The Art of Fielding/The Diving Bell and the Butterfly/Blankets

The Art of Fielding - Chad Harbach (2011)
Chad Harbach's critically acclaimed debut novel, The Art of Fielding, was one of those rare reading experiences where I was so invested in the characters that I had a hard time putting it down. So, I ended up reading the 500+ page book in five days. Yes, baseball plays a huge role in the plot, and as a fan of that sport, it certainly contributed to the amount of which I enjoyed it. But, you don't have to be a baseball fan to appreciate these diverse, quirky, vibrant characters and this tale of love, ambition and overcoming the hardships of public potential gone awry (the main character is a highly lauded baseball prospect). There's one crucial plot point that is so incredibly messed up, which I am usually into, but was a bit difficult to get around. Harbach's prose was a little too laid back for me, considering the intricacy of the details, but that is basically my only complaint. The guy sure knows how to write a compelling, complex and challenging yet enjoyable story.


The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Jean-Dominique Bauby (1997)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an english translation of a French memoir written by journalist Jean-Dominique Bauby. I'm not that into memoirs, but I wanted to read something easy and short while dog-sitting for some friends in Ypsilanti. While completely depressing to me, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly fit the bill. At the end of 1995, Bauby suffered a stroke and entered a coma, only to wake up with a condition called locked-in syndrome. With a lot of help, Bauby composed this memoir to detail the life and thoughts of someone burdened with this condition. I know this is insensitive, as this is a truly tragic story, but the memoir's artistic imagery and poetic style did virtually nothing for me, and I was bored through most of it. That being said, the struggle and effort that was put into writing this is extremely commendable as is the hope and spirit represented within. As far as my preferred style of reading material, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly just isn't really my thing.


Blankets - Craig Thompson (2003)
The graphic novel Blankets is Craig Thompson's gorgeously drawn and splendidly written claim to fame. The only possible way it could not touch you in deeply emotional ways is if you literally lacked a heart. Blankets is a coming-of-age story about being raised in a conservative Christian home and finding one's first love. I will admit that at times, Thompson gets a little heavy handed here, but it was incredibly easy to find elements in the story and characters to relate to. This book hit me hard and brought out the inner sensitive, emotional wuss in me. Completely soul crushing in the best way.

Emotional Listening #24

Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) - The Beach Boys (Capitol, 1965)
It's crazy to think that Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!), released in 1965, was The Beach Boys' ninth studio album. Home to such hits as "Help Me, Rhonda" and "California Girls," it is certainly a crucial entry in their output. Despite these classic singles, believe it or not, there are eight songs that are even better. "The Girl From New York City" and "Amusement Parks U.S.A." are an awesome opening one-two punch. "Summer Means New Love" is an excellent instrumental. However, the high points are "Girl Don't Tell Me," an excellent pop song with great hooks and chord changes, and "Let Him Run Wild," which hints at the more somber, psychedelic, orchestral sound of Pet Sounds. "I'm Bugged at My Ol' Man" is a blatant misstep; one of the worst, most obnoxious songs I've ever heard in my entire life. For reals. Otherwise, Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!) isn't that far off from being perfect.
Top jams: "The Girl From New York City," "Amusement Parks U.S.A.," "Then I Kissed Her," "Salt Lake City," "Girl Don't Tell Me," "Let Him Run Wild," "You're So Good to Me," "Summer Means New Love"


Duty Now for the Future - Devo (Warner Bros., 1979)
While Devo's sophomore LP, Duty Now for the Future, is a continuation of their nearly flawless debut, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, there are subtle differences and advancements that come out after repeated listens. The overall sound can still be considered post-punk, but the slightly louder new wave elements of the band are a bit more present. It's poppier, and the songs aren't quite as jittery. The guitars are quieter and the synths are up in the mix. Also, there aren't any standouts that reach the same level of awesomeness as "Space Junk," "Gut Feeling/(Slap Your Mammy)" or "Come Back Jonee." "Blockhead" and especially closer, "Red Eye," come close. I look forward to eventually continuing along Devo's discography.
Top jams: "Clockout," "Timing X," "Wiggly World," "Blockhead," "Strange Pursuit," "The Day My Baby Gave Me a Surprize," "Pink Pussycat," "Red Eye"


