Tron

Don't stone me, but for the first time in my life I watched Tron. I am ashamed it's taken me this long, but I don't have to turn in my "Geek" Card, because I've finally seen it.

And it was worth the wait.

For those of you that don't know, Tron is about Kevin Flynn (Played by The Dude Jeff Bridges) getting sent into the virtual world while trying to find evidence on Mr. Dillinger (His Nemesis), and get his rug back get the rights to the video games he created back. During his quest he gets help from Tron (Bruce Boxleitner) and Yori (Cindy Morgan).

Frankly, this movie was all about the special effects. I'm not trying to take anything away from the movie's plot, which I did find pretty original, but this movie was taking advantage of the newfangled CGI capabilities of 1982. And even now that CGI is cool, I particularly loved the computery feel of it all, it truly seemed digital, instead of looking like... Tron Guy. In addition, the light cycle sequences were pretty awesome, and makes normal cars seem boring, I now want a gold wall to follow my car so I can cut off my driving enemies.

The acting was all pretty solid, but no stand out performances from anyone. I mean, Bridges was very like able as Flynn, and Boxleitner does play the heroic Tron well, but this movie was designed to be just fun, and that's what it is... a whole lot of fun. In my opinion as an amateur critic, this movie wasn't great, but it was pretty good, and really fun.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (8/10)

The Good, The Bad, and This Review

From the moment that score starts you know you're in for something magical. Like I said in my Scott Pilgrim review, there are only a handful of movies that the opening credits or a title card can get you so pumped, you go into the movie.... socks already blown off, this is one of those.

For those that don't know The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (or Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo) is a continuation of the loose "Dollars Trilogy" (Fistful of Dollars/Per un pugno di dollari , and For a Few Dollars More/Per qualche dollaro in più ). In this movie Clint Eastwood returns with the mantle of "The Man with No Name" and also the subtitle of The Good, which means you know Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef are going to be right basterds bastards.

And bastards they are.

The plot, for a western, is pretty inventive. Instead of stranger riding to town, fighting banditos, riding off to the next town, the movie is full of anti-heroes, parched Spanish desert the movie really establishes Revisionist/Spaghetti westerns that replace John Wayne smacking Pilgrim's in the jaw with the likes of Eastwood snarling around a cigar, shooting up scores of Italian/Spanish extras. This movie instead has Wallach and Eastwood hunting riches in the Civil War dominated West, facing off with bandits, the Yanks, the Rebs, and the fact that they are both ruthless cut throats.

But those two only account for the Good and the Ugly... where's the bad?

Enter Senteza/Angel Eyes Lee Van Cleef, a bounty hunter/mercenary/bad ass. The two meet the one when Joe (The Man with no Name's name) and Tuco (Wallach) after Wallach stupidly insults the union, while the pair is wearing Rebel get up. The three then form an uneasy alliance to go get the money, and all kinds of hell breaks loose.

Frankly, this might be the best western of all time, definitely in the top 5. There are many things about this that make it great, and I don't have enough space to tell you all of them, but I'll start with the Cinematography. Never has miles of sun burned desert looked so damn good. I prefer this kind of western to those other kinds with the sprawling landscapes and gorgeous mountains, so I was in hog heaven watching this movie.

Next is the score, which I touched on before. Ennio Morricone creates a dynamic stylized score, that compliments the harsh landscape, just as well as it compliments the three bastards that are at the heart of this movie.

Finally, The acting.

The Good: Eastwood is typical Eastwood. If you've seen the first two Dollars movies than you know what to expect here. Eastwood snarls, growls, and chomps his cigars the same way as in the first two, luckily that works perfectly. The character of the MWNN demands the level of grittiness and anger that Clint Eastwood brings to the screen, in short he was born for this role.

The Bad: In a part that was meant for Charles Bronson, Von Cleef makes you wonder why Bronson was even considered. Angel Eyes is a bastard ( I know I've used that word a lot, it's just so perfect), and he knows it. Much like an early version of Clint Barton Von Cleef is a sharpshooting sun of a bitch who actually succeeds in making Clint Eastwood come across as the good.

The Ugly: Eli Wallach steals this movie. As a drunk, vicious, murdering, rapist Wallach plays the part so despicable, and so disgusting, you can't help but like him. Wallach shows a level of basterdry that in this movie is peerless, hell for most of cinema he's peerless.

Like I said before, this is an amazing movie and certainly deserves a spot on any top 5 western list, maybe even the top spot.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (10/10)

Shadow of the Review!

In 1922 the Vampire Genre made one of it's first (and greatest) forays into film in Nosferatu, a hallmark of silent cinema. In 2000 the classic got a revision, of sorts, in Shadow of the Vampire, exploring rumors that Max Shreck (Count Orlock in the '22 classic) was in fact, a child of the night... and I don't mean a hooker.

