Left for Dead 2 television commercial: What is that song?

So have you seen the Let for Dead 2 video game commercial? I'm sure most have by now. It's all over television.

The commercial itself is pretty common considering the genre. Blast the zombies and stay alive. Nothing all that new for an FPS (first person shooter), though it has gotten high marks from the reviews I've seen.

Honestly I wouldn't even think about the game as I generally don't bother with FPS video games (Resident Evil excepted). But it's the commercial. The damn thing just sticks in my mind. Actually the background song of the television commercial - Bang Bang Bang Bang, Vamanos! Vamanos!



It just lingers. I have to say that it is the best part of the whole game commercial. It almost makes me want to go out and buy the game. Almost, but it is highly likely that the musioc won't be in the game itself.

So if you are like me, here is who made the song. The band is called Clutch, and they've been around since 1990. They play funk and heavy metal. Also they do hardcore punk and blues rock. The last is very much what is in this song.

The song is called Electric Worry. It sounds like it has it's inspiration in Muddy Waters. If you don't know Waters, definitely check him out. Here is the video (which really needs work).



And if you wanted to see a bit more of Left for Dead and the sequel, to this same song, I also found a nice fanvideo.

Warning - This is a bit graphic in violence and gore.

How to lose a girlfriend like a rockstar

The world of entertainers and that of the rest of the us are very different. Take the example of Robbie Williams. This is a man that in any other circumstance would be sure to be single.

Robbie Williams was in Australia and being interviewed by a local radio station about his latest album "Reality Killed The Video Star". During the interview he was told that Sydney, Australia has a reputation for marriage proposals - which is the first I have heard of this reputation. Williams then did the following:

"Williams turned to [actress and girlfriend Ayda] Field and said: "Is there anyone you want to get married to?"
She replied: "This is so awkward."
To which Williams said: "Will you marry me?"
After a pause, Field, 30, answered: "Yes, I'll marry you."

That, most would assume, was a marriage proposal. Not the most romantic or memorable way to do it, but still a proposal nonetheless. Except we are talking about entertainers. And spokesman for Williams denies he is now engaged. Too bad Robbie Williams mom wasn't clued in. Reports are that Williams mom now states that the couple is very excited and planning a wedding soon.

So we have Williams people saying that it was a joke. You have Williams mom thinking it was real. Who knows what Ayda Field is thinking.

Were this regular people I would expect that Williams would come home to find the remains of his things that weren't completely burned on the sidewalk - being the ultimate punchline for his very public joke. In fact if this were any of the women I know, upon hearing that the proposal was a joke, Williams would be seriously hurt and instantly single.

Maybe that's what he was hoping for? To be single again. But if we don't see Williams for a while, if he misses any interviews or public appearances, I would expect that Ayda Field had a very non-verbal conversation with him about the matter. If you love celebrity gossip I say keep an eye out on this couple.

Tiger Woods in car accident

It's always a shame to hear of anyone you know of in a car accident. When you hear about a celebrity or entertainer getting seriously injured it feels as if it were a family member, as so many of us follow the careers and news of these people as much as some members of our direct families.

I hope that Tiger Woods will be ok. So far reports are that he is in serious condition. The exact nature of his injuries and the extent of them are unrevealed at this point.

Early details are that he was pulling out of his driveway when he hit a fire hydrant and a tree. It sounds like there is more to this than just that for the degree of injury he is reported to be in. There was no alcohol involved in the injury as reported by authorities.

I hope that the Woods family and friends are alright. I know how it can be to have a family member in the hospital after an accident. It's not a feeling I would wish upon an enemy.

So far there is no indication what impact thesse injuries may have on the arguably greatest golfer ever. There is no doubt that many fear this could affect his career detrimentally. Which would be a shame as he still has decades left in his career, and I have no doubt that he can break ever record he has yet to achieve.

But if the choice were to have a Tiger Woods that could no longer play golf, or a Tiger that was a lesser golfer than he is, as opposed to no tiger Woods at all I would take either of the first 2 options.

For your Black Friday online shopping consideration

I hope that all of my readers and their family and friends have had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I sincerely would like to believe that no one was without a meal or friends at least for that day.

Friday is of course an entirely different subject. It is a day dedicated to shopping, sales, and getting that one item someone you know will love. It is Black Friday, when retail store pray to be overrun, and shoppers deal with congestion the likes of which they would avoid at any other time of the year.

I realize that every mega-chain, local mom and pop, and online store is competing for your attention today. And I admit I too would like to have you purchase some of my products.

I can't offer television ads, or celebrities hawking my goods. I can't offer discounts that come from being a billion dollar corporation. Nor will I present inferior goods with prices so low you have to question which truck they fell off of.

All I will ask is that my readers, and anyone they would be kind enough to refer, check out Alchemy at World of Vass and World of Vass.

Alchemy at World of Vass

You can find high quality hand-made English Pewter products adorned with Swarovski crystals here. Every item is authentic and imported directly from England. There are items from the unique resin skulls, to stylish and fashionable earrings and pendants. You can get classic steins, ornate goblets, unique shot glasses, original rings, elaborate t-shirts, and more.

To get a taste of what is available just look at this video and then go online shopping.



World of Vass

With over 1500 different items to choose from, you could spend hours just looking at each item at this online store. This online shopping site features t-shirts, coffee mugs, mousepads, sweatshirts, handbags, kids clothes, maternity wear, gift cards, calendars, teddy bears and much more. There are over 21 separate custon made designs that are available only at World of Vass.

The various designs found at this online store run the gamut of cute, friendly, sexy, naughty, flirty, bold, political, individuality, fasionable, and impressive. We believe that there is truly something here for everyone, geek or jock, young or old, man or woman, White, Black, Hispanic, or whatever.

And unlike many other websites that hawk goods that look good as a flat picture, you can see many of the different gifts on the various models we have done photo shoots with over the years. Some of our models include sexy and intelligent women like >Juliana Coates, Ashley France, and Christinal Blank. Out male models include the popular Shawn Kennedy, the youthful Dylan Miller and of course our own president - Michael Vass.

"No matter which of our online stores (or both) that you choose to go to I, Michael Vass, can attest to the fact that I personally own many of the products found there. I can personally vouch for the quality and worthiness of every item we provide for sale."

So as you spend your busy day looking for the cheapest whatever on super discount, or the hottest advertised widget or gadget, I ask you to take a moment and support the efforts. Look through our online store. Make a purchase (all items can be delivered to your home before Christmas at this point) or several. And tell your friends bout our online stores.

Your word of mouth is far more valuable to me than the anonymous and less than heartfelt advertising on television and other media.

Thank you for your support. It makes a differnce and helps me to provide the very best I can for all my readers.

Sincerely,

Michael Vass
President - M V Consulting, Inc.
info@vassconsult.com

Susan Boyle proves American Idol is a waste of time

I have been asked in the past why I dislike American Idol so much. I have explained it many times, but I think the recent debut album of Britain's Got Talent winner Susan Boyle makes it crystal clear.

Susan Boyle is not a beauty queen. That reason alone is likely why she has not been scooped up by a record label long before now. Because she wouldn't look sexy in a music video, and she isn't so young she couldn't drink in America. She is an average woman, with incredible talent.



Adam Lambert, and all the other winners of American Idol are virtually all young, good looking, and marketable to teens and young adults. They can be marketed via music videos, dressed in all manner of revealing or seductive clothing, and prance around a stage in mock acts of lacivity that just draws censors and media attention.



The difference between the 2? Talent.

There is no comparison of the American Idol winners and Susan Boyle (or another surprise winner in England Paul Potts who sings opera like a knockout punch). Not even Jennifer Hudson, who is quite good, can match her talent. But then again, American Idol isn't about talent. It's about making money.

American Idol is simply a way for people to prove that they can sell according to a set of preconceived list of attributes that American record companies find important. It's a cookie cutter mold of throw away acts that make a quick buck. They are flash in the pans that are about as important to record companies as last year's ratings are to American Idol - they only count if money is coming in.

Hell, the proof of the pudding had to be William Hung. He wasn't attractive, he couldn't sing, he couldn't even shake rythmically. But he got ratings out the buttocks. So he got a record deal, and made 2 albums before he was discarded like day old fish. His shelf life was longer than his talent, but he was a useful tool to rake in cash on a gimick.

But in Britain's Got Talent we see singers that aren't confined to just pop music. They aren't molded to quick sales and gimmicks. They aren't just a means to the next buck, but are actually able to do something special. Well at least sometimes if we are being honest.

That's the point though. The concept was to find people with talent that were overlooked for whatever reason. To give them a shot at living their hearts dream. Britain's Got Talent does that, American Idol just goes for the superficial.

Why in the world would I, or anyone, want to watch a bunch of people embarrass themselves (in the early portion), and then sell their creative souls to become just another forgettable name on the one hit wonder list? Even if they survive for a while, all they are is mediocre and pop tarts that can be replaced in a year.

If I am going to commit to watching regular people trying to make it big, I'd rather go out with friends to see a live performance. I'd rather see people trying to make it with their creative souls intact and enjoying being what they dreamed instead of the prefab creation of a bunch of accountant and statisticians. I want to see talent, not marketing.

American Idol is literally the worst of programming on television. It takes your brain cells and life and gives you back reguritated mash.

And by the way, I recommend the album of Susan Boyle. I may one day recommend Adam Lambert, if he is around in a year or 2 and has more to offer than gimmicks and the insta-fame of pop television fluff.

Pimp Ken and Slut Barbie

I'm not sure how many people have heard what next year's new toy du jour will be. It's likely not what you think, and even less savory once you know.

The toy is the Ken Doll from the Barbie collection. In honor of the 50th year of Barbie dolls, Ken has a new line that is called officially Sugar's Daddy Ken Doll. You might have heard of it more commonly as the Sugar Daddy Ken doll. Or even perhaps as the Pimp Ken doll.



Now Mattel has made it clear that they do not agree with the renaming of the toy, geared to adult collectors.

"While the name of the doll does refer back to the dog, I think people are going to interpret it as they want to interpret it." - Mattel spokeswoman Michelle Chidoni

Really now? Mattel spends untold millions on market research for every toy they make. Every detail of the toys , from the colors used to the packaging, to the names are market researched and designed to click with their target market. There is no interpetation of a Barbie or Ken doll that Mattel has not envisioned and tested long before anyone in the world sees it.

Mattel knew this would be the reaction. In fact I believe they planned on it. Not only because they get free publicity, but because they want to stay relevant to how they see society.

It's the same reason that there was a pregnant Barbie, which lined up with the spike in unwed mothers and pregnant teens in the nation. It's the same reason they made a Tattoo Barbie, to match the ass stamp (or tramp stamp as some call it) that is now overwhelmingly popular among young women. In fact it is the same reason that Lawyer Barbie and Professional Barbie are things of the long ago E.R.A. past.

"We are a good brand and we inspire girls around the world to do amazing things, and we are very proud of who we are and what we are." - Richard Dickson General Manager of Mattel

Oh yes I can see how this is inspiring young girls. Matching Tattoo Barbie with her ass stamp and inhuman figure with Sugar Daddy Ken (or in this match up I like to say Pimp Ken) young girls are inspired to find a man to take care of their needs. To use a man via sexuality to gain material goods. To effectively become a cheap prostitute.

It's an image straight out of almost any rap music video. It's an image found commonly in movies of the last decade or so. It's a theme found on various CW television shows. And in case any young girl has yet to be infected from those sources - because they are too young - Mattel is there to usher them in.

Maybe I am making too much of this. Maybe most girls have too much self-esteem to fall into this trap. But most is not all.

In the same way some women are eased into anorexia because of media influences, and the way that getting a tattoo on the ass of a 16 year old is the current common way to express individualism, this doll and combination reinforce the worst of society. It's no different than the aforementioned music videos and pregnant Barbie. In fact, adding this to those elements and movies, television shows, and magazines I am unsure how any young girl might be at least subliminally unaffected by the image of dependency and prostitution that is being sold to them from all sides.

Is Mattel free to make the toy? Yes and they should be in a free capitalist society. That is not my point. Simple morality and decency should have prevented them from creating these doll lines in the first place. There are some things unworthy of selling for profit. This, to me, is a clear example of such.

Hugh Jackman ain't Lee Marvin - Real Steel

Let's say that you are a Hollywood executive. So between meetings deciding where you can eat dinner and get the most peer attention, and where to drink to get the most peer attention, you have to figure out a movie to greenlight for Hugh Jackman to be in.

You could:

A) Read through the pile of original scripts that you have been using as a makeshift coffee table
B) Look through your son's comic book collection
C) Keep watching Nick-At-Nite since you are overstimulated and can't sleep more than an hour a day anyway

Sadly for Hugh Jackman, or at least his agent, the option picked in real life was C. Thus we have yet another revisioned remake of a Twilight Zone episode coming to a theater near you. Not that the horrendous revisioning of Button Button - in theaters now as The Box - had any influence on the decision.



Yes, Jackman will be starring in Real Steel. A rip-off of the Twilight Zone episode Steel that aired on October 1963 and was based on a short story from 1956. That episode starred a real great actor, Lee Marvin. It was a tale of indomitable spirit and optimism. It was gritty and Black & White. It is so old that whichever Hollywood exec is completely sure that movie-goers by large will have no idea it's yet another copy of a television show episode (not even a series).

Such is the dearth of ideas that Hollywood is willing to take a chance on. Their quest of "bankable" ideas matched with popular entertainers trump any real effort at providing entertainment more often than not. But at least this is not yet another sequel or comic book to movie conversion or video game to movie conversion.

The premise of the film is basically the same as the Twilight Zone episode. It's the future. Boxing is now relegated to only androids. Jackman is the owner of a run-down android that is his last chance at success. The theory of the film, as stated so far, is that this will be a Rocky-esque film. I suppose that means the underdog will win even though there is no reason in creation why anyone would ever believe it should happen. Then again there is always the thought



Look, Jackman is ok. But a boxer? Unless he has a crazy intense workout schedule nowhere near believable shape. Especially if they follow the Twilight Zone script and have him fight a machine. Lee Marvin was a WWII Marine Scout Sniper vet with a purple heart. Jackman is a teen heartthrob (ok, maybe to ladies older than that too). Jackman is basically the guy that is the butt of the Eddie Murphy joke (just taller and Australian).