The View From This Tower - Faraquet (Dischord, 2000)
Faraquet was a melodic, math-y indie rock band from predominantly the late 90s on Dischord Records. I first came across their lone full-length, The View From This Tower, late in 2003 thanks to my long lost pal Andy. Both being drummers into complex music at the time, he knew I would find immense appreciation in this. However, I didn't give the album my full attention until now. These days, I'm not so stuck on ridiculous guitar patterns and math-y time signatures, but of course the dudes in this band still floor me with their outright talent. Devin Ocampo and Chad Molter are, like, Washington D.C.'s two greatest hidden secrets in music: multi-instrumentalists who are masters at everything they do. The math rock on The View From This Tower is not to the Don Caballero level of wankery. These are still pop songs, generally, just with shifting time signatures and intricate guitars riffs. What most surprises me this time around is the quality of Ocampo's vocal melodies and how bright and gorgeous the music here can be.
Top jams: "Cut Self Not," "Carefully Planned," "Conceptual Separation of Self," "Study in Complacency," "Sea Song," "The Missing Piece"


Graceland - Paul Simon (Warner Bros., 1986)
Through the first seven songs, Paul Simon's seminal Graceland is perfect. I start losing interest after that (in spite of how much I like "Crazy Love, Vol. II"). But, man! Those first seven tracks KILL IT. I won't argue with you if you think "You Can Call Me Al" is corny and obnoxious. It totally is. But, not only was it one of my absolute favorite songs as a kid, it is simply a fantastic 80s pop tune, in spite of its ridiculousness. The title track and "The Boy in the Bubble" are probably the two best tracks here, but lately, "Gumboots," with its bouncy rhythms and gorgeous horn sections, and the general beauty of "Under African Skies," have been the most impressive. Graceland's back story, its expansive instrumentation, and African rhythms certainly make it a fascinating record. But, really, I just love it for what it is: a unique pop album of the highest quality. If only the end of the record lived up to the perfection of those first seven jams.
Top jams: "The Boy in the Bubble," "Graceland," "I Know What I Know," "Gumboots," "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes," "You Can Call Me Al," "Under African Skies," "Crazy Love, Vol. II"


They Spent Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of the Salons - Swirlies (Taang!, 1996)
I came across this, Swirlies' second LP, thanks to my friend and bandmate Eric putting a song of theirs on a Spotify mix for me back in late autumn. On They Spent Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of the Salons, shoegaze is the word, but not the slow, vague style of My Bloody Valentine. Underneath all the layers and noise, these are pop songs, albeit complex ones. Sure, there are softer, more ambient tracks like "Pony" and "The Vehicle is Invisible." And those songs are great. But what Swirlies excel at the most are the louder, more upbeat jams. "In Her Many New Found Freedom" and "San Cristobal de las Casas" are awesome rockers with more intricate song structures. "Sounds of Sebring" takes the cake, though. Everything about the song is perfect from the melodies to the way the song moves from part to part to the way the guitars and drums sound. I am very much pumped about this record.
Top jams: "In Her Many New Found Freedom," "Sounds of Sebring," "San Cristobal de las Casas," "You Can't be Told It, You Must Behold It," "Pony," "Two Girls Kissing," "Sterling Moss," "Sunn," "The Vehicle is Invisible"

Tree of Smoke/The Complete Persepolis

Tree of Smoke - Denis Johnson (2007)
Denis Johnson's 2007 novel and Pulitzer finalist Tree of Smoke is HUGE. In both length and emotional depth. Taking place in Vietnam from 1963 through 1970, it is a complex, desperate, brutal and even sometimes touching tale about war and its effects on all peoples involved. There are a lot of characters, major or minor, who play absolutely crucial roles in the plot, and I'll admit that it was difficult to keep track of it all, especially with this being a 702 page monster. But all of the violence, deception, betrayal,  corruption, etc. made for a fascinating and intricate story that overwhelms in so many positive ways. Johnson's prose is poetic (which is no surprise, as he is also a poet), and even in those moments of reading details that I wasn't fully processing, I could appreciate his mastery of the art. I look forward to reading this again at some point in the distant future.


