Forbidden Kingdom
My love of Hong Kong films is well known as is my love of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. So, based just on casting, Forbidden Kingdom was a dream come true. My viewing was delayed until Sunday due to food poisoning, which is unfortunate because I would have made people go see it. (Further examination of food poisoning and the joys of turning 40 may occur in another blog.)
If you've ever seen a Hong Kong Kung-Fu or Fantasy film and liked it, I'd recommend Forbidden Kingdom. It's typical HK Sword and Sorcery with a twist to attract U.S. audiences. It pays a great deal of homage to Drunken Master II and little bits to a lot of fantasy movies including some modern works like Zu and most impressively, Bride with the White Hair.
Yes, it stars a white kid who sorta has a Shia LeBouf thing going for him but they even address that in the movie. Jet Li remarks "Him? He's not even Chinese!" for a great laugh. And his training scenes are well worth it. Colin Chou makes a great baddy and since he's in the upcomming Donnie Yen Flashpoint I'm guessing he's actually pretty good and maybe even deserved (from a skill standpoint) to be Jet's substitute in the Matrix sequels. (Jet was supposed to be Seraph - why do I remember the character's name!?!) Li Bing Bing, who plays the second tier villainess, is really gorgeous _ though maybe it was just the hairÂ… No, she's good looking, Asian girls really don't do it for me.
If you're looking for true drama or a great plot then you're probably not a big fan of HK Kung Fu/Fantasy but it's simplistic and passable. The acting is what you'd expect from Chinese actors speaking English. Even Chan is occasionally unintelligible. Much more time was spent on the fights coordinated by the masterful Woo-Ping. The J vs. J duel is even better and far longer than I imagined it would be. In fact the movie is more fighting than I would expect from any U.S. release. I'd say a 1/3 if not more of the actual screen time is devoted to some sort of action/combat. And the fighting, while heavy on the wirework, is beautiful.
One question: why did Jet Li do this after "retiring" from making Kung-Fu films? I don't know. This was honestly a well done example of the HK fantasy genre and if it brings Jet or Jackie some more fame or gets some new viewers to Hong Kong films then I think it was well worth it. But if anyone has an idea let me know
My love of Hong Kong films is well known as is my love of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. So, based just on casting, Forbidden Kingdom was a dream come true. My viewing was delayed until Sunday due to food poisoning, which is unfortunate because I would have made people go see it. (Further examination of food poisoning and the joys of turning 40 may occur in another blog.)
If you've ever seen a Hong Kong Kung-Fu or Fantasy film and liked it, I'd recommend Forbidden Kingdom. It's typical HK Sword and Sorcery with a twist to attract U.S. audiences. It pays a great deal of homage to Drunken Master II and little bits to a lot of fantasy movies including some modern works like Zu and most impressively, Bride with the White Hair.
Yes, it stars a white kid who sorta has a Shia LeBouf thing going for him but they even address that in the movie. Jet Li remarks "Him? He's not even Chinese!" for a great laugh. And his training scenes are well worth it. Colin Chou makes a great baddy and since he's in the upcomming Donnie Yen Flashpoint I'm guessing he's actually pretty good and maybe even deserved (from a skill standpoint) to be Jet's substitute in the Matrix sequels. (Jet was supposed to be Seraph - why do I remember the character's name!?!) Li Bing Bing, who plays the second tier villainess, is really gorgeous _ though maybe it was just the hairÂ… No, she's good looking, Asian girls really don't do it for me.
If you're looking for true drama or a great plot then you're probably not a big fan of HK Kung Fu/Fantasy but it's simplistic and passable. The acting is what you'd expect from Chinese actors speaking English. Even Chan is occasionally unintelligible. Much more time was spent on the fights coordinated by the masterful Woo-Ping. The J vs. J duel is even better and far longer than I imagined it would be. In fact the movie is more fighting than I would expect from any U.S. release. I'd say a 1/3 if not more of the actual screen time is devoted to some sort of action/combat. And the fighting, while heavy on the wirework, is beautiful.
One question: why did Jet Li do this after "retiring" from making Kung-Fu films? I don't know. This was honestly a well done example of the HK fantasy genre and if it brings Jet or Jackie some more fame or gets some new viewers to Hong Kong films then I think it was well worth it. But if anyone has an idea let me know
California, Here I Come!
