Saturday, July 24, 2010

Inception

Even if I wanted to, I couldn't spoil this. 


First things first.  I've read a bit of discussion online about how this movie is too confusing and hard to follow... thats simply not the came.  True there are layers within layers (within layers, etc) to the narrative, but the editing is such that it is very easy to follow.  The rules of the game in Inception are established very clearly in the first act and the film keeps to those rules even as the plot moves in increasingly abstract directions.

With that said, despite the intricacies of the plot, this is pretty much a heist film.  We meet the team of antiheroes, we become privy to their plan for breaking into an absurdly secure location (in this case, the mind), and then things go horribly awry.  The fact that all of this takes place in dreams and that there are extended sequences featuring impossible architecture and Joseph Gorden-Levitt running around on walls and ceilings while battling Cillian Murphy's mental security force is almost secondary (although, these scenes are incredible).

Though there isn't much room for acting amongst all action, I thought the cast did a good job.  Though it does help when even minor characters are played by people like Lukas Haas.  Leonardo DiCaprio and Marion Cotillard both do a fine job in the lead roles, with Marian Cotillard's Mal appearing simultaneously empathetic and terrifying.

As a cinematic experience, I really enjoyed Inception.  The story is interesting, there are surprising twists and turns to the plot, the effects are spectacular while not distracting from the plot, and there are even some funny moments.  Most impressive of all, every second of the almost 2 and half hours of running time felt engaging and important.  I recommend seeing this in the theater (even the IMax if possible) as this was probably the best cinema experience I've had since the first Matrix.

Friday, July 23, 2010

So this happened...

Darth Vader robbed a bank near my house.

Tron Legacy: New Trailer

I have no idea how or why this is being made.  I'm still going to see it though.  If for no other reason than commissioning Daft Punk to write the soundtrack to a movie that takes place inside a computer is pretty much genius.


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Moroccan Chicken

This is fast becoming a staple.  I've even made a chicken wing version that is significantly less healthy but equally good.

Moroccan Chicken

Ingredients:

2 Cup Brown Rice
4 Teaspoons Paprika
2 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric (or Saffron)
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
4+ Garlic Cloves (Minced)
1.5(sh) Pounds Chicken
1/2 Cup Red Onion (Chopped)
2 Cups Chicken Broth
1/2 Cup Golden Raisins
1/4 Cilantro (Optional)

Instructions:

1.  Start the rice first.  With some luck it'll be done at the same time as everything else.

2.  While the rice is cooking, cut chicken into small pieces.  In a medium size bowls combine the chicken pieces with the spices (including the garlic).  Using your hands (or a spoon if you are afraid of raw chicken) mix everything together until the chicken is covered in delicious spices

3.  In a large skillet heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.   Add onion.  When the onion is soft and mostly translucent add the chicken.  Brown the chicken for 8-10 minutes or until sufficiently cooked.  When the chicken is done, add broth and raisons.  Drop the heat to medium and let the liquid reduce for about 5 minutes.

4.  Combine the rice and the chicken/broth in the skillet.  Kill the heat and let the combine everything together.

5.  Serve with fresh cilantro.  This is an ideal leftovers meal as it tastes much better the second day (its very good on the first day too).