And all of this says nothing of the filler that will be thrown into the movie to fill up the time that is outside of what was already in the Twilight Zone episode. So roughly about 30 minutes of new material from writers that haven't done anything truly original in decades. That worked out really well in The Box. I expect about the same here.

The only real hope of this film lies in the director. Shawn Levy is known for his Night at the Museum - which was decent - and the atrocious Pink Panther revisioning. That's 50/50 odds, not including the fact that Real Steel is not a comedy. My hopes are not rising.

But there is time before the trailers come out (in 2010). Who knows, maybe a writer with a spark of originality might be hired as a Christmas gift to the public. Or more likely, accountants have figured out that it's time for another great White hope, and theaters are the only place it will really pay off even if it sucks.

Tyler Perry donates $1 million

As the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaches, it's always nice to have a bit of positive news. This year Tyler Perry is the one giving some cheer.

Tyler Perry has given $1,000,000 to the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in honor of the 100 year the organization has been working on civil rights and empowerment to African Americans. The donation is no small thing, and is an interesting gift.

Perry is the subject of no small debate within the Black community. Some find his movies and television shows to be a welcome source of information on African Americans in the media. Other find his work to be a caricature that is insulting and "bufoonery". Perhaps the most true statement is that it is both in equal parts.

Either way, there is no question that Peryy has become a force in Hollywood. His efforts have provided some of the most consistent and profitable presentations of African Americans to date. There is no question that via his movies more African Americans are getting work and exposure than at almost any other time in entertainment history (when including the work of all other African Americans).

Perry has also been consistent in giving back to the community. The donation to the NAACP is not his first, nor likely his last. But it is the largest individual donation to the NAACP in it's history.

Earlier this year Perry also helped the 65 kids of Creative Steps Day Camp. The kids had been kicked out of Valley Swim Club in Philadelphia under debatable racial motivation, and Perry took up their cause and sent the kids to Disney.

In September of last year Perry donated 2 weeks of food to 1,000 families via Hosea Feed the Hungry and the Homeless care center. At the time I noted how he was doing more for the public than Congress. Not that the major media cared.

So no matter what you think of the work of Tyler Perry, there is no question of his contributions. This is the essense of what the holiday spirit is I think. Not the shopping slaes sprees, but the giving. Perry may not get much major news media coverage for what he has done, but I have no problem commending his actions.

Video Game Preview: Dante's Inferno

There are days that I find things that are fun, joyful, informative, and make me feel good about what I do. Then there are days where I learn about other things. Today is one of those days, and the video game Dante's Inferno is the reason.

Before I go any further, this is graphic. It not pleasant. It definitely plays off of religious themes. And I really do not suggest any child read any further. Nightmare will like just be the start of what they go through.

You have been warned.


When I first noticed the video for Dante's Inferno I was captivated by the title. Obviously it is in reference to the medeival poem of the same name which is part of the Divine Comedy (not that there is humor). The poem details a trip through the 9 circles of Hell. The goal was to travel closer to God. This is directly based on the Christian religious beliefs as of the 14th Century.

Hell, as described by Dante, can be broken down into Upper Hell (the first 5 Circles) for the self-indulgent sins; Circles 6 and 7 for the violent sins; and Circles 8 and 9 for the malicious sins. Each level lower is more horrific a punishment for sinners than the last.

The video game takes these ideas and runs with them. There are plenty of changes from the original source material. Such as a back story on Dante, making him a knight that fought and commited multiple sins during the Crusades. That he is on a quest to save the soul of his beloved Beatrice, whose innocent soul was taken to Hell.

As part of this quest, Dante fights Death to start on the path - gaining Death's scythe. The scythe is one of 2 main weapons that you have in the game. The other is a cross.

The scythe is an attack weapon that takes multiple forms. It also adds to the negative morality your charater has. The cross keeps foes at a distance and exorcises them adding to the positive karma. It is stated that defeating all the foes is possible using the cross, but the diffulty is far higher.

There is no question of the surrounding in the game. The visuals, virtually from the start of the game, leaves little question. They are expressive of the pain and torture that Dante's Inferno has always expressed. And I have to believe that the designers have spent many nights waking in cold sweats. Plus it gets worse the furhter the game goes.

Even the sounds are clear in the game. Right at the beginning of Hell the screams of the damn are indications of what is to come. And the sound does not stop after that.

There is really no aspect of this game that leaves the player guessing what they are there to do, or what they are against.

Here are some of videos of the gameplay, showing off some of the levels of the game and the designers thoughts.











Seeing this I cannot, and I'm not sure I want to, imagine what the center of the 9th Ring would be like.

This game is absolutely sure to offend ultra-religious types. It is sure to have various religous groups protest. It is sure to give more than a few people nightmares (not the least of which may be from the thought that if this is what a person can imagine, what could it REALLY be like?).

This game will sell. If only for the fact that people will ant to see what they have envisioned, just as people go to see the SAW movies for the traps. But the gameplay looks solid, and it seems to be well thought out. In fact the marketing for this game has gone so far as to create an animated short movie to go along with the game. Kind of "fleshing" it out.



That will be available on DVD in Febrary, just as will be the game.

I can't recommend this game. Not because of the gameplay or visuals or some other part of its function. It isn't because I am a devout person of faith. It just unnerves me. I can't get past that, so the game is out for me. But if that is not a problem (or a motivation) for you go for it. I can't see a reason otherwise to knock the video game.

It will be available on the PS3 and Xbox 360

Movie Preview: Prince of Persia Sands of Time

Well after being rumored and discussed by gamers for years, Prince of Persia has finally made the conversion to the big screen - no gaming system required. Yes another in the growing line of video game to movie conversions is coming for the 2010 movie season.

What we can tell from the trailer immediately is that much of the violence and gore that the game is known for will not be in the movie. That's because this is a Disney film and will likely be targeted to the pg-13 rating target market. So that takes away from the story - if in fact the movie will follow the well executed script of the video game at all.

Beyond that revelation the big question is if this will be done well. Will it be some kiddie action flick pr something that adults and 20-something fans can really get into. Pirates of the Caribbean proved that a conversion film could do both. But there is no shortage of films that squander the source materials following and rich content. (think of Silent Hill, or more recently Resident Evil: Extinction)

The visuals of the film look big. Very expansive and rich in detail. There is no fear of CGI in this film. And some of the scenes look like the use of CGI plays out well. Though overuse of CGI tends to give me a feeling that a film is more cartoony than anything else.

We can also see that some of the gameplay elements of Prince of Persia is in the movie. The question with that is if these elements are just incidental items that work best in a trailer, or if they are integral to the movie itself. Generally in a conversion movie the answeer is more the former than latter.

Perhaps the one thing that really bugs me is none of the above. It's the star Jake Gyllnehaal. He is matched up with Ben Kingsley who is a far superior actor (Bloodrayne excepted) and thus may not fare well in scenes with the 2 together. Add to that the fact that I don't see Gyllenhaal as a Persian. He does not seem to have those qualities to me. Which makes sense since he is of Swedish decent. It may not be a big thing to some fans, but its a bit of a distraction seeing a Swede in Arabia as the main hero to me.

But if geography, and the expectation of seeing native populations in their homelands, is not something you ever pay attention to then the film should move along well. My guess is that the film's plot will be about as engaging as Conan the Barbarian was. Not a great film, but good enough to watch without much complaint. Nor will you be bothered with remembering much of what the film was about 5 minutes after watching it.

None of this will stop the film from making at least $250 million worldwide. Much of that (maybe 35%) will come in the first weekend as fans of the video game, Gyllenhaal, action fans, and those interested in Gemma Arterton (probably best known for her role as Strawberry Fields in Quantum of Solace and soon to be seen again in the Clash of the Titans revisioning). After that weekend, I think the hype will be over and the buzz will reveal that this is an ok film but not much more.

So there you go. One of the first films of the 2010 summer blockbuster season.

BART police are at it again

When you consider the problems that BART officers are prone to create you have to wonder what they are being instructed to do. In yet another case of overreaction, a BART officer goes to the extreme.



Now while excessive force in any police department is something to take notice of, I want to point out the differences in this case compared to the murder of Oscar Grant on New Year's Day 2009.

In the Oscar Grant case there were multiple videos showing that Grant and the other men being questioned by police were not resisting. In this case there were 6 - 7 officers present. In this case Oscar Grant was unarmed, possible handcuffed behind his back, definitely laying on the ground with an officer on his back. Oscar Grant was shot in the back and killed, I believe on purpose.

This recent situation deals with a drunk White male (reportedly Michael Gibson, 37, of San Leandro). The White male is belligerent and seeking to endanger the people on the train. The officer acts quickly, and excessively, to place the suspect out of the reach of other passengers. Though slamming the drunk into a plate glass window with enough force to break the window is extreme, there was no need for deadly force. Additional officers were not brought to the scene.

In addition, notice that the officer was also cut by the breaking glass. Several people approach the officer, and in fact one seems to be helping to hold down the suspect. Which compares to BART officers earlier this year, who were aggressive to passengers that were only videotaping the altercation with Oscar Grant, and keeping a distance from officers.

Was the recent action of the BART officer extreme? Yes, though the intent seems to have been to remove any threat and potential escalation as quickly as possible. But there was a definite limit to what the officer was willing to do. Which is not the same thing that routinely happens when the suspect is Black, Hispanic, or any other person of color. It is a fact that police across the country have been repeatedly found to act more aggressively and violently with a person of color than any other person, even when not in a potentially violent situation.

I saw all this because it is likely that this recent BART case will likely provide the drunk with a get out of jail free card. Because the drunk will likely be paid a huge settlement. Because this case with the White drunk IS getting national attention. But at this time the Oscar Grant case has not resulted in these same things. In fact, it is highly likely that ex-officer Johannes Mehserle will be able to get away with what he did.

The Oscar Grant case has been delayed, the venue moved out of Oakland to a "neutral" place (think Rodney King), and the media has avoided the case in extreme. The city, as last I am aware, is unwilling to make any payment or accept any blame and wrong-doing.

I want justice, for ANYONE that is a victim of true police violence. Not the get rich quick schemes that some cases create. Not the sensationalized media-driven cases. Not the questionable cases of shootouts and violence initiated by a suspect. But covering for police is not the answer or justice.

Oscar Grant and his family have been victims of Johannes Mehserle, Oakland, BART, and the media. This is a reflection of a systemic flaw in our law enforcement system. And this flaw is now becoming an issue even White Americans are being affected by. But I don't want to wait until there is an epidemic - like how crack was ok until White Senators kids got addicted, then it was a problem - because it is too late by then.

Justice for Oscar Grant is justice for all of Oakland. It is an indication that across the country at least some attempt is being made to stem a virus that is growing, not by the year, but by the week. Anything less is just an excuse for the racial bias that is a reality in our law enforcement and legal system.

Movie Preview: Legion

Looking forward to 2010 another disaster awaits mankind. I don't mean the Mayans, Health Care Reform, Cap & Trade, or the mid-term elections. No this will be far worse. This will be an act on high.

At least that is the premise of Legion. It is another in a long line of films that pose the question, what if religious deities (or their minions) decided that mankind had to go. This was probably best done in the low-budget but fan favorite The Prophecy with Christopher Walken.

Legion takes much from that film, using angels as the means as the end of mankind. But this time man has an ally. The Archangel Michael. And there is a secret weapon in the form of a baby that can save us all. That part comes from Dogma I think. Or maybe Terminator, your choice.

In terms of the looks, it's a better than average film. There are lots of CGI effects that work. The tone matches the dark skies and lighting. The desolate feel of a desert standoff matches the sense of desperation the characters are dealing with.

Here is the video so you see what I mean.



The thing that stands out immediately to me is the number of quality actors and the time the film will be released. The film has veterans like Charles Dutton and Dennis Quaid. Both are excellent actors and can being a lot of credibility to the film. Then again the film also has Tyrese Gibson. We can hope he dies early in the film.

Paul Bettany as Michael looks like a good choice too. He has a good feel from what we can get from the movie trailer. You may recall Bettany best for his role in the DaVinci Code, but he has also been in A Beautiful Mind, Knight's Tale, and will be in Iron Man 2 (as the voice of Jarvis as in Iron Man).

Really the big question is the plot. Does it make sense. Can these mere mortals and 1 angel (given that he is 1 of the 3 Archangels [religious scholars may know of more of them]) hold out against a horde of other lesser angels (and another Archangel, Gabriel)? Would God really kill off humanity? What about the last Archangel, Lucifer. Surely in such a battle, with the stakes being so high and for a commodity that has a value to Lucifer, that fallen angel would not just sit it out.

I think the entire film is about faith. A test of faith for mankind and the angels - actually the Archangels. It's a question of how far would you go to save/help someone you don't know because you believe it will result in some good, but you have no facts or even clues that you are right.

This film will either work or fail because of the writing. The Prophecy was low budget, with only Walken being the big prize. But the writing made the story work, and fans stuck with it so much that 3 more sequels were made. This is the bigger budget cousin of that idea. And without a good script all the names are just a write-off on a bad marketing gimmick.

Of course the fact I review films constantly gives me a somewhat jaded view. The reason I have doubts about the film really comes from 2 things. The first is that the 3rd Archangel seems to be missing from the film. That means the writers weren't smart enough to include him. Which means there are going to be big gaps in logic. Not a good sign.

The other is what I alluded to earlier. This film will be out January 22, 2010. That's almost the start of the film year. It is almost always a time when the very worst ideas that have been sitting on shelves are thrown out and forgotten about. There has been almost no movie of worth that has come out that early in a year. This could be a sleeper hit, but I don't think that was the intention on this. It has too much money behind it.