Fallon is headed out to California. Friday night we had a going away drink thing. Started at Club Lago and after that closed, went to the Green Door.
Fallon, workin' it.
With Amy
Pat, taking a picture of his... well you can imagine, with Titus' camera.
The end result being
Norton -- an allegory for life: I can't drink any more but someone bought me a beer what to do?
Enter Jenny. Are there hot chicks who draw comics not named Nicola Bryant or Becky Cloonan? Yes, yes there are. And she drinks Guiness too. I'm in love.
We were out until 2:00. The next day I had a work-related volunteer thingee where we repainted the brain-injury treatment offices.
Diana -- who organized it, Jessica -- who drove with Andrew and thus was in fear for her life and Gretchen (TargetGiRL) -- who really didn't want to be there. But she was.
Dan wiping his ass.
Diana, where no items are allowed. Her bff Cara (pronounced care-uh not car-uh) is also taking pictures.
Diana has the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. She takes that prize from the lovely Sarah who still has a beautiful smile, just it's second best now. They both have these almost impossibly wide, toothy grins that fill their whole face.
Birthday next week. Which should include a viewing of Forbidden Kingdom.
Fallon is headed out to California. Friday night we had a going away drink thing. Started at Club Lago and after that closed, went to the Green Door.
Fallon, workin' it.
With Amy
Pat, taking a picture of his... well you can imagine, with Titus' camera.
The end result being
Norton -- an allegory for life: I can't drink any more but someone bought me a beer what to do?
Enter Jenny. Are there hot chicks who draw comics not named Nicola Bryant or Becky Cloonan? Yes, yes there are. And she drinks Guiness too. I'm in love.
We were out until 2:00. The next day I had a work-related volunteer thingee where we repainted the brain-injury treatment offices.
Diana -- who organized it, Jessica -- who drove with Andrew and thus was in fear for her life and Gretchen (TargetGiRL) -- who really didn't want to be there. But she was.
Dan wiping his ass.
Diana, where no items are allowed. Her bff Cara (pronounced care-uh not car-uh) is also taking pictures.
Diana has the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. She takes that prize from the lovely Sarah who still has a beautiful smile, just it's second best now. They both have these almost impossibly wide, toothy grins that fill their whole face.
Birthday next week. Which should include a viewing of Forbidden Kingdom.
Catch 22
For those in the know and are wondering, I still have a job. But of course I can't blog about it because I still have a job.
For those in the know and are wondering, I still have a job. But of course I can't blog about it because I still have a job.
Happy Birthday to Me
I turn 40 in 2 weeks. I have work in Aurora area this weekend so I'm spending the weekend in Naperville.
For those not in the know, my parents are separated but Dad decided to come back this weekend because he'll be out the next two weekends and wanted to treat me and mom to a meal for my birthday. I wasn't necessarily up for it cuz I felt he'd screw it up but decided to give him a chance and that we'd have Dim Sum (it's a lunch of appetizers like Tapas.)
Now understand, my Dad isn't very social within the family. A few years back, while it was just the 2 of us at Dim Sum, he finished his meal early (which is typical for any meal, I was probably half finished) and ordered the waitress to pack all of his food. When I asked why not just wait for me to finish, he told me I could take as long as I wanted but ordered the waitress to pack his stuff immediately. I was of course done then and angry. He told me if I got mad just over such a little thing I would not survive in the world. I didn't eat out with him until his birthday several months later.
Anyways we went to dim sum and he was incredibly rude to mom during the drive so I ended up choosing not to eat with him. I wandered for a bit went to a nearby Sushi House (even the Chinese waitress at Sushi House was surprised at my age!) and paid for $50 of sushi. It was good but not great. Anyway, I will not be eating, not out - anywhere, with dad for a long time. Maybe forever.
Love from Japan -- grape chocolates are back! Actually they're blueberry. Almost stopped me from being angry. Almost.
Big things going to happen at work tomorrow - I may actually blog about what happens at work tomorrow. I've been putting in a lot of hours. Worked 10 hours on thursday 3/27. Worked 12 hours each friday through Sunday (including Wrestlemania!) and 15 hours on monday. Very tired. Still
Had lunch with TargetGiRL last friday. I hadn't talked to anyone or eaten well for the past 2 weeks it was just nice to sit down and talk with someone and not have everyone screaming at you to fix stuff. If I were younger I'd give it a go. But I'm not.