The plot to this movie revolves around the filming for Nosferatu, with shot for shot recreations, while the focus is on the crew of the movie, and Shreck trying to hide his Blood sucking ways, trying to keep his agreement with Murnau. There is no doubt in the mind of the viewer that Shrek is a vampire, but the crew, with the exception of Murnau, all believe he's a method actor, one that would put DeNiro's quirks to shame. But as the plot develops they all begin to realize, climaxing in Greta (Catherine McCormack) noticing Shreck doesn't reflect well... or at all. This subplot of the cast figuring it all out is portrayed beautifully, and makes the movie, in my opinion.

One thing I loved was when a recreation was shown, the film took on a sepia tone or black and white, as to further the illusion of it being the actual film, furthermore, there are multiple scenes with "silent" title cards, just like in the original. This technique could have come off as a tad gimmicky, but it doesn't. Especially if you've seen Nosferatu.

Sadly, I think that's what makes most of this movie work, is how well you know THE silent Vampire classic. If you're not familiar with the movie, many of the jokes and the awe-inspiring eye for detail of E. Elias Merhige will go woefully unnoticed, lost like so many tears in the rain. I have seen the movie this movie is built around, so I loved it, but I can see someone who hasn't seen the first, wouldn't enjoy the latter.

The only other real problem I have with this movie (and I'll lead off with saying that this is a superficial problem) is that it feels like this movie isn't so much about the plot, as it is the acting, primarily that of Willem Dafoe. I've seen Dafoe in a number of things, but this is his best performance in my mind. Not just the makeup, but his acting makes it as if he's not even him. In a borderline horror movie, Dafoe turns in a truly horrifying role, adding a needed dark side to this character piece.

But for every villain, there must be a hero, and that is played by John Malkovich, portraying F.W. Murnau. You truly believe that Murnau started with the best intentions, but as we know AC/DC's Highway to Hell is lined with them. You feel bad for Murnau when Shreck begins to Vamp it up, and you also feel indifference, because he caused it all. It is a rare case when you respect, hate, admire, and loathe the same character, and it is rarer to find an actor good enough to do it... and Malkovich is one of them.

Other highlights in the cast include Eddie Izzard, who's brief appearance is enjoyable, as well

If you go into this movie expecting a great vampire movie, you will probably be let down, but if you go in expecting a great movie with vampires, then you will be in for one hell of a treat.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (9.5/10)

Comic Book Wednesday Part 3:The Rest

Everyone knows DC and Marvela ren't the only two companies, but like the political parties they are the two that most comic stuff comes down to. But I like me some Image (and Dynamite when the Boys are involved) So here is a review from some of them.

AND... before I go on I know Vertigo is a part of DC, but because it's not DCU I decided to put it here. I'll do that same stuff with Icon and Marvel's adult imprints... so don't comment about that.

GUARDING THE GLOBE 1 (of 6)
Words by: Robert Kirkman and Benito Cereno
Art by: Ransom Getty
Robert Kirkman has come to be known as a quality writer, that isn't something I'm going ot argue, Invincible is amazing, Asonishing Wolf-Man is superb, and do I even have to elaborate on The Walking Dead? But this book is not one of his best. It seems... a tad... clustered. Where as Invincible and TWD are very intricate and wound stories, this issue seems like it is just... generic. It seems like an average team book, not what i was expecting from the guy who is writing arguably the greatest zombie story ever told. I was let down to say the least, but I will give the rest of this a shot, hoping Kirkman works some more of his magic.

Dr. Brooklyn says: At Least Read it (6/10) 

SCALPED #40
Words by: Jason Aaron
Art by: R.M. Guera
Holy shit I love Scalped! It seems like this series started with the question What if Blly Jack was a heroin addict? and ran with it. And it ran to first place. As Dash's (the main character) life plummets to an all time low, this series is still going for a high. The characterization is gorgeous, the flashbacks to Dah's mother and father, and the parallel story of Carol carrying Dash's baby, while trying to kick heroin is touching, gritty, and quite possibly my favorite series going. I reccomend everyone with money to go buy every trade and issue available and get caught up before #41 drops, it'll be worth it.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (10/10)

Comic Book Wednesday Part 2: DC

I didn't read a lot of DC stuff this week... I read two things, but they were both pretty good, so I'm going to get right into reviewing and ranting.

JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #8
Words by: Judd Winick
Art by: Aaron Lopresti
This series is one of the only good things about BD. It's got ana amazing cast (The Old JLI with some updates), It's got an awesome Plot (Max Lord tricked the world [except the JLI] into not believing he exists and is causing all kinds of hell with a true get away with anything card), It's got humor and intrigue, and great art to boot. The plot for this issue has the JLI breaking into Checkmate to find Lord, of course they get caught so they try and fight their way out, strengthening their friendships and themselves on the way, including maybe a future romantic plot between Fire and Rocket Red? Perhaps, I mean even communist scan love... right? Frankly, I have nothing but good things to say about this book, other than that it's number 8 so jumping in now would be a bad idea, I highly reccomend getting (and reading) this series.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (9/10)

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #48
Words by: James Robinson
Art by: Mark Bagley
Remember how last week I was raving about JSA? Well, the JLA half of the story falls short of last weeks JSA. Don't ask me to explain why, it just does. The plot seems to be a tad Deus Ex Machina, for my tastes, and seems almost sappy with a triumphant Alan Scott, but it seems like the contents of this issue sould have been two, and given us more action and build up. Really, it's all good except the pacing. I still reccomend the issue, I do, and I liked the arc, but this issue as a climax/close seemed a tad rushed and short.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this ssue (7.5/10)

Well, JL:GL obviously won here, but only because I pulled a technicality which you'll see in my next post... so make sure you read it.