The Complete Persepolis - Marjane Sadrapi (2007)
I know that The Complete Persepolis is an insanely popular, critically acclaimed graphic novel, thus why I am surprised it took me so long to getting around to read it. It details the life of author Marjane Satrapi's childhood and early adult years in Iran, around the time of the Islamic revolution and the war between Iran and Iraq. Her writing is incredibly easy to follow, detailed and informative, and the simple black and white art is a charming touch. it was a bittersweet experience reading about a young muslim female growing up in the middle east during a time of war. Typically, I'm much more interested in reading dark, surreal comics or superhero ones, but it was easy to appreciate Satrapi's story.

Emotional Drumming Mix #4

Here's a 20 song mix compiling the best from each entry of my five most recent Emotional Listening installments. Download it, obviously for free, and only if you'd like to, right HERE.

Tracklist:
1. "Oblivious" - Galaxie 500 (1988)
2. "Every Picture I Paint" - Teenage Fanclub (1990)
3. "Divine Hammer" - The Breeders (1993)
4. "No Reply at All" - Genesis (1981)
5. "Young Hearts Spark Fire" - Japandroids (2009)
6. "Catamaran" - Bear vs. Shark (2005)
7. "The Garden" - Abe Vigoda (2008)
8. "Glass" - Gang of Four (1979)
9. "Take the Skinheads Bowling" - Camper Van Beethoven (1985)
10. "Letter From an Occupant" - The New Pornographers (2000)
11. "The Light Pours Out of Me" - Magazine (1978)
12. "Hazel St." - Deerhunter (2007)
13. "I Have Seen a Light" - Destroyer (2002)
14. "Bury the Hammer" - Beat Happening (1992)
15. "Margaret vs. Pauline" - Neko Case (2006)
16. "Guys Don't Lie" - Papas Fritas (1995)
17. "Block of Wood" - The Bats (1987)
18. "Crazy Rhythms" - The Feelies (1980)
19. "Nothing to be Done" - The Pastels (1989)
20. "Eat at Home" - Paul and Linda McCartney (1971)

2012 MLB Mid-Season Report

I made predictions going into the 2012 MLB season. A lot of those were wrong. Here, I try to right my wrongs. It's MLB mid-season prediction revision time.

AL East
1. New York Yankees
2. Tampa Bay Rays
3. Boston Red Sox
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Toronto Blue Jays

The Yankees' offense is good as usual and their pitching has been surprising. Probably not enough to get into the World Series though. Tampa Bay's got problems that I think they will work through, as do the Red Sox, and they get Carl Crawford back. Baltimore has been a pleasant surprise in every way, and Toronto is at about where everyone figured they would be. It's relatively probable that every team in the AL East will have a winning record.

AL Central
1. Detroit Tigers
2. Chicago White Sox
3. Cleveland Indians
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Minnesota Twins

Everyone in Detroit freaked out about the Detroit Tigers. They are 44-42. At this point last year, they were 45-41 and Cleveland had first place. It's not that different this year, and they will win this division, probably handedly. DO NOT WORRY. In fact, the Tigers can even be considered as dangerous if Quentin Berry is for real, Andy Dirks comes back, Doug Fister gets his magic touch back and Max Scherzer maintains some consistency if not continues to completely dominate. The White Sox are really fun now, though, post-Guillen. Chris Sale has been EXCITING. Cleveland is over-performing, and really, they're not much better than Kansas City or Minnesota.