Got into an accident 2 weeks ago. Rear bumper is cracked. Hot polish girl gave me $300 to forget about it. It's a much longer story but I'm angry and tired.
Went to a poker tournament at Radiation Kevin's last night. I did fine both games but didn't get any money. I confused a lot of people with my extremely haphazzard play. The guy who won was scared to play against me in the second game.
I turn 40 in 2 weeks. I have work in Aurora area this weekend so I'm spending the weekend in Naperville.
For those not in the know, my parents are separated but Dad decided to come back this weekend because he'll be out the next two weekends and wanted to treat me and mom to a meal for my birthday. I wasn't necessarily up for it cuz I felt he'd screw it up but decided to give him a chance and that we'd have Dim Sum (it's a lunch of appetizers like Tapas.)
Now understand, my Dad isn't very social within the family. A few years back, while it was just the 2 of us at Dim Sum, he finished his meal early (which is typical for any meal, I was probably half finished) and ordered the waitress to pack all of his food. When I asked why not just wait for me to finish, he told me I could take as long as I wanted but ordered the waitress to pack his stuff immediately. I was of course done then and angry. He told me if I got mad just over such a little thing I would not survive in the world. I didn't eat out with him until his birthday several months later.
Anyways we went to dim sum and he was incredibly rude to mom during the drive so I ended up choosing not to eat with him. I wandered for a bit went to a nearby Sushi House (even the Chinese waitress at Sushi House was surprised at my age!) and paid for $50 of sushi. It was good but not great. Anyway, I will not be eating, not out - anywhere, with dad for a long time. Maybe forever.
Love from Japan -- grape chocolates are back! Actually they're blueberry. Almost stopped me from being angry. Almost.
Big things going to happen at work tomorrow - I may actually blog about what happens at work tomorrow. I've been putting in a lot of hours. Worked 10 hours on thursday 3/27. Worked 12 hours each friday through Sunday (including Wrestlemania!) and 15 hours on monday. Very tired. Still
Had lunch with TargetGiRL last friday. I hadn't talked to anyone or eaten well for the past 2 weeks it was just nice to sit down and talk with someone and not have everyone screaming at you to fix stuff. If I were younger I'd give it a go. But I'm not.
Got into an accident 2 weeks ago. Rear bumper is cracked. Hot polish girl gave me $300 to forget about it. It's a much longer story but I'm angry and tired.
Went to a poker tournament at Radiation Kevin's last night. I did fine both games but didn't get any money. I confused a lot of people with my extremely haphazzard play. The guy who won was scared to play against me in the second game.
Went to Japan Nite last tuesday with Pat. There were 6 bands. In order: Scandal, Detroit 7, The Emeralds, Petty Booka, Ketchup Mania and The Beaches. We missed Scandal and caught the last half of Detroit 7's set. They had a lot of energy and really rocked out.
Pat with Detroit 7. Getting my Japan Nite sampler signed.
The Emeralds came next but we didn't listen to them, They were at the last 2 Japan Nites and really haven't released anything new or changed their act. Petty Booka followed and they were a duet that did country/rockabilly covers of songs like Que Sera Sera and Friend of the Devil. Next up was Ketchup Mania and they were a bit more poppy than Detroit 7 but still had a hard edge to them.
Ketchup Mania.
Lastly came Beaches. Beaches pronounced in a Japanese accent sounds very much like Bitches which I think they were aware of. During their set there was a girl who was the most energetic and charismatic dancer who was just in front of us. She kinda looked like Scarlett Johansonn with black hair. She actually made the concert more interesting. During the last song the lead singer joined the crowd.
The Beaches. (That's her in the hat and the black top with blue stars)
Had a really good time. Our favorite band was Detroit 7. I ended buying something from everyone except The Emeralds.
Today a large group of us left work and as we were cleaning off our cars, a snowball fight broke out! It was lots of fun and just what I needed after a long week.
Happy Easter!
Pat with Detroit 7. Getting my Japan Nite sampler signed.
The Emeralds came next but we didn't listen to them, They were at the last 2 Japan Nites and really haven't released anything new or changed their act. Petty Booka followed and they were a duet that did country/rockabilly covers of songs like Que Sera Sera and Friend of the Devil. Next up was Ketchup Mania and they were a bit more poppy than Detroit 7 but still had a hard edge to them.