Comic Book Wednesday Part 1: Marvel

So hey, it's CBW again and as such I feel inclined to report/review the comics I read today and dug. Starting with Marvel...

NAMOR: THE FIRST MUTANT #1
Words by: Stuart Moore
Art by: Ariel Olivetti
As some of you found out the other day... I love Namor. He is a hero, but a raging dickhead at the same time.... what's not to love? And when I found out he was getting a series I was sold, and then I found out he'll be taking on underwater Vampires... I was tempted to buy two copies. Overall this issue doesn't do a lot more than set up the story, but being as this looks to be an awesome story, the exposition was of the same type. Namor returns to the water (he's still with the X-Men, though) and immediately begins bad-assing things up. Like a sub aquatic John Wayne he rides in, rounds up a posse, and heads off to fight the Vampires, which he does, in the process recovering the head of Count Chocula Dracula. The issue ends with the Vamps regrouping and deciding they are going to have to teach ole Pointy Ears a lesson. Moore (not Alan sadly) paints a great story, playing up Namor's ego and his heroic side (at the same time!) and the art by Olivetti is dark and gritty, perfect for this book because it's about vampires... and it's deep under water. I am pretty pumped for issue 2.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (9/10)

CAPTAIN AMERICA #609
Words by Ed Brubaker
Art by Butch Guice
Let me start by saying Steve rogers is Captain America. Not in this book, but n my heart Steve Rogers will always be Cap. BUT, Brubaker still writes a damn fine Cap story, even if the cap is Bucky. This story finds us in the penultimate issue of an arc that pits Bucky against Zemo and his demons, I'm hoping that this means Steve will wield the shield soon, but for now I'm content with Bucky. Back on topic, Bucky goes to face Zemo, fights him and gets beaten because Zemo's a cheater (Zemo doesn't play by the rules? But I thought all guys in purple hoods were on the up and up, like X the Eliminator) The issue ends, sort of abruptly in my opinion, with Zemo taking Bucky to the island n the English Channel where Winter Soldier was born, setting up a damn fine showdown betwixt our current shield slinger and the current Zemo. The writing was good, but it felt a little too much like it was aware it's only set up, and I want issues like this to feel like their own story, not just filler. Still, Brubaker s one of my favorite writers and I did have fun with this issue.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (8/10)

SHADOWLAND: MOONKNIGHT
Words by: Gregg Hurwitz
Art by: Bong Dazo
This is a great Moonknight story... but a lame SL tie in. Hurwitz, who writes the character in Vengeance of the Moonknight, only writes 7 pages with SL material... the rest plays out like a VotMK tale, which is alright with me because I love that series. My issue becomes the lack of true tie-in material. All the other tie-ins have been extensions of the SL issues and the DD issues, this seems like it's own beast, with enough connection. Frankly it's like Campbell's Chicken Noodle soup, the headline says Chicken, but all you get is noodles with a piece or two of chicken. But, that's the end of my qualms with this issue. There is the introduction of a new MK villain, MK's girlfriend reveals she's pregnant, we get to see MK wrestling with Khonshu's influence, and much more which makes me wish this was VotMK #11 instead of a tie-in, but still it's one of the best SL things I've read so far.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (9/10) 

I'm sure you're now noticing I've been giving out 9's like Oprah, but thank goodness BMB is here so I can give a not 9 score (well, other than that 8 I gave)

ULTIMATE: MYSTERY 2 (of 4)
Words by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Rafa Sandoval

I don't like Bendis. Mostly because his work on Ultimate X-Men (following Millar) but i just think he thinks he's got Tarantino's ear for dialogue... he doesn't. And there are several exchanges in this issue that show that. What is intended to be sharp and witty comes of as snarky (not in a good way like Joel McHale, but a bad way like Chelsea Handler). If you read Ultimate Enemy and issue one this book is worth the read, because it does further the plot a bit, but there are four pages of just explosion, two each to two explosions, and the plot seems forced and not very well mapped out.

Dr. Brooklyn says: PASS this issue (5/10)

So here's what I read from Marvel this week, and Namor and Vengeance of the Moonknight SL:MK were some of the best this week had to offer (from all four companies I read this week, but the true true winner is coming later) Stay tuned!