No, for all their faults a bunch of Hollywood execs saw the final product and had a problem with the film. They could be wrong, and I would like that as both Bettany and Dutton could use a boost, but I doubt that.

Still I probably will go see this just because I like Bettany and Dutton. So now you know.

Music Video: Beyonce and Lady Gaga - do I need to say more?

By now I'm sure many have seen the new music video by Beyonce that features the popular Lady GaGa. Of course I'm sure there are just as many that might not have seen it yet considering how few music videos get played on MTV these days. But this video is special and I think even reviewers have missed the joke in the video. Read on and tell me if you get it too.

The song is called Video Phone. It's a very Lady Gaga song in that it is simplistic in the vocals and catchy at the same time. I'd also say that the major influence in the video comes from Lady Gaga and her people. It is a new direction for Beyonce, from what I saw. But like the song, the video works.

Of course, movie buffs (and others) like myself may find the video interesting for far more reasons than just the look and the eye catching colors. Then again there are more than a few that have issues with the video (though they missed the big thing - or were too embarrassed to mention it if they did get it).

"I will admit the video is pretty to look at, and Lady GaGa holds her own next to a major captial D Diva, but the womanizing undertones and dance for your dinner chair routine have my tummy feeling icky." - Ryan Brockington, NY Post

and

The Bad: Why exactly was Lady Gaga in this video? Her voice adds nothing to what was actually a pretty mediocre song. And the dance sequence with Beyonce and Lady Gaga? Hey, Gaga can’t keep up with Beyonce’s poppin’ and shakin.’ (But, then, who can?!) On top of that, Gaga looks a little emaciated next to the more athletic B. Regarding other aspects of the video, what’s up with all the guns? Not sure what that has to do with a video phone." - Creative Loafing

I see their points, (though Beyonce is just a normal Black woman that doesn't conform to the Hollywood fetish with anorexics) but I saw a whole lot of other things. First though, here is the video. [Sorry for the ad at the bottom of the video, but this is the video with the least obtrusive ad I could find]



Ok, so now you have seen it. Did you catch all the apparent homages in the video? Did you figure it out?

There is the Quentin Tarantino Resevoir Dogs shot, with a bit of the Cray 8's from Kill Bill. Then after a bit it gets all fetishy with the Zentai hoods and male bondage. It gets way more BDSM, in clothing, as I believe both ladies are in Rubber or Latex neon day-glow outfits with matching boots, and the Latex halter that Beyonce wears. Which makes sense if the thought is to show female dominance over the men in the video, and that explains all the guns plus the Tarrantino references.

But there is also a bit reference to Betty Page. Often seen on WWII bombers, it is also a reason for the guns, I suppose. By the way, the weapons are in dayglow colors to be PC and not promote guns - I think. It would make sense that the record label would want to avoid some liberal nutjob from making such an allegation and potentially losing anti-NRA viewers. And it prevents any connection of this video with the violence normally promoted in rap and occasionally hip hop. [Oh, the rifles are not AK-47's, they are AR15's also known as a M-16. Though I've never seen one with a silencer before. Plus a Tommy Gun, also with a silencer which I never saw before. And Lady Gaga has a .45]

Oh, and a possible homage to the classic Memorex television commercial too. Like I said, this video has a lot in it.

But what is the big secret? What does this video mean (at least visually)?

The director was thinking hard on this video. I mean he went all the way out there. The ghettofabulous Betty Page homage, the further reference to WWII with the Rising Sun flag based bikini and the gestapo styled hat - no idea why she is carrying a bow in those scenes though. But I suppose that explains the guy with all the arrows in him. Well that and the fetish of BDSM - inflicting pain but not killing the guy (he does move later in the video).

So here is what I think.

Actually I think the whole thing is just a big fetish video cleverly disguised, with obvious inspiration to Quentin Tarrantino (who seems to have a foot fetish himself), hidden in an innocuous song. Everyone is so busy watching Beyonce pop and somewhat exposed, plus trying to get a glimpse of any extras on Lady Gaga, that the rest of it just flies past everyone.

I like this video ever so much more now. It's the biggest joke, that everyone will be watching this and yet NO ONE will likely figure out what it is that's going on. I'm sure the director will be rolling on the floor with laughter as review after review misses the obvious yet praises the video; not realizing they are praising BDSM publicly. That's just hillarious.

Ok, so if you agree, do me a favor and pass around the word that I figured out the video first. I can't wait to hear the response once we spread this around the net.

Wesley Snipes keeps fighting the good fight, and the media doesn't care

I know the world is busy falling because Oprah Winfrey has finally decided to stop doing her show. I personally could care less as I don't watch the show, I've not been on it, and it's been 25 years. That is not to say I don't respect what Oprah has done, it's just not earth-shattering news that she's finally stopping. Not like she will be in the poorhouse with $1 billion.

But as all eyes turn on Winfrey, I noticed something slip through the cracks of the news. It's something that the major media has avoided once it turned into something less than what they had hyped.

As long-term readers of my blogs are aware, Wesley Snipes was railroaded by the IRS and the major media not too long ago. The Government went after Snipes, implying the worst of tax evasion offenses, while he was out of the country filming. The media swooped on the story as if it were a scene from a film with some dastardly villian hidding from the righteous Government. Too bad it was mostly a sham.

Snipes did in fact not pay taxes. Well actually he paid them, and then his accountants asked the IRS for the money back. And they gave it to them, millions without instantly raising a red flag. Years later, someone noticed that there was a box not checked somewhere in the Government and they came after Snipes. They tried to brand him a criminal mastermind, forcing his accountants to do the taxes of dozens of people such that they made more money than they were supposed to. Pure evil, it was a movie plot I think.

So after Snipes returned from Africa, found out the Government suddenly wanted him, he complied. And a trial soon ensued. The media was all afluster. Snipes faced charges that would put him in jail for 16 years. Charges that other actors and celebrities have never faced. Because the Government wanted to make an example out of Snipes. Never mind that Willie Nelson owed 2x as much money ($34 million) and after LOSING his case against the IRS, never saw a day of jail. Nevermind that right now Nicholas Cage owes millions to the IRS and he has yet to be charged, and there is no media circus around him.

But the Government was sure they would win. There were about 10 charges or more as I recall (I do have several posts on the subject but I don't want to stop to check right now), with all but 3 being federal charges. The IRS lost every single federal charge against Wesley Snipes, proving his innocence of the worst of the allegations. It was a massive slap in the face of the Government - and almost all of the media suddenly forgot that there was a trial.

But the revenge of the Government was swift. Almost immediately after losing the 3 misdemeanors, Snipes was giving the absolute max for the crimes. These types of judgements normally are probation for a month or 2 at most. Given that he had 3 he should have recieved a year on probation in TOTAL. Instead he got 3 years of jail.

Snipes has not taken this lying down. Like with the hyped up and erroneous charges first made by the IRS, the punishment is also being fought in court. Snipes wants the overly extreme jail time thrown out. And I agree with him.

Perhaps this isn't as important as Oprah. Perhaps Snipes doesn't have the fanbase he once had. Maybe this isn't as questionably racial as it seems. But other than my readers I doubt anyone will ever know. Because the major media is burying this on the back page.

Had Snipes lost, it would have been big news. A major Black entertainer with bad news is always front page. But he won, and the media and Government were embarrassed. I just hope that they get over themselves and stop punishing Snipes for proving they were wrong. Maybe Oprah will talk about this before she goes off-air. Probably not though.

The college football play of the year

OK, in the past I have provided videos of a hole in one that made $1 million dollars. I have shown video of futbol players that make the tricks of basketball look lame. I have even found video of the world's fastest goal in soccer - sure to never be broken, maybe not even tied.

But this video really stands out from the rest. It just makes you think, "What in the hell were they thinking?"



And no it was not your computer, there was no sound in the video.

But I really would have loved to hear whomever came up with the idea for that play. Can you just imagine them trying to explain the no look over the shoulder pass. Can you imagine what the rest of the team was thinking?

The team that made this play was Bethel College, during a huge win for the team. The Quarterback is Garrett Hiebert #16, making the catch was tight end Joel Maple #40. This will certainly make the highlight reels of sports for the year.

Guinness goes after African American middle class

I saw a really cool commercial for guinness beer today. You might have noticed it recently as it just came out on the 9th of this month. It's called Fortune Favors The Bold.

The concept of the commercial is a lone pint of Guinness beer is poured and then sent sliding down a bar. It continues across a rail, over the hood of a taxi, down the street on a skateboard, across a construction I-beam, to a window sill. Inside the office of that same window sill we see a smartly dress Black guy closing a deal with another businessman. The Black guy obviously has the upper hand and the beer arrives just as he closes the deal to his satisfaction. He then picks up the beer and toasts the deal.

I've been looking for the video of this commercial but have yet to find it. [Update - thanks to a reader, I know have the video]



It's really well done on multiple levels. It's obviously targeted to African Americans and the middle class. It's not about hip hop or being ghettofabulous. It's smooth and interesting.

Of the many commercials that are targeted solely to African Americans this is one of the best I've seen in a long time. In fact I think that McDonald's, Burger King, and American Express can learn a lot from this commercial - just to name a companies that seem to have no idea how to market to the Black community without blaring music and hip hop.

It's yet another sign that some in advertising understand that the Black community is not a single uniform entity that can only be approached with street slang and minstrel-like joviality. Nor are we so unaware of what is happening that we don't notice when we are made to be the butt of jokes or marginalized in a commercial that seemingly is supposed to endear us to this brand or that.

Considering the roughly $1 trillion in buying power that African Americans use every year, the approach by Guinness is a refreshing change of pace.

Now if I can just find that video clip.

BET wrongly accussed of creating gangs in Monroe

There is no end to the things that I don't like about Black Entertainment Television. The music videos, the quality of most of the films shown on the cable network, the lack of news, the ghettofication (yes I just made that word up) of entertainment. The list goes on and on.

But there are some things that I'm not sure you can blame on BET. Just because Viacom is commoditizing Black culture does not mean that every wrong in the Black community is tied to them. That's something that needs to be proven because just making the statement is like throwing around the word racist (which is a popular thing to do these days).

The Monroe Free Press really needs to think about this. Today they published an article that blames BET for the increase in violence and gangs in their area. The article is More Shootouts as teens fight for "Respect" and Headlines. Obviously this article delves into the question of what is motivating teens to join gangs and kill each other.

It's not stated who wrote the piece, but I think they were seriously reaching when they decided to pick on BET. In fact I bet they were just looking to get more coverage, which they did succeed in doing.

The article states immediately

"They are young and out of control, but the arrests keep coming as neighborhood gangs bent on being famous like BET’s American Gangster, fight each other for what one has called “My Respect.”

“American Gangster” is a weekly television program on Black Entertainment Television which profiles gangs in the black community since the 1950’s with photos and storylines that lift the criminals to legendary status."

Now I have no argument that shows like American Gangster and Gangland glorify the criminal and mindless activities the dregs of society have chosen. I agree that such programs are counter-productive in a society that thinks everyone should have a Jackass or American Idol moment. The various Youtube videos of various people breaking the law (like giving babies drugs, or setting up fights to be taped) shows how stupid some can be, and how desperate some are for attention they don't deserve.

But to directly state that the gangs in Monroe are growing simply because of the actions of just this one show on BET is anything but a given. Which is proven by the fact that the article goes on to stop mentioning BET while discussing the problem with teen gang shootings. There is no proof that the BET show encouraged the gangs. There is nothing that connects the recent shootings in Monroe, or the gang growth, to BET.

Problems cannot be fixed by just scapegoating an individual or institution. The very argument that modern television and aspects of the internet promote the worst behavior in teens and some adults is weakened by such a baseless claim. Not once was there even so much as a quote by an accused shooter or gang member about BET. There wasn't even a made up stat or poll or reasonable connection.

Do I think the programming on BET is worthwhile, positive, or beneficial to the Black Community? No. I've stated that many times. I think that Sumner Redstone and the execs at Viacom are too busy cashing in on the commoditization of Black culture to care what they put on or what potential effect it may have. Until all of their kids act out and reference BET, or the other equally horrid programming featuring African Americans on other Viacom channels, they won't even notice.

Still my opinion, and my direct references to shows on BET and their link to stereotypes and negative connotations of African Americans, are not the same as trying to vaguely connect BET to crimes being actively committed. A publication that purports itself as a member of the press needs to have higher standards. Being a publication catering to African Americans does not mean standards are removed or lowered.

Can BET be improved? Only in as much as I am sure the sun will rise tomorrow. But is BET contributing to the rise in gang violence in Monroe? There is no way to be sure, especially considering the "reporting" by the Monroe Free Press. And the readers of Monroe, and the internet, deserve better. Even BET for all its faults deserves better than that.

Black Friday 2009

It's that time of year again. Since Halloween every department store and retailer has gone full blast on getting the Christmas decorations up. Already there are discounts of incredible proportions being offered for cars and men's suits and so on.

The internet has equally gone crazy. I've gotten more spam in the past 2 weeks than in the months prior combine. Everyone want you to buy something, now!

Well I want you to buy something too. At least I'm honest enough to not try to slam it down your throat or hide it behind some kind of jingle. But like ever other retailer the economy has made life difficult for me as well. So I appreciate if you you check out my online stores.

The Alchemy at World of Vass online store features authentic English Pewter and Swarovski Crystal items that are imported direct from England. Virtually every item is hand-crafted. The workmanship is of the highest quality.

This store features earrings, pendants, shot glasses, goblets, skulls, wall decorations (flags), bracelets, rings, cell phone charms, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more. There is something for people who love the goth style, dragons, faries, alchemy, the middle ages, vampires, werewolves, the unique and the original. There are items for men and women.

Suffice to say that I think most anyone will find at least one item that they will like and want for themselves or for someone they care about.

The World of Vass online store is filled with over 1000 items. You can find cooking aprons, teddy bears, coffee mugs, beer steins, mouse pads, calendars, postcards, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewlry boxes, even underwear and far more.