Ketchup Mania.
Lastly came Beaches. Beaches pronounced in a Japanese accent sounds very much like Bitches which I think they were aware of. During their set there was a girl who was the most energetic and charismatic dancer who was just in front of us. She kinda looked like Scarlett Johansonn with black hair. She actually made the concert more interesting. During the last song the lead singer joined the crowd.
The Beaches. (That's her in the hat and the black top with blue stars)
Had a really good time. Our favorite band was Detroit 7. I ended buying something from everyone except The Emeralds.
Today a large group of us left work and as we were cleaning off our cars, a snowball fight broke out! It was lots of fun and just what I needed after a long week.
Happy Easter!
F is ...
...for Funeral
Co-worker Annette's father passed away on the 10th and what Irishman would not want to burried on St. Pats? In grand tradition there was a visitation which included bagpipes, a full mass, burial and a reception afterwards. I left before the mass but hey, I had work and work on one of Annette's accounts.
...for Facebook
After a few months, I don't like facebook all that much. It's not bad but I don't really understand what I want out of it.
...a letter in Profile
So I changed my MySpace layout to match the Dating/X-Rated site friend invites and I used the slutty friends they had and linked my friends to them. (Example: Pat Brower usually has a picture of himself - as opposed to artwork or something - but on my page his image is of a girl wearing a thong and camisole. If you click on that image you'll go to his page.) The most interesting thing I found is women are very concerned with how they appear, even if it isn't them. Boobs in particular. The closes I came to a complaint was this message after I sent out inquiries as to whether people would be offended being linked to a sexist image.
...for Funeral
Co-worker Annette's father passed away on the 10th and what Irishman would not want to burried on St. Pats? In grand tradition there was a visitation which included bagpipes, a full mass, burial and a reception afterwards. I left before the mass but hey, I had work and work on one of Annette's accounts.
...for Facebook
After a few months, I don't like facebook all that much. It's not bad but I don't really understand what I want out of it.
...a letter in Profile
So I changed my MySpace layout to match the Dating/X-Rated site friend invites and I used the slutty friends they had and linked my friends to them. (Example: Pat Brower usually has a picture of himself - as opposed to artwork or something - but on my page his image is of a girl wearing a thong and camisole. If you click on that image you'll go to his page.) The most interesting thing I found is women are very concerned with how they appear, even if it isn't them. Boobs in particular. The closes I came to a complaint was this message after I sent out inquiries as to whether people would be offended being linked to a sexist image.
WTF? Didn't even know that was possible- i'd like less ass and more boobs PLEASE!
People have even left comments.
... for Facial Hair
Growing a beard/goatee and maybe mustache again.
... not linked to Japan Nite in any way
Tomorrow! Go!
To be (fired) or not to be (fired)
Tying up some loose ends...When I went for my annual review, I was supposed to be taken out for lunch. When I showed up and asked "where are we going?" I got the very definitive "we're not going out." I had images of Bull Durham in his towel being called into the manager's office. In reality the boss was so busy he forgot and ate before hand. I was relieved but SO hungry. But the annual review is not the place to complain about being promised a free lunch. That's what blogs are for.
More food: I did eat with Chris and Sarah at On the Border that day. It was very disturbing because Sarah just started crying the moment I saw her. (Actually, women crying when they see me is not that unusual...) Crying over laundry at that. No, really. Everything turned out fine once we got past the initial cry.
During the company retreat I broke my camera, bought a new camera (which is hot pink but only $99 for 7.2 megapixels means hot pink is OK. I'm confident in my photography to use a hot pink camera.) Monday, I finally got my camera fixed. Also went to the Rush/San Jose game Monday. It was lots o' fun. I took pictures of cheerleaders with the good camera. The cheap camera is amazing under good conditions (as good as the good camera) but the good camera is amazing under almost all conditions. This would be the place to show pictures, wouldn't it?
I am such a nerd. I am going to buy lettering. Tomorrow.
If you see me, ask me about how one person, completely by accident, is doing an amazing job of indirectly trying to get me fired. I don't think anyone could have me fear for my employment so much if they tried. Ask and I may even tell you.
My earache had cleared up a bit but today has gotten worse.