Top 5: My Top 5 Favorite Fictional Romances

Everybody loves a good romance, but if you're like me you like them unconventional. Sure there's great straightforward ones, but for some reason I always love the pairings that have a bunch of problems. So, to quote a wiser man than myself "Heeeere we go!" boop boop boop boo-boobooboo

5. The Spirit and Sand Saref

From: The Spirit (primary issues: "Sand Saref" and "Bring In Sand Saref" by Eisner, and "Sand" (my all time favorite Spirit Story) by Darwyn Cooke

I know you're supposed to like Ellen Dolan, because she's the girl Denny needs, but if you've read Eisner's Spirit, or Cooke's (imho superior) run you know Denny will always have a huge spot in his heart for Sand. She's the one who got away, but not because of anything Denny did. It's the classic story of bad girl, good guy and how guys (to quote Stan Lee) want not the girl next door, but the "Slut down the street." I love this pairing because I see a lot of myself in The Spirit, a charmng john everyman that always falls for the wrong types of girls, hurting himself as much in the process. Able to share only a few issues and still be one of comics lethario's true loves, Sand is almost as iconic as the blue mask.

Also, as a huge Miller fanboy that kiss at the end of The Spirit (2008) brought a lump to my throat for a bunch of reasons.

4. Duncan and Courtney

From: Total Drama Island, Action and World tour

Alright, I'm sure all three of my readers are ignorant to this show, but it's one of my favorites, mainly because of the arc of these two characters. As a point of reference Courtney is based on Tracy Flick from Election, and Duncan is a stereotypical rebel. As was seen from the beginning they hated each other, but as the series went on they began to admire each other, and became like a modern Danny and Sandy. I love this pairing partly because I like chicks like courtney, partly because I like Emilie-Claire Baarlow (Courtney's voice), and mainly because the writing is smarter than most children's shows, and thus gave them a real romantic arc, instead of the usual "hey, let's date!" one episode plot that most kid's show romances have.

3. Swan and Mercy

From: The Warriors

You'll notice most of my other pictures are of the couples kissing or holding each other showing how much they love each other... but the reason I love this pairing is because they show their love in the opposite way. For those who haven't seen the movie, the above image is from a scene near the end, when gangster Swan and slut Mercy are nearly back to Coney Islan, with the rest of Swan's gang. The subway stops and two prom couples get in, dressed nice and laughing, while Swan and Mercy look like that. Mercy reaches up to fix her hair and Swan stops her, silently saying that she doesn't need to fix her self for them, that she's better in his eyes then they'll ever be. There are other scenes like this, and Beck and Van Valkenburgh have amazing chemistry. I love The Warriors (I've seen it over 20 times), I've beat the video game several times, and my favorite thing about the movie is the romance of Swan and Mercy.

Well... that and the Baseball Furies

2. Daredevil and Elektra

From: Daredevil (Primary Issue Daredevil #168 "Elektra")

Yes, Frank Miller admitted that he ripped off #168 from the earlier mentioned Spirit issues involving Sand Saref, but the dynamic of these two is very different from Denny and Sand, which is why these two are ranked so much higher. Their origin is similar, they met young, grew apart and when Elektra returns trouble comes with her. The difference is that Elektra isn't gone after two issues, she stays around and tension builds as Elektra of the Hand is fighting Daredevil, but at thesame time they are fighting their feelings. I love everything about them and I'm not too proud to admit I shed a tear when Elektra was killed, and Matt began to spiral. Miller proved with this that not only can he write "Gun Porn" to quote a WCM forum legend Vynson, but also touching romance.

But honestly, there can be only one couple...

1. Batman and Catwoman

From: Batman

Yeah yeah yeah, Batman get's around, I know that. He's wined and dined probably more women than is healthy, but there's always one he comes back to... Selena Kyle, and that above Lee work is the thing  think of whenever some one mentions The Cat and The Bat. I love this couple for many of the reasons I like Colt/Saref and Murdock/Natchios: They love each other but can't be together due to ther sins. This is one of those, another town and another time and they could have been true loves, but in Gotham, love is a four letter word you just can't say. For some reason I love these two more than the rest... and it's not just the cat suit.

So, thank you for reading, please comment with some of your favorites... and I'll see you soon with some more reviews and such

Anatomy of a Movie (a Review of Anatomy of a Murder)

Last night I watched Rope and today I watched another Jimmy Stewart vehicle... Anatomy of a Murder. Going into this movie I knew it was considered one of the greatest Court Room movies ever (On par with To Kill A Mockingbird and 12 Angry Men) and the hype does not do the movie justice.

This movie is 160 minutes long, but the pace and beautiful acting from George C. Scott and Stewart move the movie along as a great pace, no scene seems too long, no dialogue is considered "throw away," and nothing happens with out reason. The script, is beautiful (get used to that adjective for I shall use it a lot) Wendell Mayes gives snappy dialogue (both comedic and dramatic) worthy of a Denny Crane or Alan Shore cross examination. Stewart's "simple country Lawyer" (In this case from the U.P. of my state) while George C. Scott represents the Attorney General from Lansing, the juxtaposition here serves to bring the crowd behind honorable Stewart, the handsome and seemingly noble Gazzarra, the pretty Remick, and away from the creepy Scott, who intimidates and badgers Stewart and his witnesses.