Every item offered at World of Vass is a unique creation of M V Consultng, Inc. You can't find these designs in any store in the world, just at my online store. We have over 20 separate designs - some funny, sexy, political, or just interesting. There are designs for men and women. There are designs specific for Whites, Blacks , Hispanics and completely nuetral.

If you can't find something for someone you know, or yourself, then you are far richer than most (so buy something anyway - call it a donation to all my work). Honestly, I think that everyone can find something they will enjoy at the store.

No matter which store you choose (or both) I can guarantee several things:

I personally own several of the items that are on sale, and thus can stand behind the quality (you may have even seen me with various items in my video commentaries and photo shoots).

You get what you are buying. There are no imitations.

Speedy delivery. No need to go out and face the hordes fighting over a sale item that you don't really. It will be delivered to your door.

Your information is private. No one will ever get your information from M V Consulting, Inc.

Ok, I won't go on. But I do appreciate every visitor to my blogs and my stores. Your support is vital to me, because without you I'm just writing in the dark. So I thank you for reading this, and if you elect in checking out my stores.

And if you do like what you find, please do pass on the word.

Thank you. And now back to the real reason you are here.

The top (and worst) actors per dollar in 2009

In Hollywood it is often said that

you are only as good as your last film.

While still somewhat true, there are those that are worth the money they make on each film and then there are those that are not. Generally, the quality of the actor often matches the box office bucks they generate.

But every year the best and worst actors per dollar they bring to the box office is figured out. Still Hollywood doesn't always pay attention.

So here are the very worst actors that money can buy

Will Ferrell - he was great in Elf. Then he kept doing the same character in every subsequent film - most recently in the bomb Land of the Lost revisioning. At this point his films are just really long, and bad, Saturday Night live skits. Of course he keeps getting paid too well not to be stuck in the mud. He generated $3.29 for every dollar he made.

Ewan McGregor - was a decent Obi Wan. Too bad he hasn't used the force to read any of the scripts of the films he has done since. He brought in $3.75 per dollar to him.

Billy Bob Thornton - been a while since that name was attached to something anyone saw. It's also been a while since his movies brought in a profit. I guess the mojo of Angelina Jolie's blood has worn off. $4 per dollar he made.

Eddie Murphy - was a superstar when he was young. Now, if you are under 15 you probably still think he is great. But his box office numbers look like somebody's allowance. His $4.43 per dollar he earned almost pays for a DVD of Meet Dave.

Ice Cube - not really an actor, but getting there. He's still earning his chops but it seems that his rap fans won't stick around in theaters to watch the lessons. I can't say I blame them. He made $4.77 in the box office for what he got paid.

Tom Cruise - yep, believe it or not he is overpaid. Thank goodness he has his own studio. Of course if he keeps making films like Lions for Lambs he will earn a permanent place on the overpaid list. But MI:4 might help him out. $7.18 per dolloar he got overpaid.

Drew Barrymore - there had to be at least one girl on the list. Yes she is pretty, and seems like a nice person. But none of that seems to matter when she is in a film like Lucky You. Too bad producing a film is not counted otherwise she might have brought in more than $7.43

Leonardo DiCaprio - overpaid and overhyped. You don't have to agree but more do than don't. The proof is in the $7.52 he brought to the box office versus what he got.

Samuel L. Jackson - it hurts me to have him on this list. Still my personal like of the actor and some of his work does not prevent Snakes on a Plane and Soul Man from happening. He made $8.59 in box office for every dollar paid to him. Not good.

And the final top 10 overpaid actor is Jim Carrey. He just made it to the list, but with good reason. Either his movies are huge hits, like The Grinch, or they are bombs like Number 23. Considering how much he gets paid per film I'm sure Hollywood execs were hoping for better than $8.62 at the box office.

Ok, now that you have suffered the pain and if you are still with me, here are the best actors per dolloar. But again, don't assume quality with earnings.

Shai LeBeouf - proof that ability has little to do with anything. He was in all the right films and tops the list with $160 brought in for every dollar he earned. Expect this to go way down since there's only so many Transformer movies that can be made - I pray.

James McAvoy - Not familiar with the name? Well he filled theaters when WANTED came out - or was that because of the scene with a bare backed Jolie? Either way he brought studios $114 for every dollar they brought him.

Michael Cera - not one of the leading male actors in looks, but he brings home the bacon at the box office. Even with films like Year One, he still pulled off $102 per dollar he got paid. But can he do it 2 years in a row?

Daniel Radcliffe - is still riding high off of Harry Potter. That franchise alone put him almost at the top with $93 in the box office for what he earned. Considering he's almost all grown now, will he keep the young girls swooning in his roles after Hogwarts? Maybe.

Robert Downey Jr - Probably the best actor on the list. He is phenomenal when he is sober, and better than most when he isn't. Possibly the only actor to be stuck in a proverbial can and still out earn most any film where you can see the acting. He brought in $78 at the box office for every dollar, and would have done better if he didn't get roped into Tropic Thunder. Iron Man 2 and Sherlock Holmes can't come out fast enough.

Javier Bardem - don't know his name? Well like Cera you went to see him, over and over again. To the tune of making $73 at the box office for what he was paid. Maybe you'll remember his name next time since he will likely get a lot more films.

Ryan Reynolds - I'm glad he made the list. He's just a funny guy, that can do action at least as well as anyone on this list. And who didn't want to see him in X-Men Origins: Wolverine after watching the movie trailer (too bad the film was a waste of time). Expect higher numbers than the $61 in the box office for his pay once Green Lantern and Deadpool hit screens in 20011-12.

Christian Bale - he terminated the competition as a Dark Knight. The franchises have been good to him and to the box office of Hollywood. $55 for his every dollar. And more sequels are coming.

Aaron Eckhart - he doesn't make big bucks himself, but compared to what his movies bring in... Suffice to say that even with PC Hollywood he made smoking interesting again. $45 to the box office for ever dollar getting him on-screen.

Dennis Quaid is the old man of the list. He brought in $43 for every wrinkled dollar he earned. Lucky for him The Day After Tomorrow was not part of the calculations.

Well that's the lists. Love it or hate it, there you are. I'm glad Forbes made the list because figuring it all out just takes too long.

Will Smith and Jay-z put Afrobeats on Broadway

Are you familiar with Afrobeat music? Well Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Jay-Z hope that you want to find out.

Afrobeat is a style of music that originated from Nigeria in the 1970's. It was created by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who traveled the world introducing this music to various artists and fans. Fela Kuti was so influential that when he died in 1997 a million people came to the funeral, literally.

But the influence of Fela Kuti did not end with his death. An Off-Broadway play, called Fela!, has carried on the music and inspiration of the man. It also provides a honest look at who he was, including his simultaneous marriage to 27 women and his problems with the Nigerian authorities.

The play has done well enough that it will be opening on Broadway in a week. But it was lacking producers and financial backing. That is where Jay-z and the Smith's come in. They have now signed on as co-producers of the play. Which I call putting your money where your heart is.

Given the star power of Jay-z and the Smith's, it is likely that the play will gain a big boost to it's publicity and probably to the revenues and ticket sales. But the question of the play making back the money the celebrities invested is unknown as no details of how much they have put in has been stated. Considering the business successes of the celebrities, I have to believe that whatever the amount they will make it back.

If you are wondering what Afrobeat music sounds like and who Fela Kuti was, I found this on youtube. It's a video of Fela Kuti performing in 1971. It kind of reminds me of James Brown mixed with jazz.

Ryan Reynolds on the move

Fans of Ryan Reynolds should cheer up. The star of films like Van Wilder, Blade 3, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine will again be starring in a new film. But you will have to wait a bit.

Sadly the next film is not going to be the rumored (and I was hoping to see) Deadpool movie. That will be a bit further down the line. Though I think the character, if done similar to the way he was done in Wolverine - though much more talkative, will be a big hit.

The film that Reynolds will be working on is called TMI. Yes that does stand for Too Much Information. Obviously with a title like this the film is a comedy. Hopefully far better than the last comedy film he did, co-starring Sandra bullock.

The film has nothing to do with the BBC kids show. Nor is it related to the 2005 webcomic of the same name.

What I can say the film is about is a couple that take the notion of "honesty is the best policy" a bit too far. In effect it is a play on the film Liar Liar of Jim Carrey fame. Hopefully this will wind up being more than some Hollywood execs get-rich-quick scheme written from crib notes of Liar Liar. When this project will be starting is unclear.

But the real payoff will be in 2011 or 2012 when Ryan Reynolds will be playing both Green Lantern and Deadpool. That is unless some exec freaks out and decides that he can't be a superhero in 2 completely different films. Of course if there has to be a choice, go with Deadpool.

Is Newsweek sexist?

The big question of late is all about Sarah Palin. Her book, if she will run in 2012, if she can win. And then there are the controversies.

Newsweek really set things aflame with their cover of Mrs. Palin. And the claims of the cover photo being sexist and insulting have been raised. But are they right?

Well the best way to answer the question seemed obvious to me. Compare the cover photo (taken from an image used by a running magazine some time ago) to a similar photo of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Or Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Except that no such photos seems to exist. None.

I searched through 500 images of Hillary Clinton on Google looking for a single legitimate image of her with exposed legs. Couldn't find any. In fact I was hard pressed to find photos of Secretary Clinton in a dress. I know hardcore lesbians that show more cleavage and legs than Clinton has over the decades. (As for Speaker Pelosi, I'm sure there might be a photo somewhere that shows off her legs, but I'm too scared to see it)

So it would seem that compared to her the general media is sexist. They have directly sought to make her an image that is more of a tart than a political figure. And I have to wonder why any woman would allow that without complaint.

Basically isn't Newsweek saying that a mother and independant woman is worthless if she is cute and/or doesn't agree with the editor's views. They are saying that a woman who has achieved success in business and politics - she did run a major State after all - is about as important as a bikini model. Which I would think Secretary of State Clinton might find insulting. (And don't expect N.O.W. to stand up for a woman that exemplifies many of the ideals they are supposed to support)

Newsweek says the image is fair. Ok, then show me a similar photo that was on their cover of Nancy Pelosi, or Hillary Clinton. I couldn't find one. How about Michelle Obama? Why don't they have an image of Michelle Obama in a bikini on the cover while the story in the magazine is about say healthcare. Would anyone find that sexist?

I know, how dare I use examples of the First Lady and Secretary of State (and the Speaker of the House). They are Liberals and Democrats after all. It's a taboo to speak of them as anything but powerful women that are political leaders. Yet, Mrs Palin IS a political leader too. So what's the difference?

If it isn't sexism, then all that is left is a political bullying that says you better think the way we want you to think or else. Is that what we have come to expect from the media? That the ideas they like are the only ones we should have? That the only people we should vote for or listen to are the ones they approve of?

I recall another time when the media told people what to believe. They told people directly to buy only the versions of songs that Elvis sang and not the Black original versions. They said that African Americans didn't need to vote, or to sit in diners, or enter buildings through the front door. I recall when the media claimed that all Japanese in America were spies and traitors. I recall when the media was so afraid of politicians that McCarthy had everyone looking over their shoulder in case they were called a Communist and would be blackballed from their careers.

I thought we were past the days of yellow journalism. But it would seem, as Newsweek has proven, that we haven't moved forward at all.

Black Conservatives on television

I don't know how many people saw this on Friday. I think it was very important. I think that there are far too few that pay attention to the other Black voice in the Black community.



These days Black culture is a commodity up for sale. Various consumer products use it to sell everything. Politicians use it to get votes. The youth are sold it as the norm they should observe. Yet there is a portion of African Americans that are completely opposed to such an outright mental slavery.

Why is it that the youth of today are sold on the idea that they should got to jail? Why do kids think that the only way to make money is via illegal actions, rap music, or sports? How have we moved from creating some of the most important inventions in the world, and multiple scientific discoveries that have saved untold millions of lives, to (some of us) waiting to be handed money?

Not only that, but why is it that in a mere 40 years we have gone from a people that led the nation from a mindset of prejudice and segregation to that of subservience. Dr. Martin Luther King never advocated that, Malcolm X never believed that. Both men were conservatives, especially in the political world of today. Yet Conservatives that are Black today are shunned and rejected. Why?

I really don't understand why we have come to a place where intelligent Blacks that offer strong reasonable opinions, that differ from the Liberal mindset, are considered to have abandoned their race. I don't understand why just speaking American English is considered an insult to so many. It leaves me with my head spinning.

I know of some younger African Americans that have bought into the commoditized view of Black culture. They rush out to buy anything that is hip hop, they obsess over rappers and bling. They are the first to go to any movie that is Black-oriented - no matter the quality - the first to buy a big SUV while living in the projects, the first to get $500 jeans and/or Prada shoes while they can't pay rent. And they are the first to denounce the Black businessman that questions the economic programs of President Obama, or the kid going to college.

Listen to the things said in the video clip. Forget that it's on Fox News, forget about Glenn Beck. Listen to the words, listen to the people. Have you heard these voices in your community? Maybe you even heard it from Bill Cosby. Now ask yourself this, Why have you not supported these views and instead contributed the nearly $1 trillion dollars of Black buying power supporting those that would keep you in a line for food stamps - essentially economic slavery?

Why, in America, would Black Conservatives consistently be called sell-outs, yet entertainers that are followed and emulated and are merely high paid employees selling the denigration and commoditization of Black culture are seen as being pro-Black?

How can an African American that rises from poverty, gets an education even though in sub-standard schools, goes to and pays for college without a trust fund or family money, and creates a career - maybe even a business - so that they can raise their kids in a better life than they had be called a sell-out?

Maybe Black Conservatives don't agree with every word coming out of President Obama's mouth. Maybe they aren't Democrats. Maybe they speak well and have educations. And how does that make them any less worthwhile or Black? How does that make them so different from Dr. King, Malcolm X, or even President Obama?

I'm glad Glenn Beck did this show on Black Conservatives. I'm glad that finally the major media is acknowledging our existence. I'm glad that the Black community is now faced with addressing this segment of Black Americans. Because maybe now we can have some real discussions on fixing the problems we all face. At least until another rapper tells the Black community that jail is good, drugs are great, and abandoning their own children is manly.