Tying up some loose ends...When I went for my annual review, I was supposed to be taken out for lunch. When I showed up and asked "where are we going?" I got the very definitive "we're not going out." I had images of Bull Durham in his towel being called into the manager's office. In reality the boss was so busy he forgot and ate before hand. I was relieved but SO hungry. But the annual review is not the place to complain about being promised a free lunch. That's what blogs are for.
More food: I did eat with Chris and Sarah at On the Border that day. It was very disturbing because Sarah just started crying the moment I saw her. (Actually, women crying when they see me is not that unusual...) Crying over laundry at that. No, really. Everything turned out fine once we got past the initial cry.
During the company retreat I broke my camera, bought a new camera (which is hot pink but only $99 for 7.2 megapixels means hot pink is OK. I'm confident in my photography to use a hot pink camera.) Monday, I finally got my camera fixed. Also went to the Rush/San Jose game Monday. It was lots o' fun. I took pictures of cheerleaders with the good camera. The cheap camera is amazing under good conditions (as good as the good camera) but the good camera is amazing under almost all conditions. This would be the place to show pictures, wouldn't it?
I am such a nerd. I am going to buy lettering. Tomorrow.
If you see me, ask me about how one person, completely by accident, is doing an amazing job of indirectly trying to get me fired. I don't think anyone could have me fear for my employment so much if they tried. Ask and I may even tell you.
My earache had cleared up a bit but today has gotten worse.
Ssick - part 2
So I'm not really sick. I did have an earache sunday night into monday morning that only allowed me about an hour of sleep (two half hour sessions) which will probably turn into something that I'll ignore until I need to go to the hospital. It's some sort of congestion thing but it didn't hurt on the flight.
"Ssick," however, is TargetGiRL's new expression. It was her "like," "very," and "y'know" all rolled into one. It also drove one of my bosses crazy _ and not in a good way. Every time she said it, and it was several times a sentence, you could see his jaw clench and his temple vein bulge. So I decided to join in. I only got to do it once. He gave me a look that said "I can't kill her, but youÂ… you work directly under me."
Ssick.
I'm finally recovering from the weekend. I looked at all the crap I recorded: regular stuff as well as 2 awards shows (IFC Indy Spirit and Oscars) and it's a lot. I'm starting with the Academy Awards, with luck I'll get the main show out of the way tonight and maybe get to the red carpet and post shows tomorrow. Guh. I'm sorry, ssick.
So I'm not really sick. I did have an earache sunday night into monday morning that only allowed me about an hour of sleep (two half hour sessions) which will probably turn into something that I'll ignore until I need to go to the hospital. It's some sort of congestion thing but it didn't hurt on the flight.
"Ssick," however, is TargetGiRL's new expression. It was her "like," "very," and "y'know" all rolled into one. It also drove one of my bosses crazy _ and not in a good way. Every time she said it, and it was several times a sentence, you could see his jaw clench and his temple vein bulge. So I decided to join in. I only got to do it once. He gave me a look that said "I can't kill her, but youÂ… you work directly under me."
Ssick.
I'm finally recovering from the weekend. I looked at all the crap I recorded: regular stuff as well as 2 awards shows (IFC Indy Spirit and Oscars) and it's a lot. I'm starting with the Academy Awards, with luck I'll get the main show out of the way tonight and maybe get to the red carpet and post shows tomorrow. Guh. I'm sorry, ssick.
Ssick!
And so the 2008 Company Retreat was underway. It was our 10th anniversary so we flew to St. Petersburg, Florida. Meetings during the day and nights were free though we had planned events and mostly traveled as a group.
I could regale you with stories of drunkenness, hookups, hookers, bodily functions, broken cameras, sssick, elevators, rooftops, strip clubs, porn stores, casinos, ybor, Prana, canceled flights, rental cars and much, much more.
But I don't blog about work.
And so the 2008 Company Retreat was underway. It was our 10th anniversary so we flew to St. Petersburg, Florida. Meetings during the day and nights were free though we had planned events and mostly traveled as a group.
I could regale you with stories of drunkenness, hookups, hookers, bodily functions, broken cameras, sssick, elevators, rooftops, strip clubs, porn stores, casinos, ybor, Prana, canceled flights, rental cars and much, much more.
But I don't blog about work.