AL West
1. Texas Rangers
2. Los Angeles Angels
3. Oakland Athletics
4. Seattle Mariners

The Texas Rangers are the best team in baseball without question. Their pitching rotation is not the strongest, but it's decent, and their ridiculous offense more than makes up for it. The Angels are getting scary thanks to 20 year-old rookie Mike Trout saving them single handedly. Jered Weaver ain't so bad, either. Oakland's young and talented pitching staff has somehow made them relevant again. Seattle is just sad. Poor King Felix. Get outta there, fella!

NL East
1. Washington Nationals
2. New York Mets
3. Atlanta Braves
4. Miami Marlins
5. Philadelphia Phillies

Cliff Lee has only won one game due to poor offense and Roy Halladay has been injured. It has not been the Phillies' year. It seems that Halladay will not get his World Series ring with Philly. That Cole Hamels is potentially getting traded is shocking to me, too. All of this to say that, the Washington Nationals really are the team to beat in the NL East and maybe even the entire NL. I knew they were going to be ridiculous before too long, but I did not see it happening so quickly. This Strasburg/Gonzalez pairing is a dream come true. The Mets and Braves will be in a tight race all year. I don't see how R.A. Dickey's luck will last all year, but David Wright is also having an MVP caliber year, and the Braves are having a rough time thanks to injuries. The Miami Marlins are hilarious.

NL Central
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Chicago Cubs
6. Houston Astros

The St. Louis Cardinals are really good, they're just losing an insane amount of 1-run games. I don't see that lasting. I'd rather them suck or at least not win the division, but they probably are the best team in the central. I'm rooting hard for the Reds and potential MVP Joey Votto, though. The Brewers, who are pretty much my favorite team in the NL, are sad this season, and I have no idea why. I mean, they don't have Prince Fielder, yes, but with Ryan Braun and that starting rotation and supposedly fantastic bullpen, I don't understand how you're 40-45 at the All-Star break. I cannot believe in the Pittsburgh Pirates as the real deal this year, but Andrew McCutchen and their pitching all around have been incredibly special. The Cubs and Astros are TERRIBLE. Someone trade for Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster already. AHEM Detroit.

NL West
1. San Francisco Giants
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
3. Arizona Diamondbacks
4. Colorado Rockies
5. San Diego Padres

This Giants starting rotation is SICK, despite Tim Lincecum's completely blowing it. Their bullpen is still awesome without Brian Wilson too, and they're actually hitting the ball a bit. If Lincecum can figure out some way to get around how majestically he is sucking, the Giants could go to the World Series. The Dodgers were a nice story for the first part of the year, and with how well they've been pitching and getting Matt Kemp back, they could be playoff bound. The Diamondbacks are back to their usual suck every-other-year, rule every-other-year tricks, and Justin Upton's outright bombing has been pretty funny. The Rockies will edge out the Padres only because they have Carlos Gonzalez and are getting Troy Tulowitzki back.

AL Wild Card Game
Los Angeles Angels over Tampa Bay Rays

NL Wild Card Game
Cincinnati Reds over Los Angeles Dodgers

ALDS
Texas Rangers over Los Angeles Angels, 3-2
New York Yankees over Detroit Tigers, 3-2

NLDS
Washington Nationals over Cincinnati Reds, 3-1
San Francisco Giants over St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2

ALCS
Texas Rangers over New York Yankees, 4-2

NLCS
San Francisco Giants over Washington Nationals, 4-1

World Series
Texas Rangers over San Francisco Giants, 4-1

AL Rookie of the Year - Mike Trout, Los Angeles
AL Comeback Player of the Year - Adam Dunn, Chicago
AL Cy Young - Justin Verlander, Detroit
AL MVP - Josh Hamilton, Texas

NL Rookie of the Year - Bryce Harper, Washington
NL Comeback Player of the Year - Johan Santana, New York
NL Cy Young - Matt Cain, San Francisco
NL MVP - Joey Votto, Cincinnati

