Its 2009...

...So where is my jetpack?

I mean, we fought Nazis with them in the 1930's.



And battled power-mad zombie aliens with them in the 1950's.



Don't laugh, Zombies of the Stratosphere is a classic. It even says so in the trailer.

Happy New Year Everybody!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

One of the best things about living in Worcester was that you could still find stuff to do after 10pm. In Stony Brook it is difficult to find anything, but its pretty much impossible in Natick. Now that Christmas presumably isn't coming for another year, everything is closed before 9. The one exception... the movie theater.


The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is basically a really weird version of Forest Gump. There is not much a plot, just Bradd Pitt wandering through the 20th century, aging backwards, and meeting people.

Technically, the movie is very well made. Like in his previous film Zodiac, director David Fincher uses a wide variety of special effects to affect the look of the film stock as well as the look of the characters as they age (and in this case de-age) over the course of the film. The cinematography and set design are also excellent.

The only problem I had with the movie was the relationship between Benjamin and Daisy. Their relationship is the emotional core of the film and the only constant thread as the film progresses. The problem is... it doesn't really work. Both Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett both play their roles well, but its hard to imagine charactors more orthogonal to one another. Their relationship is proposterous, not because Benjamin is aging backwards, but because the charactors have absolutely nothing in common. I think the film still works well despite this, but some of the more emotional moments fall a little flat.

Overall, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is an interesting movie. Just as Zodiac was completely underrated, I think Benjamin Button is being overrated. Its definitely worth seeing, but its certainly not the best film of the year. If you liked Forest Gump or David Fincher's previous films I'd check it out. If you, like Roger Ebert, think the idea of a man aging backwards is too ridiculous, I'd avoid this and go see Bolt or something.

Still Alive

As promised, blogging will now resume.

Irony!~

Jumbo Snowman Snow Globe Recall

We have learned that under certain conditions, Hallmark’s Jumbo Snowman Snow Globe (Stock #1XAG5093, measuring 11 by 12 by 17 inches) for a suggested retail price of $99.95, may pose a risk of fire. When sunlight passes through the globe, sufficient light may be concentrated to ignite nearby combustible materials. Upon obtaining this information Hallmark immediately decided to recall this product and reported the matter to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

If you purchased this product, please remove the snow globe from exposure to any sunlight by covering it up or moving it to an area without access to sunlight. Then, at your earliest convenience, please return the Jumbo Snowman Snow Globe to a Hallmark Gold Crown® store for a full refund.

The recall pertains only to the large, $99.95 snow globe. A smaller snow globe of similar snowman design is not affected by the recall.

The safety of our consumers is always the priority at Hallmark. We apologize for any inconvenience this recall action may cause you. Your cooperation and assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated.

Via Hallmark.com