Speaking of the cast... let's speak of the cast. As I said in my review of Rope, Stewart is an acting god. You'd be hard pressed to find a film critic worth a darn that denies Stewart is one of the finest actors to grace the screen. His entire persona establishes himself as the everyman, but he is also a hero, much like his role in "The Man who Shot Liberty Valence."

George C. Scott, is the same but for different reasons. Another fantastic actor here he banks on his ability to be the most arrogant guy in the room... and it works. Everything from his body language to his tone of voice makes you despise him, but at the same time respect his knowledge of the law, and his passion for justice. His performance leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, but a smile on your lips from the beauty and mastery of his acting abilities.

These two are the core of the movie, with notable side performances from Ben Gazzarra, Arthur O'Connell, and Eve Arden, among others but the supporter who comes closest to Scott and Stewart is Lee Remick as Laura Manion. Remick uses her beauty (see I told you I'd use it a lot) perfectly to play some one you don't know if she's used by men, or using them. But, if you've seen "Days of Wine and Roses" it should come as no surprise she can act.

From the script to the acting this movie is a true example of a "Classic." If there are flaws with this movie, I can't think of any.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (10/10)

Shoot 'em Up: A Review

Listen here first

The above video is about a lover, that when found... the singer's questions are all answered. Too few times is this feeling felt with a movie, and I know I'm trardy to the party, but Shoot 'em Up is that kind of movie. Where has this movie been in my life?

From the start of the movie it is hard to believe this is not video game related, it obviously takes influence from video game physics, but the plot is original.... very original. When one thinks of classic movie weapons things like a .44 Magnum, a Lightsabre, chainsaws, and machetes come to mind... but now a Carrot should be added to the list of truly classic Movie armaments. Also, I haven't seen many movies where a lone gunman isn't lone, but toting the baby of a dead stranger.

The dialogue is so delightfully cheesy from "What's up Doc?" to "Nothing like a good hand job" this movie plays out like a group of fourteen year olds wrote it, but in it's cheese ball dialogue and Giamatti and Owen's deadpan performances the dialogue works, just as well as the action.

Speaking of the action each scene with guns plays out like a dance. bullets and gun fire create a beautiful opera that sets the score for the characters in the foreground. Who slide, jump, bob, and weave like a crazed mixture of The Matrix and Sin City. The camera work is also superb, showing the gritty contrast of Smith's home and lifestyle with Hammer and Rutledge. The angles and soundtrack also recall gun movies from the days of black and white to the current era. Be they set in NYC or the old West.

I haven't seen Giamatti in a lot. He was great in Sideways, and some other roles I've seen, but his serious way of playing a psychopath makes me lament that he's too old to play Bullseye, who his character here is essentially a middleaged version of. Honestly, I think he steals this movie, he's cold to the point of mental disorder, but in his own demented way, he's... funny and likeable.

Owen, also good for a few of the same reasons. His deadpan delivery of cheesy line's like the aforementioned "Nothing like a good hand job" make it seem like he thinks this dialogue is worthy of Tarantino, but it also suggests he's in on the joke. Which brings me to the next point, Owen is on a short list of actors being considered (from hearsay) to be Butcher in The Boys which, even after seeing this movie I just can't see him in that role, but that's not the topic at hand. SEU is. Owen is goo, maybe even great in this part, but like I said this is Giamatti's flick.

Monica Bellucci is good as the "lady of the evening." She is believable as a slut, as mean as that sounds, but also as the nurturing mother figure. She doesn't have a lot of lines, but her chemistry with Owen is like a modern version of Swan and Mercy from "The Warriors" two people who are far from perfect, but they are still trying to be better people.

To make a long story short (too late) this is a fantastic action movie, with laughs, blasts, and some sexy ladies... three things that make movie's great.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (9/10)

Rope: A Review

A Hitchcock movie is much like a ball of multicolored yarn. Even once you have unraveled the yarn and then rewound it, the second time through each new color amazes you as much as the first time, for now the subtle irregularities in the coloring and thread quality seem even more wondrous, lines of dialogue seem wittier, acting is more sublime, and surprisingly the suspense is just as grand.

So was the case of my second viewing of the sadly overlooked movie "Rope." As a quick piece of background history the movie is based on the Loeb-Leopold case (which happened about an hour and a half from my town) and concerns to wealthy boys who decided to try and commit the perfect murder... long story short they failed.

The movie changes the setting (No longer the Loeb farm near Charlevoix) and changes the characters, but the "thrill kill" element is there.

The movie opens with the murder of David Kently, and that is the last we see of him, for the movie does not revolve around his murder, but the events following it, and primarily the interactions between the two conspirators (John Dall and Farley Granger, but more on them later) and their former Professor (James Stewart). From there the movie proceeds like a Columbo episode, a celebratory party is hosted by Dall, in which Stewart slowly unravels the crime and pins the two boys.