The full video is available at www.mvass.com. Either way let me know your thoughts.

Television Review: The Prisoner (2009)

The following television review of The Prisoner (2009) may include some spoilers for some fans or those that have not seen the first episode.

I just finished watching the AMC network premiere of the revisioned The Prisoner, with James Caviezel and Sir Ian McKellen. It is certainly an interesting television program.

The television show starts off in many ways just as the original The Prisoner did in 1967. We are introduced to a man and immediately we are in the middle of questions. Who is he? Why is he there? What is going on?

These are questions the man we learn is called Six yearns to know answers to as much as we do. And there is the basis of the whole thing. What are the answers? Though we are given lots of clues, we are also given more than a bit of misdirection and confusion. But always, in the commercial breaks, we are given the hope that all things will be revealed at some point. Which would be a letdown, I think.

In this first of 3 nights, we get to learn that The Village is all there is. It seems that everyone has no memory of anything else. Well almost. Some do have recollections of other things and facts, like about the universe, but yet there is no connection from one fact to another.

From the onset I was let with a recurring thought. This isn't happening, it's the result of a torture. Some kind of hallucination brought on due to a hypnosis or psychological treatment meant to break Six and reveal something that he has yet to even consider.

But this is not something Six does not consider. At the same time we are given every reason to believe it is really taking place. People die, others disappear. And everyone fears Number Two.

There are things that can be gleaned from watching this first episode. We know that there is a corporation, where Six worked. It was in New York. Six resigned from it suddenly and with a bit of dramatic flair. And they are not willing to let Six walk away, at least not without knowing something they fear he learned. That is, if the corporation are his captors at all.

We know that the Towers are meant to symbolize NYC. Possibly meaning an end to innocence, or the extent of desperation some may fanatically follow. We know that control of thought and action are predicated on medications, likely mixed into wrapped foods that are the only style of meal available. We know that fear is a motivation that keeps the few that have any inkling of separate thought quiet and hidden.

But what does this all mean? Why is all of this being done?

One thing is clear, everyone is being watched all the time. Big Brother exists, just not as a Government entity. And that extends from the Village to your home right now. Perhaps only death is the means of ultimate escape.

I think that many of the people in the Village are familiar to Six. He has watched them and their actions in his work in New York. Thus they exist now, but without clear meaning.

I think that all the numbers are critical. 313, 2, 6, 147, 93, 17, 16, and especially 11-12. They all have a significance I cannot now fathom. It is a clue that Six himself states, though in a flashback to the world. It's a hidden message of some sort.

I also believe that the reference to underground is important. Something is happening under the surface, literally, at the Village. It's something that is happening in the subconscious of Six. It is the answer to our questions, I believe.

I think that this is all happening ala Total Recall. The mind of Six is trying to make sense of torture and information, but so far cannot come to grips with the reality of it all. I could be wrong but the way Six appears at most places, how things change, how they interact with his memories of the world, leads me to believe this.

Stepping away from what has been shown, taking into account several things stated by Sir McKellen and the nature of Hollywood these days, I believe this is all a reaction to the evil of not his corporation but another. Someone else wants to know the secrets he uncovered in his work. This is corporate espionage.

So I conclude with this. This revisioning of The Prisoner is interesting. It has more than enough clues and distractions to cause those who actively watch to be curious as to what happens next. It has enough purposive loopholes to make it unclear of what is a writing mistake and part of the storyline. At this point I doubt anyone can out guess what the writer's intended with assurance.

The acting has been well done. We can sympathize with Six. We too can see reason to fear Two. We can understand the dread that comes from the Clinic and the sense of claustrophobia that permeates the idyllic scenery.

Thus this is a good program. It is the high end of what television can provide, when it tries. This is not The Prisoner of 67, yet it is a worthwhile experience. It is captivating and allows time to roll by without notice. It easily inspires discussion and questions. It easily makes you believe in the experience being given.

Television rarely reaches for such lofty goals as entertaining the mind as much as the eyes. But in this case they have succeeded, and I look forward to Monday nights episodes.

Is Jon Gosselin's reputation worth $5 million - or 5 cents

Sometimes you hear of the things that celebrities do and you wonder what the hell they were thinking. Jon Gosselin has made me wonder that often over the past few months.

But the thing that got me laughing, was when I saw that he was countersuing TLC Network. This is part of the tit-for-tat that has been going on since the split between Kate Gosselin and Jon became public knowledge. A month ago Jon was sued by TLC for breach of contract. The cited that he has appeared on various programs and has been paid for his appearances, which he was clearly not allowed to do because of his contract.

Jon has now decided that the best thing to do is to sue TLC for $5 million. His reason is that TLC has prevented him from being able to work because thay have ruined his good name and reputation. Yeah, that is the funny part.

I find it hard to believe, and impossible to prove, that TLC was responsible for the bad name Jon Gosselin has. He was the one that left his 8 children and wife. He is the one that took $180,000 from a bank account potentially leaving his children without a means of support. He is the one that has stated publicly that he wants to get away from his kids. And various news and tabloid programs have covered all of this and more. Including Jon prancing around on television with a girlfriend - something I'm sure was a real fun situation to be explained to his children.

When a supposed man abandons his kids, as Jon has done, that smudges his image and reputation. Even in a society that is filled with celebrities acting badly, this stands out. Add to that the fact that 8 children are involved and we get an exponetial result. Plus it might just be possible that there are executives in Hollywood with some semblance of morales, enough that they done want to be associated with a low-life that Jon Gosselin appears more and more to be.

TLC didn't make Jon Gosselin look bad. TLC didn't parade Jon and various women infront of paparazzi. TLC didn't make Jon abandon his kids.

Jon Gosselin does not deserve $5 million. In fact I don't think he deserves $5. If he can get a job as a dishwasher I'd be happy, except that he should pay to help support his 8 children. Because regardless of his problems with their mother, the kids don't deserve the treatment he is giving them. Because a real man takes care of his own, always.

I hope that someone has kept a record of all the money Jon has made so far, off of this public divorce. I hope that someone ensures that a good portion of that money is set aside for his kids. It doesn't make up for the embarassment and life-long trouble that this has created for them, but it at least will help ensure they won't be impoverished as they grow and the eventual attention of the media turns to some other sordid and troubled celebrity.

I hope the judge that deals with this countersuit laughs in Gosselin's face and slaps him down good for such an outrage to common sense. But that's me. Is anyone will (or able) to defend Jon Gosselin?

Annie Lennox SING's Woman of Peace

For those that may not have been paying attention, AIDS has not been cured. Nor has the number of people getting HIV stopped. It's not popular to talk about such things, but that may be part of why Annie Lennox has been doing just that.

Annie Lennox has been probably best known for her music career. She is a Scottish singer and acclaimed for her many albums and remarkable voice. It is that same voice that gathered 23 female singers to release their own versions of a song called SING. The proceeds of this went to help South Africans via the Treatment Action Campaign. So far SING has raised over $2,000,000.



In honor of her efforts, and her continuing work to fight AIDS and help women and children especially in South African, Annie Lennox has received the Woman of the Peace award for 2009. The award was presented to her at a summit of Nobel Peace laureates in Berlin (President Obama was not present).

I love to discuss and share the contributions made by entertainers and celebrities for people in need across the world. I share the concern of Lennox and others over the fight against AIDS and prevention of HIV. I just wish the rest of the media would do the same.

Tens of millions still contract AIDS and HIV every year. Even in the U.S. HIV and AIDS continues to be a threat. There is no cure. HIV/AIDS afflicts people of every walk of life. Rich and poor, Black, White, Latino, Asian, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, male and female - all alike. Anyone having unprotected sex is potentially capable of contracting HIV and AIDS.

I commend Anne Lennox on her devotion to saving lives and caring for the sick. I congratulate her on her well earned award.

I just wish that other, more political rockstars, one day earn the awards and praise they have received for doing absolutely nothing except smiling. And yes, that is a dig at President Obama.

Lucy Liu covers important ground

I find it interesting that sometimes the most important issues are virtually ignored, until a celebrity puts their face to an issue. The major news media just doesn't care and ignores the issue, until they get a chance to grab ratings.

Such is the case with the growing problem of child sex slaves across the globe. It's an issue that the major media just doesn't want to talk about. As if they think the problem will go away if we don't talk about it. But Lucy Liu is among a growing number of Americans talking about this issue and trying to get something done.

Lucy Liu has produced a film, Red Light, that details how young women are bought as sex slaves in Cambodia. The film addresses what is the 3rd most profitable business, beaten only by drug trafficing and weapons sales. It's a dubious list to be on top of, and I cannot see how anyone would be against such a cause (except those that are buying the sex slaves).

This is also not a new subject for me to cover. Long-time readers of my blog likely recall that this April I interviewed Abigail Disney at the Tribeca Film Festival where she was showing the film Playground. That film also detailed the child sex slave industry and tracked it not just in Cambodia, but right here in America. Yes, Americans are involved in this as much as other countries considered far more seedy.

My video interview with Abigail wasn't as long as I had hoped (there was another film she produced - Pray the Devil Back to Hell that we spoke a great deal about in the video) on this issue [Discussion of Playground and the child sex trade starts at 3:45 in the video]



, but I did follow up with an email continuation on the subject found here - Producer Abigail Disney discusses the independant film Playground

Like Liu, Disney too found that Cambodia is on the worst end of the scale when it comes to child sex trafficing

"Abigail Disney : The government of Costa Rica has made admirable progress in confronting not only the sex-tourism trade, but also the corruption that so often goes with it. Cambodia is notably at the opposite end of the spectrum, and the numbers of girls getting sucked into the sex trade there and the ferocity of the people protecting that business are overwhelming. "

I'm glad that this subject is getting more attention. It deserves to be an issue that the world acts to end. This is a deplorable situation that should not exist in the 21 century.

Perhaps when more celebrities like Lucy Liu join up with activiists and independant filmmakes like Abigail Disney, the major news media will get off its ass and help put pressure on contries like Cambodia. Until then I recommend that readers watch both films and learn more about this and how to help the U.N. end this horrible business.

Television Preview: The Prisoner (remake)

Over the years I have consistently warned my viewers to stay away from 'revisioned' fare on television and movies. Almost invariably such efforts are refuse best avoided than partaken in. But sometimes there comes an exception.



So far the previews of The Prisoner look like it has captured the essense of the original British show from 1967. Keep in mind the words essense. Because like all revisions, this one has been adapted to the sensibilities of our current time. And that likely will be the flaw of the program.



The remake will star Sir Ian McKellen and James Caviezel. Both are fine actors of high note. I believe both bring real credibility and substance to the program. There should be no question of how compelling they both can make their respective characters.

The setting will be interesting too. Filmed primarily in South Africa, the landscape - as much as there will be any considering it takes place in the confines of a desert - should add to the overall theme of the program. Desperation will be something not just discussed but also seen.

But the heart of the television show has never been the actors or the scenery. The Prisoner is enirely about what is said and done. It is about ideals. It is a surreal reflection of the world around us.

In the 1960's the world was in flux. Governments were trying to adjust to changing views in their societies. War was on the horizon, and even larger global conflicts loomed while internal strife was everpresent.

Thus the 1967 show focused on freedom. Individual freedom versus the oppressive nature of large Governments of all types. Of the ability to be unique in a world striving to ensure every peg fit perfectly into a pre-conceived hole.

It's a topic that could easily fit into the world today. A theme that sounds as true in 2009 with government-run healthcare, forced restrictions on energy usage, and plans for government to determine what is free (and/or fair) via the internet as it was for the world of the 60's. But that isn't where this show will go.

Instead this will be an attack on capitalism. The easy target of the day and the preferred evil of Hollywood. Yes it is capitalism that the prisoner Six (Caviezel) will be seeking to escape. Or so Sir McKellen has stated

"Capitalism offers you freedom, but far from giving people freedom, it enslaves them," he says. "That's part of the show's message." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091111/ap_on_en_tv/us_ap_on_tv_prisoner_mckellen

I don't agree with this view, as much as Hollywood (an institution only possible under capitalism) likes to insist it is true. But that does not mean that the show will be bad. Depending on how strongly this theme is reinforced will ultimately determine how much it can be enjoyed. Unless the viewer is just vacantly watching the program, and then it wouldn't matter if this were the revisioned V series or static snow.

So the premise is this, can you escape your Village (capitalism)? Do you even want to? What does it cost you to stay right were you are?

But that leads me to a series of questions I don't think the program will delve into. Can we escape the other alternative being pressed upon us (Government oppresiveness)? What cost of our freedoms does craddle to grave government oversight take? Isn't escaping one Village to only join another just as futile?

Deep questions. Likely not something that most television viewers expect for the ITV box in their living room. But The Prisoner is a show that never strived to just keep viewers mindlessly enthralled like American Idol. So if nothing else this remake might just succeed on that level too.

On Sunday we will all have the choice of actively allowing ourselves to be held, members of a Village far larger than the one we will see onscreen. For that price I think we will be rewarded, to some degree, with a unique experience. The only question is if it is worth the price paid.

Sometimes speed is all you need (well maybe luck too)

The more I watch futbol, the more amazed I become with some of the things that happens on the pitch. But in this case what happened has nothing to do with the skill of the players as much as how fast it happened.

At the start of a game in Saudi Arabia, a striker took a wild shot towards the goalie from the mid-field line. It's not something anyone ever really tries. It's a hard shot to make from that far out (like making a field goal in American football from about 55 yards out), and even if you do there is a goalie standing right there. For the goalie it should be an easy save. So the shot really isn't ever tried.

But like climbing Mount Everest, or going to the moon, striker Nawaf Al Abed figured he'd go for it and see what happens.

Watch carefully or you will miss it.



That is the official fastest gaol in the world. It stands at 2 seconds into the game. And I do not think a goal can be done faster than that. Nor do I think you can make one luckier than that. I know the goalkeeper was thinking just that. As well as, "what just happened?"

