Posts Tagged ‘Charlize Theron’
2 items.
Today’s joke is kind of hacky, but I don’t care. I’ve been saving up for this one ever since I learned that the original title to Hancock was Tonight, He Comes. I’d like to pretend I’m a little more high-minded than that and wouldn’t stoop to the level of some obvious, crude sexual reference.
But that would be a lie.
I’m sorry folks, but you don’t put words like "Hancock" and "Tonight, He Comes" in the same paragraph together before some juvenile idiot wanders along and makes a comment about it.
I’m happy to be that idiot.
As for Hancock itself, I’m probably not going to see it. Chalk it up to a couple of reasons. Primarily disinterest from when I saw the first trailer. It just looked too cheesy. Subsequent trailers gave me hope, but it’s been getting pounded by critics who say the film completely derails itself in the second act, so my enthusiasm has waned.
I guess to add insult to injury, I’m just not a big fan of Will Smith. At least not the Will Smith on display here. I understand that he starts the film playing someone unlikable, but you know it’s only a matter of time before he turns on that "Big Willie Charm" that’s been so effective for him in other movies. I don’t deny that it’s a big part of his appeal. I’m just not buying what he’s selling. If I want a dose of his particular brand of charisma, I can turn on an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air in syndication any day of the week. If I went to see Hancock, it would be more to see what Jason Bateman is doing than what Smith is peddling.
I didn’t bother to see either I, Robot or I Am Legend in theaters mostly because I’ve had my fill of Smith’s sci-fi pandering since Men in Black and Independence Day. I’m much more interested in Smith when he lays something on the line emotionally as an actor. I know that he has it in him. Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness proves it. But whenever I see Smith in some brainless blockbuster, I tune out. I get the sense that he’s coasting.
I don’t mean to discredit the guy or anything. He’s clearly worked hard to get where he is and he’s simply one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood today. No small feat. I don’t expect the guy to be Sydney Poitier, I’m just more enamored with Smith when he’s being sincere and less so when he’s putting up an “aw, shucks” front.
I suppose you can toss in a little contrariness in there as well. When so many people are so overwhelming supportive of a particular actor, I tend to throw rocks at the throne. It’s just the way I’m wired.
At any case, as of this writing on Thursday evening, I’m walking out the door to catch a late showing of Wall-E with Cami. We’ve been looking forward to it all night. My sister-in-law is hanging out at our house to watch over Henry while we’re away.
In real time – Friday – happy 4th of July to all my American readers and to everyone else… well… have a great weekend!
See you Monday!
[ No Comments ]
Wanna know the best way to start your week? MONSTER SQUAD REFERENCES!
You’re welcome.
Speaking of monsters, I saw Monsters vs. Aliens this weekend and, unfortunately, was NOT bowled over. I’m not exactly sure what went wrong other than it fell into that same trap of pop culture references and soullessness that other Dreamworks animated movies seem to fall into.
Maybe I went in with my expectations too high after the success of Kung-Fu Panda last year. But Monsters vs. Aliens is just more of the same.
There are a few laughs to be had. Great line delivery from Stephen Colbert as The President and Will Arnett as The Missing Link. But, unbelievably, it’s Seth Rogen who steals the show as the indestructible blob, B.O.B.
Much like B.O.B., Rogen has crafted an indestructible slacker/stoner/moron persona that brings the biggest laughs in this film. He’s pretty much the only character having a good time while the rest of the world is falling down around him and his cluelessness and confusion makes him instantly endearing.
The rest of the movie is a cheap girl-power parable wrapped up in a few action pieces that have been strung together. Pretty much the best thing it had going for it was the 3D. But even that was a little annoying when they were pulling cheap moves like a guy hitting a paddle-ball toward the screen.
Really, Dreamworks? Why not shoot a scene at a kids birthday party so someone can blow a party noisemaker that uncurls into in our faces.
Should you see Monsters vs. Aliens. If you’re a fan of animation, 3D movies and cheesy sci-fi from the 50’s and 60’s, I’d say “yes.” If you’re a fan of laughing or have laundry to fold, I’d say “no.” I don’t really regret going. But it could have been executed much better.
Switching topics, I wanted to let everyone know that I will be at the Emerald City Comicon in Seattle this Saturday and Sunday, April 4 – 5. I’m going to have a table on Artist Alley and you can find me at H-05.
I’m a little nervous about going because this will be the first convention I’ve flown out of state to attend. Typically I only go to conventions I can drive to so I can save on cost. But I found a cheap flight to Seattle and Emerald City was too good to pass up (they have an excellent reputation and are very welcoming to web comics).
Part of my nervousness stems from not knowing anyone at the convention. Sure, there will be a lot of web comics people there like Scott Kurtz, Jeph Jacques and the guys from Penny Arcade. But these guys operate WAY out of my league and they aren’t people I’ve really had an opportunity to interact with socially before.
When I go to Wizard World Chicago ever year, I get to hang out with Gordon McAlpin, Joe Dunn and the rest of the Digital Pimp crew. We set up shop next to each other and goof off for 8 hours while we try to sell our wares. In Seattle, I’ll kind of be own my own.
Well, that’s not entirely true. To take the sting out of travel expenses, I’m splitting a room with Indigo Kelleigh from The Adventures of Ellie Connelly. So at least there is someone I can hang out with after being on the show floor all day. Or, if he has better places to be, I could always go see Fast and Furious the weekend.
Oh! I should probably mention that I was invited to speak on a panel at the convention! Yeah – it’s the Business of Webcomics panel at 1:00 PM, Sunday, April 5 in panel room 3AB.
I’ll be in a room, talkin’ web comics with Robert Khoo from Penny Arcade, Danielle Corsetto from Girls With Slingshots and Jeph Jacques from Questionable Content, doing my best not to sound like an idiot. It’s an amazing opportunity and I want to say thanks to the show organizers for including me! If you’re coming to the show that day, check it out!
Is anyone reading this planning on going to the convention this weekend? If so, can you talk about it a little bit in the comments section? I just want to get a general sense of what to expect. I’m sure everything will be fine, it’s just the unknown that’s eating at me a little bit.
If nothing else, it’ll be a real treat to meet fans from the West coast. This will be my first trip to your neck in the woods and I’m eager to meet you!
Thanks again for reading and I’ll talk to you soon
[ 17 Comments ]