The plot is full of all the twists and turns one would expect from Hitch, shots, not score, build suspense. The Camera spends much of the time focused not on the action, but of the subject of conversation, most often the chest, which serves as Mr. Kently's temporary grave. Other than the chest, though, the apartment is very simple, for this movie is not about scenery, it's about the characters that fill it.

Let me start with Farley Granger. His role is much that of Freud's superego, not wanting to murder he is forced into it by Dall, the id. Granger performs admirably, but no enough to hold his own with the other two of this movie's three dominating actors.

Which leads me to James Stewart. Honestly, what needs to be said about the man AFI ranked the third greatest actor in film history? The man knows how to act. It doesn't matter the role, he can make you feel proud to be human, he can make you question what it takes to be a man, he can captivate and audience, even in a supporting role. I don't think I am worthy to appraise Stewart, beyond saying we may never have another actor quite like him.

And lastly of the big three is John Dall. With all due respect to Stewart, this is Dall's movie. He was in 8 movies total, and is solely remembered for this role, for great reason. Dall brings a cold sadistic air to him worthy of Adrian Veidt. Deciding that he is fit to play God he plans and commits the murder of his former classmate and friend. But it is in the aftermath, the way Dall presents the murder like a sexual act that brings him the praise he so deserves. Acting like murder was not only okay, but a RIGHT, and being so arrogant you want to kick him off a roof, Dall steals the show and dare I say even upstages Stewart.

The rest of the cast serves as little more than props. they are there to enhance the plot slightly, but this movie would have worked just as well with only the three men I mentioned, and an extra to play a corpse.

If you have not seen this movie... what the hell is wrong with you? Go rent it, now and be amazed at the genius of Hitch, the mastery of the craft of Stewart, and the sublime acting of John Dall.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (9/10)

Comic Book Wednesday Part 2: DC

Welcome Back, i'm glad you stayed with me. Now for DC... which to be honest is all Brightest Day stuff at the moment. Let's just get into it.

BRIGHTEST DAY #8
Words by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Ivan Reis
This series has been a thorn in my side. Blackest Night got me so pumped for the DCU. i was buying books for characters I'd never ehard of, I geeked out everytme I checked DC's website and saw more BN stuff coming, I bought the BL ring as soon as  could, the rest shortly after I was pumped. Then I heard of Brightest Day, and my heart soared, after the amazing wonder of BN BD must be great, right? Wrong. The first 7 issues of the main series have been the characters walking around, shoulders shrugged wondering why they are all back, Side stores like GL, GLC, And Justice League Generation Lost have kept my attention, but the BD series itself has angered me on a two week cycle for a few months now. BUT BD #8 shows something that the first 7 lacked: plot. All the side stories across the DCU are coming together, what's with he Hawks, What happened to M'gnn, and what's Boston Brand up to. Also, there was no Aquaman, which is a major plus. Sadly... that is one of the few plusses. Because other than the J'onn arc (My second favorite DC character) the plots have been so slow in starting (Seven issues to be exact) I don't care about them anymore. With Marvel doing Shadowland, an amazing crossover, this feels even MORE lackluster than I already thought. The writing is okay, but I feel like this series is a let down from Johns, who's GL is still among my favorites.

Dr. Brooklyn says: Only Read it if you are following Brightest Day and have been from the beginning (5/10)

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #42
Words by: James Robinson
Art by: Mark bagley
After BD #8 I was a little mad, which is why 'm so glad I read this story. The arc involving the Starheart ahs been superb, involving twists turns and a great meshing of two generations of heroes. This seems liek the climax before the climax, after Faust exposes "Alan" Dr. fate is freed, who is then able to go help the others, yadda yadda yadda, the "real" Alan shows up and shit is getting up to go down. The art is stronger than most, but the story is beautiful. Elements of love gone sour, coupled with magic, intrigue, and Grayson still trying to fill the Bat-Shoes of his mentor, this book was a treat to read. The arc "Dark Things" (this is part 4, btw) is a great introduction to the characters, but it's also not really releant to the BD crossover that t falls under. This is just a pick up and read kind of story (but start with "DT" Pt. 1-3 first)

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this book (8/10)

GREEN LANTERN CORP #51
Words by: tony Bedard
Art by: Ardian Syaf
This arc is titled Revolt of the Alpha Lanterns, but a more fitting ttle would be "The Madness of Cyborg Superman." This arc is not about the Corps, thus far, it's about Ganthet, Sora, Kyle, John, and Stel fighting the Alpha-Lanterns and their leader, Cyborg Superman, who is fucking nuts. This is another Part 4 of an arc, so don't start here if you're not following it, but read the arc, I beg you. The interactions of the Lanterns shows, in case you forgot, that they are Not just Green Lanterns, they are a corps, or a body. Beautifully shown by Bedard, Kyle, Sora, and John are trying to rally an army of robots to fight the Alpha Lanterns and save Stel, which isn't going well for them. Calling in Hannu they are able to defeat Boodikka, recharge with a glorious final panel of the three lanterns reciting the oath, and get ready for the final showdown (coming in #52).