A pretty amazing a world record setting moment. Seems apt for my 1500th post. And still going strong.

Movie Preview: 2012

Well it's almost a year to the day that I mentioned 2012, and one thing is certain. The hype surrounding that date, and likely this movie, is only growing with time.

There wasn't a lot known in 2008 about this film - other than it would be the disaster film that might relaunch the trend in films (at least until 2012). It is sure to be followed by numerous other films based on exactly the same theme. The question is were the Mayans thinking of this film when they thought of how the world might end?

The latest movie trailer for 2012 looks like this



By the way, the words on the side of the number at mark 2:35 appear to be "Into A Place GUE[? not sure of this] Apocalaypse" which might be a reference to

"And he gathered them into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon" Revalations 16:16

So it seems that the film is going to try to fit in several messages besides the CGI shock and awe. That is a bad sign though. When movies try for political or other messages generally you get crap like Lions for Lambs or War, Inc. (didn't see them? No one did).

Given some of the imagery of the film, and who is in it, conspiracy nuts will likely love this film. I'm not knocking Danny Glover, John Cussack, Oliver Platt, Thandie Newton or any of the other actors in the film - at least for their acting ability. But several of these actors are also known for their hyper left-wing political leanings and more than a few oddball beliefs. If this film is feeding into that part of their lives, well another big budget film that went that route is Battlefield Earth.

Add to that the facts of what the director has done, as I stated before

"The director is Roland Emmerich, who made Stargate, Independence Day, and Godzilla. Sadly he also made Godzilla, Universal Soldier, The Day After Tomorrow, and 10,000 BC. So the odds are only slightly worse than 50/50 on how well it will be made."

But this film will probably do really well no matter what. I mean NASA is already trying to debunk the internet hype over 12/21/12. They have already made the case against a wayward planet hitting us, which I never believed. But as to the only issue that I do give some credence to, a shift in the polarity of the planet - well NASA is less believable.

Of course this film seems to be more than a magnetic shift of poles. It looks like it is based on the theory that the tectonic plates are going to move. Which makes for great CGI scenes, but hardly believable. And thus the film looks to be squarely fit next to The Day After Tomorrow - a horribly acted, unbelievable sci-fi scenario, that proved to be a bore and waste of money if you paid to see it in theaters.

I said a year ago that we will have 3 years to mull the quality of this film. Having seen the full trailer and noting the hidden message(s) already available, I don't think it will take 3 years. Unless there is more to this film than what the movie trailer - which is meant to provide the best reasons to see this film - has shown, this is a film to avoid until the world ends. Which is a shame.

Well maybe the next 2012 disaster film, soon to be released no doubt, will be better.

America and Muslims - we love them

I was speaking with a friend of mine the other day who was as upset as any of us over the shootings committed by Maj. Nidal Hasan. My friend was very upset about the shooting, and like many he took out his frustration by cursing all Muslims. Which I was quick to correct.

I remember this conversation because it has just been released today that NBA great Karem Abdul Jabbar has a rare form of leukemia. The news is shocking and I wish him the best. But at the same time I want to use this as an opportunity to remind some of us that America has never had a problem with Muslims or Islam - just fanatics.

The history of Muslims in America, like elsewhere in the world is comprised of many versions of truth. Some have always had a fear of the religion. Some have never understood it. Some haven't a clue what it is about. And up until 9/11 few people cared.

But there have been Muslims around us, and praised by us, long before there was a Osama Bin Laden.

Perhaps the most famous is the greatest boxer to have lived, and arguably the greatest athlete of the 20th Century. He is also without question one of the best known celebrities of the world. His name is Muhammad Ali.

Notice that when I mention his name how many didn't realize he is a devout Muslim. That he has long ago converted and gave up his given name Cassius Clay. That over the years of cartoons, tv shows, commercials and movies about his life, there was no problem about his religion. Of course there were issues when he converted, and refused to go to Viet Nam. But I think the issue then was the war and not his religious reasons to object.

Do we think of Muhammad Ali when we think of Maj. Hasan?

There is Karem Abdul Jabbar. A force in the NBA, a record breaker and maker. A celebrity that has endured for decades. A man that any basketball fan can place anywhere. Hell even those that know almost nothing about basketball know him from his many commercials, and even a few movies.

Is he what people think of when they think of Osama Bin Laden? Or Muslims?

Stepping away from sports, how about Dave Chappelle. He has made millions laugh out loud. He had one of the most popular comedy shows on television, ever. He broke DVD sales records that Seinfeld wishes he could have had.

Even after his decision to give up the wealth that Comedy Central was offering for his integrity, he has remained a celebrity on the A-list. He continues to make people laugh. And he has been a Muslim while doing all of that.

Does knowing he is a Muslim make him less funny? Or un-American?

There are many more examples. Some famous, some live next door to you right now. But they are all Americans. They are all people we know, and work with, and get cancer or get old. They are regular people.

I feel no less compassion, nor more, for Karem Abdul Jabbar and his battle with cancer because of his religious faith. And anyone that does allow his religion to affect their views is a lowly person indeed.

Are there fanatics that hate America, or parts of it, and are Muslim? Indeed. Just as there are Christian fanatics that kill abortion doctors, or just insane people that kill others like at Columbine. But I don't see people angry at Christians or White teens because of the actions of a few psychos.

I look forward to hearing that Maj. Hasan will receive death by firing squad for what he has done, unless he is proven innocent which I highly doubt. But that in no way is a reflection on how we should feel about all Muslims.

Its something that some of us need to remember.

234 years of service

Today is a day not unlike any other day for most Americans. People will get up and go to work, take care of kids, go to school, and so on. And just like so many days prior we will be able to do so because long before this day started, before we woke up and long after we go to sleep there are Marines making sure that it will be just another day.



234 years ago, before there was an America, the Marine Coprs was created. There was no pomp or ceremony to the creation. In fact it took place in a bar. Such is the humble beginings of a vital piece of America.

Overall the Marine Corps maintains about 200,000 in active service when not in an active war. While many hope to be part of this small brotherhood, few are selected and even fewer make it through training. There is a reason why the commercials correctly state

"The Few. The Proud. The Marines."

Compare that for a second to the roughly 1.1 million or so in the Army, 900,000 in the Navy, and 600,000 in the Air Force. Marines can do aspects of every other sevice, are active across the globe, and are the smallest portion of the active military of America. We are also some of the best known to our allies and feared by our enemies in the world.

That is not to take away from any other serviceman or woman in the U.S. military. It is just what the Marine Corps is and has been for 234 years.

I know this about the Marine Corps because my father was a Viet Nam Marine. I too served in The Corps. And like so many before and after us, the Marines will remain a beacon of what is America and a wall that protects the nation night and day.

To our allies, Marines have always been there with you. If there is any question you need only ask the French why the Germans named us Devil Dogs. Look to history to understand where our sword came from and why we sing about the halls of Montezuma and the shores of Tripoli.

To our enenmies, remember this and dread

"The purpose of EVERY Marine is to be a basic rifleman. The mission of EVERY Marine is to seek out the enemy, and through superior firepower and manuever remove their willingness and ability to fight." Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Williams 1986 Paris Island

I know what it is to be a Marine. I understand what we volunteer to give for our nation. And I too thank our Marines for the service they provide without question or glory.



But today is the Birthday of the Marine Corp and I celebrate my fellow Marines, in active service or not, with us today or not, in peace where possible and in combat where not.



Because once a Marine, always a Marine.

And for those that have never known a Marine, or never tried to join us, or misunderstand what we have pledged to give to our nation, I share the following videos to give you a small taste.







To be a Marine is not to seek glory, nor reward. It is a calling. It is Semper Fidelis.

Movie Preview: Armored

So what happens when you have several old actors, a couple that never made it big time, and a few newbies thrown in for the hell of it? Well you could make a film that has been done a dozen times before.

Armored is a film we all have seen before. It's a heist film. Which means it's the same as Heat, or the Sting, or even a major sub-plot for The Shield. The question is really, is this a well done version of the same old thing?



As can be seen, the film is looking to convince with a couple of interesting tidbits. There is the influence of Laurence Fishburne, and Jean Reno. There is a bit of the old in Matt Dillon resurfacing in a major film after decades of straight to DVD films. Plus there is Skeet Ulrich, the go to guy for looking like you have Johnny Depp in a film.

The concept is simple and obvious. An inside job, planned to the very detail. Except a detail comes up that was never considered. And there is where the film will be made or broken.

This is not a deep film with a massive twist from start to finish like Inside Man. This is not a bad versus even worse like on The Shield. It isn't a catchy slick con like Ocean's Eleven. It isn't even cops and robbers like Heat. It's just how bad people can get like Treasure of the Sierra Madre. (hope you saw all those films to get what I mean)

The questions that hit me are far from the movie trailer itself. Is this a film that Lawrence Fishburne had enough time to really commit to since his work on CSI? Is this a good film that just doesn't fit the summer blockbuster season, or is it a fill-in until Oscar season yet better than the ususal January throw-aways? Will Matt Dillon finally make the comeback he has been hoping for or is this another cable standard?

None of the questions I pose are the ususal ones asked about a film by the general public. Still they all reflect the quality of the film. In all likelyhood I expect this film to do 2 things:

Justify the desire to have a nice thriller/action film before the feel good and Oscar (boring) contenders come out

Keep the audience busy for 1 1/2 hours of their life

Now I will add to this. I felt the same way prior to seeing Inside Man. I came away from that film far more rewarded than I went into it. Low expectations can be a good thing when you get a quality piece of film. But low expectations are more the norm from the copycat and derivative nature of Hollywood films these days.

Still I think that this might live up to more than what it looks like. There are far too many good actors for me to think this is just a throwaway. The trailer is not filled with just random action impling the lack of a plot. It almost asks you to see it to be sure exactly how good it might be.

Would I see this instead of Ninja Assassin? No. But I would see both films. The only thing is that I am pretty sure what I will get from Ninja Assassin. I'm not as sure this will be worth the $20 a ticket. Though it at least seems like it might be, which is better than most films out around this time of year.

Katt Williams - another ghettofabulous victim

So my sister made me aware that one of the current top stand-up comedians was just arrested. If you haven't heard about this, it was Katt Williams (real name Micah Williams) - again.

Now I realize that Williams did a great thing in adopting 7 children - all from the U.S., because as he said on the Tonight Show

"I got my kids right here, I didn’t have to go to Africa to do it. Amazingly enough, there are needy kids right down the street."

I do respect that, and I can imagine that he has many of the same problems that drove Jon & Kate Gosselin crazy, on-going in his own home.

I can understand why he chose to follow his dream of being a comedian, instead of following-up a chance for higher education. Understand, not respect.

And I'm as happy that his career has come together, as I am for almost any entertainer. But none of this excuses the fact that Katt Williams is ghettofabulous. And that's all he his. Thus I was not surprised by his arrest for buglary.

I'm sure I will be told how unfair I am. ok. Doesn't change a thing. Because I just notice that every entertainer that uses the ghettofabulous theme as a means of making their money, winds up arrested for something stupid. Often.

Now it could be that Williams needs to be medicated or otherwise under medical care. But I don't know. It's hard to connect a burglary and a need to speak to a shrink. Especially when, to all apparent sources, Williams and his family are not about to starve.

Maybe I should feel bad. But honestly, I think its the karma of being ghettofabulous coming back at him. Like it does to everyone that follows that ill-conceived line of thinking.

Ft. Hood - Maj. Hasan: 12 dead, 31 injured, no answers yet

I know that some of my readers may be wondering why I have not covered the news of the Ft. Hood shooting before now on VASS or Black Entertainment USA. The only reason I can give is that I was confused.

For hours there has been swirling reports, rumours, and imprecise information. Even at this late hour information is just being learned. So I will mention what is clear at this time.

There appears to be a single shooter. Early reports of multiple shooters seem to be incorrect. The main suspect is a Major Hasan, an American who has served in the military for 20 years. It is unclear exactly what role Maj. Hasan had, though he was a psychiatrist and may have been called to serve in Iraq/Afghanistan.

Maj. Hasan is believed to have killed 12 people, and wounded 31 others, mostly military personnel. Early reports of his suicide and/or death via shots from police are also incorrect. Additionally, a police officer initially believed to have been killed while shooting Maj. Hasan is in fact alive and out of surgery.

At this time no other names have been officially released, though Ft. Hood is no longer under lockdown.

Those are all facts, as is best understood at this time. But in no way do they answer the many questions that have plagued me and so many others all day.

I cannot fathom why an officer, especially of high rank, would strike out in such a manner. There is nothing that makes sense about this.

I have heard the rumours that Maj. Hasan was a sleeper agent. I do not agree. In 20 years of service Hasan would have had ample opportunity to act out before this. In addition, religious radicals tend to seek situations with the potential for far greater bodycounts than this. Plus the fact that being a military officer Hasan had the chance to potentially acquire far greater firepower to inflict higher casualties if he was simply a religious nut.

I have heard Maj. Hasan was suffering from PTSD. Again I refute that. He, to the best knowledge available now, has never served in combat. His duties seem to have kept him stateside his entire career. As a psychologist he heard stories from those that actually suffer PTSD, but that is not the same. Of all those I have known that have suffered PTSD not one has ever suffered this because of something they heard others experience.

Lastly, the other major cause has been rumoured to be discrimination and harrassment. Which I think is absurd. First because as a Major the number of people even capable of doing this are very few, and the repercussions of them doing so is extreme. Second, while I know there is some discrimination/prejudice in the military I can say firsthand that such is not on the level to cause this kind of outburst. I can understand a fistfight due to such a cause, but not a mass murder. In addition, the level of discrimination some may experience today is no where near the levels from back in the 40's, 50's, 60's and so on. And even then, with a national bias in place, such actions as those of Maj. Hasan never occured.

Seperate of all this I have heard Maj. Hasan called a "good American". This was meant to prevent blanket accusations and hate filled actions against Muslims. Which I can understand, but 2 things need to be clear.

