funny that the first year that I fared incredibly badly (compared to my usual standards) on exams is also the first year that a way to "improve" our educational system - by cramming all our exams together in one smelly, filthy, sweaty (from all those disgustingly sweat-drenched all-nighters), putrid, fungussy, vomity, wretched, barf inducing, horrible week - has been implemented in the depressingly dank halls of Sir John A. Macdonald? (Can you not just feel the pure love in that description or what?) How does this at all, in any way help to "improve" (there's that word again) our school, you ask? Well, it's simple. It cuts down on exam days - precious days spent out of school, as opposed to in school, that is.
Seeing as how exams are worth anywhere from 25% to 40% of our final marks this year, and with the fact that final exams can't be written unless you fail a whole course, not just the exam, it's not looking too good for me and for most of you, from what I've heard. We talk about school only in the most negative of connotations nowadays - somehing that implies a real flop on the so-called "improvement" goal that's trying to be reached. What do these harsh new rules and regulations for exams give students to strive for?? Yeahh!!... maybe I can end up with a 67% in OAC Bio, or even Chem, or anything else for that matter, as they all seem to be in the same pile (of sh#@ that is).
Happy As Can Be
Welcome to Ontario, welcome to "paradise." With the upcoming provincial elections, our beloved premier, Mike Harris, has decided to launch a campaign against youth crime. He wants reform, and he wants it now.
Youth crime is at an unprecedented level, and our hero, Mr. Harass, has targeted the cause of youth crime. Us. Yup, us, the students, and the youth of this province. First, he'll implement a strict dress code in all Ontario public schools, then he'll make us all wear school uniforms! He wants to impose stricter rules of conduct and punishment in all schools, and even mentioned expulsions for students who swear! Well, guess what? He's right. Youth crime is at a level never seen before. It has dropped 10% in the past year, and is at the lowest it's ever been. Don't believe me? Read the stats. I know Premier Harris hasn't.
School uniforms? Well, gee golly, what better way to appeal to the voting element of society by purging the individuality of today's "wild and uncontrollable" youth. What better than to make all of us rude, young whipper-snappers conform to a status quo instituted by someone who knows better! We'll just be little angels for the rest of eternity. Yup, planting trees, helping old ladies cross streets, being regular freakin' boy schouts and girl guides! In case nobody's ever noticed (of course nobody has - we're only in the spotlight when we eff up), we do those sorts of things on occasion! But that doesn't matter. On election day, Harris, amidst the glory of his new laws imposed on us, is gonna get frocked into office again, and we're gonna get phrucked for the next several years.
Throughout history, the weakest elements of society have been the scapegoats of politicians, and unfortunately, this time, the scapegoats are the students. But Premier Harris goofed. We may be young, but we're by no means weak. Strength in numbers, people! If you oppose the coming changes, stand up and make your voice heard! If not, then stand by and watch as Harris' utopia blossoms. I'm sure the Third Reich couldn't be prouder. In the words of Public Enemy, "Fight the Power."
yokirrotacobell
The "pop phenomenom" of recent years has filled CD stores with poorly produced music filled with the familiar "hooks" that grab us with their death grip causing us to purchase CDs which, in 4 months time, you'll throw into the bottom of your CD tower.
Now Britney Spears is sort of in a different boat from the rest of her pop music bretheren. One thing I noticed on the CD is that she can actually SING unlike most others (*cough cough* Backstreet Boys *cough cough* Spice Girls.) Unfortunately the CD is riddled with the typical pop music production value filled with cheesy beats, predictable "dramatic pauses" and so on and so on. The lyric department is even worse, with songs that seem like they were written by a retarded orangutang on crack. In fact, there is probably on memorable track on this CD (a cover of The Beat Goes On) but generally the CD is one big waste of plastic with sick foo foo song titles like E-mail my heart.
Had Britney Spears waited to devlop her own creative music talent she COULD'VE been an excellent artist. As it stands she's the 90's Debbie Gibson.
** 1/2 (out of 5) (1 star added for the pictures on the inside cover and the enhanced CD)
Jaded and Elated
Well, I think that it's comfortable to say that most women are complicated people to guys. They seem to have many unspoken languages and rules. They demand "thoughtful" gifts and sensitivity and even commitment from guys. So, what would be the perfect woman to an average guy? Let's begin with physical attributes. Hmmm...36.....22..36... Well, most of us have that in mind already so let's begin with their personality. They have to like your friends and sports (basic requirement). Also, must be able to talk to about things and not get yelled at. Less sensitive to things like mindless violence, unnecessary swearing, and lack of attention. And must love you for what you are and not an image of a man in their head...... Hmmm. Wait a minute.. Anyway, guys have feelings too (at a minimal level). Overall, women should be less complicated. And now you should have created someone with the personality of one of your best buds with an amazing figure and admiration for you. Seems unlikely huh? Hey nobody can stop us from dreaming right? Except from domineering control freaks we call girlfriends. At least this leaves you with a good thought.
Dante
This week's assignment was to give a female's description of the perfect man. But honestly, it was just an easy way out for my partner here on the left.
He thought it would be simple to describe the female anatomy -- guy's way! Big breasts, long legs, small waist, proportional hips, arms not too long, neck not too short... the list goes on and on. It's either exaggerated or understated.
So, am I supposed to outline the male anatomy?
It is almost impossible to sum up what makes the perfect man. The female opinions on this issue are too diverse and debatable. All the qualities cannot possibly fit in this column. This is not because we are picky, but because we are not as shallow.
Physical traits can range from dreadlocks to bald heads. Body types from big and bulky to short and pudgy. As for personality, just pick an adjective from the dictionary. You'll find a girl that likes it.
And for what it's worth, the general consensus concludes...... size does not matter!
dandypratt