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue. (7.75/10)

The winner this week was obviously not BD #8, but it was JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #42, thanks to solid story and art.

thank you for reading my CBW posts and I'lll probably do a rant or something cool tomorrow... maybe

Comic Book Wednesday Part 1: Marvel

Alright so here's how my CBW reviews will break down, I'll divide it amongst multiple posts with one post per company, mainly it'll just be DC and Marvel though. As you can tell from the title this post is devoted to the Marvel series I got today, which honestly is not a lot, but here we go. Oh and um... spoiler alert

First up...
DEADPOOL #26
Words by: Dan Way
Art by Carlo Barberi
For those familiar with (this) Deadpool series Deadpool is pulling a Nic Cage and is leaving Las Vegas. The Merc with a Mouth starts the book by wiping out his former employers and ditching the suit that he used in the previous arc, to which I say THANK GOD! I have read every issue of Way's run, but the last arc lacked the creativity and vibrancy of say Deadpool offing Skrull as the Phillie's Phanatic, or him becoming a pirate, or... Hit-Monkey (Nuff Said?) [Nuff Said.] The issue has some laughs, but not as much as an average Deadpool comics because as soon as Wade finishes hs task a certain hothead shows up and drags him away. Most of the issue (which doesn't kick off a new arc, but instead is a one and done tale) is a retrospective of how Deadpool became who he is, but that is a story that should be told in an arc or limited series (Much like Way's Bullseye's Greatest Hits) The issue's worth checking out, but overall it doesn't do much and ends kind of fast.

Br. Brooklyn says: It's worth a Read  (6/10)

SECRET AVENGERS #4
Words by: Ed Brubaker
Art by: Mike Deodato
It seems like just yesterday that Osborn was still leading the avengers, then Siege occurred, and enter in the corniest Crossover title ever (The Heroic Age) and then there were a bunch of new Avengers books (The, Young, New, Secret, Uncanny). I tried "The" and, not being a BMB fanboy I was let down that THAT was the series that got JRjr. I also tried "Secret" which is becoming one of my current favorites. Ending an arc that involves the team on Mars, #4 shines showing once again that Steve Roger's isn't like Peter Parker or Clark Kent, even though Steve doesn't wield the shield he is still Captain America. Everything he says and does is what Cap would do, and I love that. In addition to him as front man, this band has one hell of a cool lineup (Valkyrie,War Machine, Ant-Man [O'Grady], Beast, and Moon Knight, for starters). Nova is defeated once Steve dons the helmet and delivers a cosmic beat down, Fury is caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and The universe is saved, but this issue is mainly about what Rogers has been Asking of O'Grady from #1, "Nut up and be a man," which here means stopping nuclear suicide bombers from attacking the team on mars. The Art is good, but Brubaker's story and character development over shadows it, making it deeper than it s pretty.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (9/10)

SHADOWLAND: DAUGHTERS OF THE SHADOW (1 of 3)
Words by: Jason Henderson
Art by: Ivan Rodriguez
If you aren't following Shadowland turn off the computer, go to your nearest comic shop and buy everything that has the aforementioned words at the top. The series is really asking tough questions about vigilante's, corruption in government, and what truly makes a hero. This issue is no exception. Told in a First Person narrative the story follows Colleen Wing, a Samurai chick who wear tight white spandex. My first exposure to the character couldn't have been told better, we meet her as her. She walks you through her life, you get her perspective and you learn about her past in a exposition heavy middle, but the dialogue keeps it moving so it's not overbearing. About 2/3rds of the way through the issue Wing arrives at Shdowland for a st down with Daredevil, the latter tells the former about her mother and recruits her into the Hand as part of the Fox Force Five ripoff, The Nail. Rodriguez doesn't do anything too inventive here, His art is the generic stuff you'd find in any title, but Henderson introduces us to many of the questions I was talking about and sets the stage for conflicts that I can't wait for.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (7/10)

SHADOWLAND: POWER MAN (1 of 4)
Words by: Fred Van Lente
Art by: Mahmud Asrar
From the opening panel you know this comic is going somewhere. The simple flashbacks matched with the one page splash of a glowing hand rising from the rubble sets that this will be good... but sadly, True Believers, the maic ends there for most of the book. This Power Man is not Luke Cage, who is in the book though, he IS a hero for Hire, but he's more of a jack-ass merc jack-ass. focusing more on the hire than Hero this Power Man is not like able, and that's what most the book focuses on. He's cleaning up Spanish Harlem, true, but he's doing it fifty bucks at a time. Not until the end is there any real rising action: There's pimps, there's ho's, there's ninja, but the best part of this book is the interactions of Luke Cage and Iron Fist coming to stop the new guy, leaving us hanging with a fight breaking out between Power Man, Power Man, and Iron Fist. The Art is average and the writing is the same. If you're following Shadowland it's a must read because this will definitely make a splash, but if you are just curious it's a pass kind of deal.