1) The insane and terrible acts of any individual are NOT representative of a group of similar people. All Whites are not represented by the KKK or neo-Nazis. All African Americans are NOT Snoop Dogg. All Asians are not the Virginia Tech killer. And so on.

No Muslim should ever be judged by the acts of some other person, or a fanatical group. And no responsible American should ever act against someone due to such a false and bigoted reason.

2) There is no way anyone can be described as a "good American" at the same time they are the key suspect in a mass murder. I also have a problem with such a label being applied to a soldier, who volunteered to join the military, served 20 years, and who then balks at being stationed in or near a war zone (if that is accurate). They joined the military, with full understanding of its purpose, and took an oath that leaves no questions. If there were any disputes with the responsibility that goes with such service, they could have resigned and or gone to jail as a concientious objector. The murder of innocents is never something to be confused with or even mentioned along with the words American or U.S. military.

I am glad that Maj. Hasan is still alive. That means the questions we all have can be answered. If in fact he did do this, and acted alone or with others, I look forward to his death by firing squad. If there are others involved I believe they deserve the same fate.

But the biggest thing that I have in my mind right now is my fear that this is the Columbine of the military. I fear that far too many, merely seeking a quick way to earn money for college might follow this twisted path. I hope that Maj. Hasan can be used as an example of why such actions should never be undertaken.

As more becomes clear I will speak about it further at VASS

Video Game Review: Dragon Age:Origins

I've been feeling a bit down the last couple of days, likely getting a cold, so I decided to pickup the new Dragon Age: Origins game. The version I got was for the PC, though versions for Xbox and PS3 are available.

So far the reviews for the game have been excellent. Which both made me interested, but also cautious. Either this was fantastic or there was just way too much hype. Though the commercials were great, and add to the curiosity. But that's just marketing and not gameplay.

The big questions about the game are

Is it fun?

Does it have great visuals?

Is it open ended?

Is it smooth to play?

How is the sound?

Does the plot work with the gameplay?

Is it worth $50?

Let me answer all of that in the word, Yes. To be specific, I can say having cleared 10% of the game so far that it is addictive. It keeps you involved whether you are a hardcore gamer or just play casually in your spare time.

In terms of the looks, right off the bat you will be impressed. The images are very nearly the quality seen in the commercials. It moves smooth and is almost like a film as opposed to a game. The fluidity of motion of all the characters is very good. And scenes with background characters have high detail, many with character all having original faces and individuality that normally is just cloned. Even scenes of mass numbers of characters, all interacting at once flow and are visually rewarding.

At this point I should mention that you will notice quickly that the theme of the game is in many respects a take on Lord of the Rings. In fact in many ways it is a rip-off of that storyline. But when you get to see the first upclose image of a screaming Hurlock, you just won't care that it just as easily could have been called an Orc. The theme of the game many not be the most original, but then again this is a fantasy RPG afterall.

Another key factor in the game is the question of openendedness. It's something that has become more of a driving force in the industry, and something I always recommend. It adds to the replayability of the game and keeps things fresh.

Dragon Age is not quite open ended. It's more akin to Fable and Neverwinter in that it is open to your choices. By that I mean that most all conversations will provide a tree of choices that you can make in response. Depending on how you answer, and what you did in the past, the response of any character speaking with you can change. Adding to that is the class, race, and other factors found in the game. It's a nice touch and adds to the intrigue of the game.

My character is a Dwarven Noble, or at least he was. And already I can see how a couple of early choices that seemed somewhat neutral at the time, are going to kick me in the butt later on. Such is the nature of the entire game. So no single choice is generally horrible, but they all add up as the game mocves forward. But it does help to create a character that is truely what you wish to embody at the time.

I will further digress to another point of the game. As I mentioned I chose a Dwarven Noble. But there are several choices of race (Human, Dwarf, and Elf), either sex, and a choice of class (Noble or common). This adds a nice bit of diversity. Of course certain classes are restricted from certain races, but that's part of your choice. As you go further in the game it becomes clear that many of the base abilities are open to any class, but the bonuses and specializations are restricted.

Also, the game does a great job of covering the backstory of your character. The start of the game introduces who you are, early choices you make, and how you come to be in the main plotline. This gives you ample time to get familiar with various classes and the game mechanics. Its a simple device that has been used before, but in Dragon Age it works well and really gets you engaged in what is going on.

I've already discussed how smooth the game runs. No major glitches or skips. Moving from zone to zone will require a load screen, but that is relatively quick and otherwise smooth. As for the sounds, well they are spot on. Not too loud and never too mechanical, the sounds work well for what is going on. The voiceovers are a match to the characters, the background sounds make sense and are in the background, The sounds of battle are crisp and mean. Even the fire sounds nice and toasty.

A key point in a RPG, especially in fantasy realms, is the plot. As stated before this took generous helpings from Lord of the Rings (the books and movie not the online game). But the thought behind tying together the various aspects of this game shows through.

Your character makes sense in how they fit into this world. It makes sense the questions and answers they make with conversations. Answers are given that fit the personality and theme of the character and overall story. There is enough not said right away to make you want to know more. And you want to take the time to figure it all out.

From the outset the final battle, which I have not yet seen, is pretty obvious. The television commercial makes it clear that it will be a battle with a Dragon. The question of how you will get there, how powerful you will be, and who will be there with you are not nearly as clear. Plus there are all those pesky consequences of all the things you have said and done earlier to keep in mind.

So to combine the question of fun and whether it's worth $50, I think so. The game will suck up hours of time if you let it. While this is not a game like Oblivion that took months to finish (I think the fastest time was 6 months) it is hardly a game that anyone will finish in 5 hours. Thus in that alone you know you are getting your money's worth. You can see 2 movies in a theater for about the same price as this game. The game will have better acting, better visuals, be more engaging, and last longer than 10 movies, maybe more. Which says a lot of positives about the game and the designers.

And as aforementioned there is the fact that the game is replayable. So if you want to see how a mage, or a female, or an elf, excetra play through you can do so, and still get a unique experience though new eyes. Plus there is downloadable content available for the game already, so the experience can be added onto beyond the in box game (and I believe more will be arriving shortly).

If you are a gamer, Dragon Age: Origins is a game for you. If you love the look and feel of Lord of the Rings and that fantasy theme, this is your game. if you want to make choices and see unique outcomes as opposed to being a pacman, well you get the point.

I recommend this game to all my readers. It's just that simple.

Television Review: V - the 2009 series

Well I just finished watching the new V television series on ABC. It does lead one to have several thoughts.

When I watch a sci-fi show, I generally keep an eye out for the 8 critical factors all good sci-fi must have. They are:

Originality

Obey Rules

Writing

Special effects

Plot

Acting

Visuals

Sound

When all of these elements exist and are done well you get Star Wars (episode 4), Star Trek (the original), Blade Runner, and Battlestar Galactica (the original) to name a few frfom movies and television. When they are not, you get Quark - exactly, no one even remembers the show.

The heavily revisioned V loses on originality. But it does ok on sound, visuals, acting and special effects. Just ok, not great or awesome. There is nothing impressive there. (though Morena Baccarin does look good as Anna)

As for obeying the rules, let me clarify. In every sci-fi film or movie, the beginning is critical. In the first 5 - 10 minutes almost every rule of the world or universe being displayed are provided. If there are lasers, if there are superheroes, if a person can control magnetisim or bounce bullets off their chest. The keys to all of what follows are set up immediately, and can only be added on in that context. The Alien vs. Predator movies come to mind as examples of what happens when the rules get broken. You get a crap product.

In this revisioned V series, the rules are still not clear. The aliens have interstellar travel capabilities, look human, are reptillian. They have superior technology and a massive amount of information about Earth. And that's about all we know.

The writing, as well as the plot, is stiff. It all sounds pretty close to right, but not quite. It's almost what you might expect people to say, but not really. Of course that could just be because this is the pilot episode so the creative juices and character development has yet to take place.

The biggest problem I have is with the plot. It jumps all over the place. It skips past vital information. It is obvious in its path and observation. It's slow paced to the point of boredom. It is unengaging, unless you compare it to American Idol - but watching paint dry could be compared in the same way.

Plus there are problems. Lots of them. Some becuase I am old enough to have seen the original, some just intrinsic to this version.

We see that the entire program has been feminized. Which clues us in right from the start that this will be a PC program. Get ready for the political messages as entertainment.

As I guessed all the male characters have major issues. All the women characters assuming all the roles of position and power, which is not a bad thing persay except in the original both sexes had power and position for the good and ill of humanity. It's a subtle message, but a political one all the same.

The men are flawed even when we don't see them. The father and ex-husband of FBI agent Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) has abandoned his kid. He is so insensitive that he doesn't even speak with his child when the world changes.

Agent Evans is the overworked, dedicated, mother/father, of a teen that just wants to rebel. You just have to feel for her troubles, don't you? I didn't.

But they are 2 examples of what the show sets up as the dominant theme. Men are weak, women will save them and the world. Aren't we lucky, because being equals just won't cut it.

But we skip from that to a terrorist cell. A group that increases chatter as everyone else is caught off guard as the aliens arrive. Not that anyone panics with 29 (down from 50 - some places in the world just don't count as much as they did 20 years ago) alien ships in the sky. Not that any of the religious fanatics might go bezerk with this new question directly facing them.

But before we get far we already know that Ryan Nichols (Morris Chestnut) has a secret. And we are pretty sure that he is a terrorist, likely an alien as well. They telegraphed that punch, like all of them in the show, from about 3 miles out.

Just as fast we get to see that the media is exactly the sleazy ratings whores that many presume them to be. And we get to see that in yet another sex change from the original.

It just does downhill from there. The jewish family from the original - gone as expected. The connection to Nazi's gone. The V itself is now a positive propoganda symbol instead of a resistance sign. The sympathizer boy remains the same though, even as his future love interest is sex changed, and his charcter is combined with the role of the girl that was too dumb to appreciate what she was doing.

I was wrong on one critical thing though. There is diversity in this television show. It doesn't rise to the level of the 1980's but it is better than average for 2009. We have A Black man and A Hispanic woman. We even get to see AN Asian woman. Ocassionally we get to see a few people of color in the background, because this is NYC after all. So I did get that much wrong and I am glad they did get it right (in as weak a version as they did).

Still this show pales in comparision to the original. It has gaps in logic, like if the conspiracy group is so smart, why didn't they check out Nichols? How in the hell did they find this out, and why didn't they spread the word sooner? How do they know ALL the plans of the aliens from day one? Why didn't they have a plan in place for when this happened?

2 things that I did find interesting were:

They slipped in universal healthcare. Except the implication (likely unintended) is that it is a means of gathering sheep that wish to be lead - even to the slaughter.

The fact that those in power can command and pervert the media with such ease. The compromising of Chad Decker (Scott Wolf) seems so much like the way the Obama Administration cuckholded MSNBC. Again I'm sure that was not the intended thought, but there it was.

Overall this television series looks to be worse than I had imagined in my preview. It waters down the sci-fi, and the political grandness of the original, to a meaningless and bland waste of time. It supplants PC themes for plot and motives. It berates and lectures at the audience in a quiet and Hollywood-esque manner.

This show won't make it one season I think. It would have to make dramatic and sweeping changes just to make me watch one more episode. This isn't groundbreaking, sci-fi, or even entertaining. It's the result of of a bunch of Hollywood execs trying to save cash and reusing a great idea in a horrible way.

The only way I can see anyone recommending this program is if the only other option is watching any reality television program, or because your television is stuch on ABC and can't be turned off. Or they were paid a big salary.

The Doctor...I mean lawyer is in

What if The Doctor was American? I know, many of my readers don't get the reference. I'm talking about Doctor Who. Specifically, the man who was the latest Doctor and one of the most popular in the 46 year history of the television program. David Tennant.

Tenant is not a big name in the U.S., outside of sci-fi geeks and those that watch BBC America. But in Britain he is huge. Because playing the Doctor isn't something just anyone can do (normally). In fact, it's kind of like being picked as the next James Bond.

David Tennant did a wonderful job as The Doctor (no the character doesn't have a name that is known). he was spunky, fun, intelligent in an absent-minded manner, and had a very strong dark vicious streak in him. The kind of character you can enjoy and find incredible depth in.

After playing Dr. Who, the sky was pretty much the limit to what Tennant could have done next. Anything being done in England would have been extremely happy to even have him as a cameo just because he is that popular. But Tenant is a stage and television actor, so he seems to have stuck to his roots. he found a television show to star in.

That may be the end of the good news.

The television show that Tennant has picked is Rex Is Not Your Lawyer. Right off the bat a problem exists. The name is far too long. Never a good sign for 99% of television shows in America.

Add to that the fact that this television show idea is a brainchild of NBC (they haven't been doing so well since Seinfeld and Fraiser went off the air). Plus the news that this idea has been sitting on a shelf for 2 years waiting to get somebody who is capable and willing to take on the project. Not exactly inspirational news.

The concept is basically that a high-end lawyer has a breakdown. So he decides to coach witnesses instead of defending them. I'm laughing already. Yes, that core idea is the key to this comedy show. Since this is not a rip-off of an British comedy, I'm even less enthused.

Overall I am excited to see how David Tennant will do in America. I have no doubt that he is getting paid extremely well for this first shot. I'm equally sure that some Hollywood exec is dreaming of selling rights to the show back to England for a nice profit. And that's all the good news I can get from this concept.

There is no way of figuring out if this idea will work, or if it was put on a shelf for good reason. Tennant may be able to float the show alone, he might get a capable cast that can make it work with him. It might turn out to be an Ally McBeal. Or it could be the American version of Coupling.

At least if it doesn't work, Tennant can still jump in the TARDIS and go back across the pond. I'm sure the Brits will not hold his attempt to raise the standards of American entertainment, and getting paid handsomely well, against him.

**Don't forget to support this blog by checking out Alchemy at World of Vass, and the t-shirts at World of Vass. Your support helps keep this all going. Thank you, and do tell a friend.**

Owen Wilson is a dog - Marmaduke to be exact

Another guy that no one has heard much about of late is Owen Wilson. Although he has been in 3 films, and voice acted for another, since 2007 you really haven't heard much about the man. And again there seems to be a great reason.

Wilson tried to commit suicide back in 2007. He was suffering from depression, and it was obviously far worse than anyone suspected at the time. But since then he has slowly continued to work, no doubt in part thanks to Ben Stiller.

Stiller has been in numerous films with Owen Wilson over the years. Most of the films have hardly been worthy of anything but the bargain DVD bin. Generally Wilson has outshone Stiller, even though Stiller has more clout and better pay - which would certainly depress me.

Of course the films that Wilson has picked without Stiller have hardly been awe inspiring. Not including his work with Jackie Chan, Wilson has made films with Jennifer Aniston (Marley & Me), Nate Hartley (Drillbit Taylor - flop) and a few others, almost all flops with a notable exception of The Life Aquatic. So Wilson has not helped himself with his choices.

looking forward, it doesn't seem like anything will improve either. Wilson will be in another Stiller film, the Little Fockers - the dread just grows on me about that one . Plus he has plans for 2 more animated films that he will provide voice work for. One will be the sequel to the successful Cars 2.

The other is the just announced Marmaduke movie. Yes, that comic strip dog. And I think this might be his worst mistake in quite some time. Potentially the worst film concept that Wilson has ever been attached to.

The comic strip Marmaduke is a generally funny serial. It's popular, and has a huge fanbase built over decades of readership. There are even plenty of stories for writers to copy so that they never have to think about what they are doing, and Hollywood executives can be sure it has no originality that might skew their projections.

But the last 3 (why they did it again and again I will never understand) times that such an idea was tried - Garfield - the stink of the bombs was intense. It didn't work on any level. Even Bill Murray took a hit off of that fiasco.

I doubt that Marmaduke will fare much better. Because there won't be anything original or interesting. Because Hollywood is following a formula. Because Marmaduke is funny in 15 seconds, but not really for 90 minutes. Because it's a mix of live action and animation, and the fact that Marlon Wayans is onboard. How many other reasons do you need?

Wilson needs a good agent and a friend to stop him from jumping at every script he gets. He could be far better, but at this rate we will never see it.

Morgan Freeman is back in the saddle

You know who I haven't heard a lot about in a while? Morgan Freeman. The voice of gravitas in our current age of instant stardom and minor talent.

Part of the reason the 73 year old actor has been a bit quiet is obviously due to the car accident he had in 2008. That left him with a broken elbow, shoulder and other damage. For a man of his age, it was a potentially deadly accident, but he has recovered and looks healthy again.

Another reason is that he has been working on a film, and the rights of another. The most recent film will be Invictus - a film about Nelson Mandela (who Freeman will portray). The film was directed by Clint Easatwood making 3 films the pair has worked together on (as I recall). Expectations are high for the film, and it seems that the typecasting of Freeman as a larger than life figure continues to grow.

And its that image of grave seriousness and immense respect that I think is holding Freeman back a bit. Hollywood just doesn't know how to use him. He is a great actor, but he is equated with quality and power - 2 things that Hollywood tends to avoid using Black actors for.

Freeman broke that image a bit with his role as the main antagonist in WANTED. He even cursed! But Hollywood seems unwilling to take a chance. That is until news of the next project that Freeman is reported to be working on.

Dirty Old Men is about a pair of friends. Both are bachelors. One (potentially Jack Nicholson who worked with Freeman in The Bucket List) finally falls in love and intends to get married. His friend (Freeman) seeks to break the marriage plans at all costs. Don't take this all to seriously, it's a comedy so hijinks will abound.

Will this break the typecast of Morgan Freeman? Do we really want it to? I mean of all the things to be typecast as, being the guy that everyone can accept as God is hardly the worst thing that could happen.

Honestly, for me, if the role diminishes Freeman I won't watch it. He is a role model and a goal to be reached for. He is perfect for roles that require wisdom, intensity, and intellect. And I really prefer him that way. But I can understand if that doesn't pay the bills (which I doubt even with all his chritable donations) or leaves a need to expand his abilities.

But we will see.

Men In Black 3 - can Will Smith do it again?

Can there ever be too much of a good thing? Can fans of Will Smith ever not want to see him in a movie? These are a few of the questions facing the potential deal on Men In Black 3.

Yes, MIB 3. They are planning to do it again. Maybe.

The questions floating out there are if Will Smith will return as the ever hyper yet funny J. So far it seems that he has some interest, but no deal has been made. Then again, Will Smith is also without another movie in the pipeline at the moment. Plus when was the last big album from Smith? A soundtrack and music video tie-in could be just the thing for him.

There is also questions about Tommy Lee Jones. He too has been without a film for some time. But less is known about his interest for another trip in a POV and black suit.

But for me the real questions lie with the writer and director. Without quality in those 2 areas, there is no hope of a quality film being made even if the cast is all in place. So who is expected to be at the helm of the writing? Etan Cohen.

The name, like most movie writers is probably not familiar. But this is the man responsible for Madagascar 2, a Sherlock Holmes film with Will Ferrell (who I think is all played out now), plus the ever so forgettable Tropic Thunder. Obviously the man has his bad days, and when he does, it can really be bad.

The same can be said of Barry Sonnenfeld. He was the director for the 2 prior MIB films. The second being not quite as fresh, interesting or engaging as the first. he is also responsible for the television show Pushing Daisies (which was cancelled as I recall) and RV starring Robin Williams. I'm sure everyone involved wants to forget about RV.

So what if all the stars align, and get big paychecks, the writer has a good day, and the director gets his mojo back? Will all of that be enough? Can Will Smith have yet another $100 million dollar film in a row?

I hope so. But think about all the films you've watched get to the third in the series. How many have been good? The movie trailers will say it all in 2011 (rough expected launch I'm guessing will be the summer blockbuster season).

Sir Anthony Hopkins is Odin

I've been neglecting my movie news for a bit. There hasn't been much worth of reviewing lately, so I kind of put it on a back burner. But there has been a bit of news about films that will be starting production soon.

Anthony Hopkins has another role set up for himself. Like in the Wolfman he will again be involved with a bit of mythology. But this time the myth is more modern. In fact its a comic book conversion.

Sir Hopkins will be in the upcoming Thor movie. I mean the Thor from Marvel Comics and not the Norse myths. I;m sure there are a few fans that are looking forward to this film, but I have my reservations.

Unlike Spiderman, Iron Man, Captian America and the X-Men, Thor is a secondary Marvel character. The comic book has a solid fanbase, but its not nearly as widespread. And considering the nature of the character, success of the movie will be solidly based in the look and the acting.

So Sir Hopkins makes sense as the wise, old, and powerful Odin. Odin is the father of Thor and all the Asgard gods. Sir Hopkins will certainly bring a bit of flair and credibility to the film. As will Natalie Portman (well maybe she will just bring in all the guys that thinks she is hot, but that's close enough).

I just wonder if watching Anthony Hopkins in this role will bring up images of his role as Hannibal Lecter. Odin is not a nice guy, so it is possible that there may be a resemblence of the 2 characters. But we will see once the movie trailers come out, around 2011 I believe.

The Halloween costumes of the rich and famous

Since I was showing off my Halloween costume earlier, I thought I'd take a look at what some celebrities and entertainers decided to wear as well. My thought was that with all the money and access to professional make-up and sci-fi people, some of the costumes they could get must be fantastic.

That was the idea. But it seems that wealth, fame, and opportunity is not enough for some. A few examples of that are best shown by the following:

Paris Hilton is worth more money she will ever be able to count. And she rarely seems to be adverse to spending money to look as good as her near anorexic body can be made to look. But obviously her Halloween fashion was something more akin to her own dreamy self-image than anything else.



Kelly Osbourne is someone you would expect to be able to really come up with something bizzare. Or at least different. Yet her costume seems more akin to what a housewife in the suburbs and little time might throw together at the last minute.



Nicky Hilton seems to be afflicted with the same lack of taste as Paris. While this imitation of class is better, it's still a far cry from interesting or good looking. Then again that does sum up the Hiltons, doesn't it.



Shanna Moakler was trying for a flapper look. But if this is how flappers looked in the 1920's, I can see why the fashion died off. Still it's better than any of the above.



And perhaps the worst costume has to go to... Lamar Odum. This poor man's attempt at a half-assed Halloween costume is just embarrassing. It makes Khole Kardashian look bad just being next to him. The fact he went out in public with this boggles the mind. Even the Hiltons look better.



Of course there were more than a few celebrities and entertainers that looked great, even classy and sexy. Like Bette Midler



and Jessica Lowndes (whomever she is)



And of course I wanted to include Adrina Partridge



But after looking over many of the failures and successes of far too many of the famous, I think that on average most of the people that I know were more committed and looked better this Halloween. Good for us, and shame on them.

V - the 2009 television series

Last night I had the chance to watch the original V series. I remember the television miniseries from back in the 80's when it was originally shown. It was a moving work of television at its best back then, and now.

But in watching the original, which was promoting the upcoming "revisioned" television series, I thought about what we know is different now in the coming premiere on ABC on Tuesday. Sadly, I doubt the impact, message, or interest will survive this "reimagined" program.

Right off the back there are a few things that are readily seen. The first is that the city this will be highlighting is New York City instead of Los Angeles. Another is that unlike the original, and unlike NYC, the diversity of the characters has gone out the window. Add to that the fact that several of the main characters have had their race and gender changed.



In 20 years, somehow NYC has become a place where people of color are incredibly unseen (or more accurately underseen). Which is amazing since NYC is possibly the most diverse population anywhere in the world. And it is that diversity which is a major theme of the program. That ALL human beings are involved and affected. That this can happen to anyone, everywhere. But in the new version, basically if you are a person of color, you just don't matter.

The original had several major characters that were women, or people of color. They were not authorities or people invested with the way of life. Just ordinary people that had to rise to the circumstances they found themselves in. The leader of the resistance is a woman who had no aspirations of power or leadership. But she became more than she knew she could be.

The new version will have women assuming several roles of the male characters from the original. The father that is divorced yet still tries to maintain a good relationship with his ex-wife and son is gone. The image of a strong man, that can work with and support a strong female leader is gone. The thought of ordinary people being more than they ever envisioned is gone.

I can only guess if the Holocaust survivor character will remain, but I doubt it. I can only guess that the hard working factory employee Black single father is also gone. I would bet that the references to social climbing succubi - as portrayed in the original - will be gone. In fact I expect every female character to be a version of Wonder Woman, and every male character to be little more than a boy Robin at best and more often a pack of impotent Renfield's. Just to suck up to the current political correctness of the day.

In the original the change from everyday freedom to a totalitarian society takes mere weeks. The change is fast but based in the very credible fears and weaknesses we all hold. And the Visitors obviously learned a lot about us, as they took the prime example of Hitler and the Nazis to implement their plans.

The new version will forgo that idea. Instead they will focus on a post-9/11 world. Aliens are among us, and have been for years. They have infiltrated our lives and we don't know it. And the world has been prepped for a siege none of us are ready for.

But that takes away from the story. It forgets that some of the most dangerous times in the world have been not when we are under attack (even unknowingly) but when we are feeling completely safe. When the Government and laws change ever so little, but sliding away from what we grew up with.

These are things that have been changed to suck in younger viewers. Because they never saw the original. Because Hollywood executives are sure that younger viewers will not understand the impact of the Nazis or how that could happen in America. Because they believe that feeding off of the hype of recent events is more entertaining than providing a lesson about how history repeats itself when we watch with dull minds.

The fact that this will be a weekly series means that people will not have to pay attention to what is going on. That if you missed something you can just wait for reruns to get it. That watching the show out of sequence will not destroy the meaning of what is going on. And it loses a lot in that.

The original series hit people because it left no stone unturned. It happened in a real world of people from all facets of life. It involved the real issues we all face. It delved into the need for security and comfort of routine. Even with a sci-fi background, it was something everyone could relate to.

The new series proposes to substitute a false image of the world. Where a great number of people don't exist. Where the frailties of society are replaced with the hype of politics. Where some will be able to hide - even if that is just a subliminal effect of what they have done. It is a watered down, self-serving, and quite possibly useless exercise in grabbing ratings.

I will watch the show. I will be more than happy to write a post detailing exactly how wrong I was on every point I have made. I will be delighted to headline a post with my failure to see the benefit of this "revisioned" show. But I wouldn't place a bet in Las Vegas that any of that will happen. Not because I am unwilling, hell I'm hoping, but because there won't be enough substance to cause it to happen.

In addition this new V series will be a ratings whore. It will be shaped by the number of viewers it will get. It will be modified by the popularity of the stars involved. Because every television show is. And when they aren't they get canceled for low viewership.

Television has always been an escape. A way to be amused by the antics that we all can feel safe are restricted to a small screen. When it is at its best and true to the purpose of its creation, television informs and educates. And that happens best in a small dose that has no regard for weekly ratings, star power, salaries, or fickle Hollywood executives. Roots is another great example of what can be done in a miniseries that cannot in a television series.

Will this version of V be interesting? I hope so. Will it provide the same political and societal message? Not at all. Will it rise to the highest goals of television? Most likely not. Will it last? Undoubtedly only a season or 2 at best.

I hope to be wrong. I hope to see a great program that is well written. But what I know I will see is a show that panders to popular political ideals, and seeks to garner ratings over delving into real issues.

Halloween - not just kid fun

So I hope everyone had a good time over Halloween. I had some fun myself. As the following video will show, adults enjoy dressing up as much as anyone else.

The best part for me was once I was fully transformed into the Ghoul, I had to go out for cigarettes. I ran into several people that I know, and none of them recognized me. It took one person more than 5 minutes of me speaking to finally place who I was.

Of course now my head is freezing in this weather without all my hair. Thankfully it will all grow back soon.

How was your Halloween? What do you think of my costume?




**And even though Halloween has past, the pendants, goblets, skulls, earrings and other items at Alchemy at World of Vass are still a great buy. Plus there is always Christmas and birthdays to consider. Check it out. Thanks for your support.**