Dr. Brooklyn says: It's worth a Read (if you are reading SHADOWLAND) (5/10)
                             PASS (if you're not reading SHADOWLAND)

And if you've been keeping score (which you don't have to because I do) this weeks clear Marvel winner is SECRET AVENGERS #4 Go check out this fine book and the first 3 issues, this is a series you don't want to be left behind on.

Scott Pilgrim vs. this Blog Post (A Review)

Where to begin, where to begin?
How about the Beginning? (Good Idea, Brooklyn)

There are few movies that when you see the company logo you are already geeking out. Star Wars with Lucasfilm Ltd., Watchmen with the WB/DC on yellow, and Scott Pilgrim with the 8-Bit Universal Logo. As soon as it started I began smiling, and thankfully that smile didn't fade for quite some time.

I am very pleased that the movie didn't beat aroudn the bush and establish each character with added exposition, like the books you are planted smack dab in the middle of Scott's first romantic arc, Knives. From there most of the plot is the same as the books, but perhaps viewed through a fun house mirror: Everything is there, but the way it is viewed is quite different. Scenes are kept mostly intact, but scenes like the Lucas Lee fight are editted to add MORE referencial humor (is that possible?) to the world of SP vs TW. As a rabid Warriors fan, this scene made me geekgasm a little. The Exes are faced and each are given sufficient screen time, like an episode of Seinfeld the background characters get equal screen time, but the movie is no doubt about Scott and his Precious Little Life.

I have no major gripes with the changes, unlike some that happened to another comic book movie this year (Jetpack anyone?) these changes don't overshadow the movie, change the tone, or ruin the realism (In that OTHER movie). These changes are like adding a garnish lettuce to a dinner platter, no change in the quality of the dinner, but the presentation only becomes that much better.

Now, to the characters and those who portrayed them. First up... Kieran Caulkin stole this movie. For me he didn't steal the books, but this movie was his. (Sorry Cera) [He'll get over it]. From the very beginning Kieran captured the cockiness and dry humor that makes Wallace wells the coolest Gay character ever (Other than Adrian Veidt) [That was never proven].

Michael Cera, it's hard to imagine it's only been three years since we saw him trying to deliver liquor to a party with Jonah Hill, (Longer still since he was George Michael... but... that's not relevant). since that time we've only seen young Mr. Cera play Young Mr. Cera, but I think he finally has changed that here. I will admit, I was on the fence when I heard Cera was playing Pilgrim, I hadn't read the books, but I doubted that he would be anything other than himself. He shows all the emotions that Scott does in the books, and plays that perfect blend of Innocent Asshole that is required to translate this character to the screen.

Also, I would fail in my duties as giving a review if I didn't talk about the movie's biggest bag of adorable crazy... Ellen Wong. Every body know's a Knives Chau, that high school girl who thinks she's mature enough to know everything about love, but in her ignorance she is little more than a stalker. To play a character like that still takes talent, much like Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder folly of going "full retard" Wong could have gone "full stalker" but she didn't. She had an edge of innocence, a pinch of sadness, and a cute likeability that helped her not be that creepy stalker chick, but a stalker chick you felt sorry for.
The rest of the cast was also solid, but I don't feel like they need full analysis. Winstead was what I expected Ramona to be, Pill made up for her (well, I don't know how to say this and not seem like a total ass) physical cuteness as Kim with her solid funniness and unique take on the voicing, I always thought Kim would be more on the emotional range of Scott, and not Data, but it worked. Like I said before, it was like a Seinfeld episode where all the background characters got their fair time, but Cera remained the focus.
Edgar Wright is a genius. Spaced shows that, every episode seems like a mini moive of amazingness. (Tiny Epics of Epic Epicness, if you will) Look at his visual knods in SotD and HF and you know he know's film. Even on the show Asylum his genius shines. I can't say anything that good that hasn't been said about this guy.

Overall, the movie works. The humor is very present. The quirky characters are shown in an amazingly vibrant Toronto. I say congrats to all involved, they made one hell of a movie, and one hell of a great adaptation.

Dr. Brooklyn Says: LIKE this movie (9/10) on the like scale

First post or: How I learned to stop worring and love the Blog.

After months of dragging my feet... after many moons of whining about not having the time or effort to blog here I am... typing away at the first entry of a blog I'm going to use to assert my superiority in all things pop culture.

Like all stories it starts with a villain, this one is named D**** S**** or AYBGerrardo for short. He has an awesome blog and I decided that there would be enough people I know doing it to not appear foolish. So, how to begin a blog? I could go right into a self righteous diatribe, I could start with a review, I could do a top five for the kicks and giggles, I could just continue to list possible ways to fill this Genesis of blog posts... OR I could just rap it up shortly because I actually DON'T have a perfect solution to start with, but as the first offical thing "Dr. Brooklyn says to like" I place this Blog.

Sorry for not really giving you anything but a glorified blog tease, but tomorrow I'll hit the ground running with reviews of several comics that drop and maybe a movie... I dunno yet.

Until then my lovelies, your's truly~ Dr. Brooklyn