Emotional Listening #23

Terrorhawk - Bear Vs. Shark (Equal Vision, 2005)
The one and only time I ever got to see Michigan's short lived post-hardcore band Bear Vs. Shark live was during my senior year of high school at a hall show. At the time, their sound reminded me of early At the Drive-In (down to the style and rhythm of the vocals) and their live performance was entertaining and energetic as all get out. Over one EP and two LPs, the band never really ditched their ATD-I homage, but on their second and final album, Terrorhawk, they were able to put a unique spin on their songs. Opening jam of jams "Catamaran" is almost a catchy pop punk song. The same could be said of "Seven Stop Hold Restart." "Out Loud Hey Hey" mixes punk with classic rock guitars. "Entrance of the Elected" features jagged, intermingling guitars. "Heard Iron Bug, 'They're Coming to Town'" probably showcases the band at their most creative, with bizarre spoken word sections and a chorus where the tempo continuously speeds up until completely imploding. In spite of Marc Paffi's intense and gruff vocals, there are plenty of catchy melodies throughout, whether it be by voice or guitar. I'll go ahead and state that I like Terrorhawk more now than I ever have before.
Top jams: "Catamaran," "5, 6 Kids," "Six Bar Phrase Hey Hey," "Entrance of the Elected," "Seven Stop Hold Restart," "Out Loud Hey Hey," "I Fucked Your Dad," "Hear Iron Bug, 'They're Coming to Town'"


You Turn Me On - Beat Happening (K/Sub Pop, 1992)
I know that Beat Happening is a classic lo-fi/twee/jangle/indie pop band that most fans of the genre worship. So sue me that I just started getting into them over the past year or two. You Turn Me On was their final full length, and it was where I ended up starting for whatever reason. Neither the production nor the vocals are good, but the lack of enthusiasm toward those aspects of these songs is totally charming. Heather Lewis' vocals are tolerable at least, and her melodies are sugar sweet. Calvin Johnson's vocals are a bit more difficult to get around. Beat Happening had many shortcomings, and they are fully on display on You Turn Me On, but, man, there are some ridiculously great songs here. "Noise" and the epic, entirely too repetitive "Godsend" are probably the best of the best, but "Hey Day" and "Bury the Hammer" show off the best guitar chords, if that means anything to you.
Top jams: "Tiger Trap," "Noise," "Teenage Caveman," "Sleepy Head," "Godsend," "Hey Day," "Bury the Hammer"


This Night - Destroyer (Merge, 2002)
I'll admit to being surprised by how much I was taken by This Night, Destroyer's fifth LP. I firmly believe that 2006's Destroyer's Rubies and 2011's Kaputt are modern classics, but I didn't really expect much from this. Pretty glad I was wrong. Daniel Bejar's typically drunken stumbling over his phrases and words are in full force, as are his strong melodies and simple yet perfect chord progressions. While Kaputt is tight as shit and Rubies displays a slight element of sloppiness but is generally tight, This Night indulges in sloppiness and it feels just right. Sure, some of these songs are too long, and maybe even some of Bejar's ideas here aren't fully realized. But, I think that's part of the charm of the album. That and the messy but glorious sounding guitars, and again, those catchy melodies. There are too many highlights to cover, but you couldn't ask for a more appropriate opener than the title track, and "I Have Seen a Light," despite it's dire tone and slow burn, is absolutely gorgeous.
Top jams: "This Night," "Holly Going Lightly," "Here Comes the Night," "The Chosen Few," "Making Angels," "Modern Painters," "Crystal Country," "Trembling Peacock," "I Have Seen a Light," "Students Carve Hearts Out of Coals"



Abacab - Genesis (Atlantic, 1981)
GENESIS. Yup. 1981's Abacab is truly an amazing record. No joke. Do you like prog rock with actual hummable melodies and choruses? Do you like overpowering synthesizers? Do you like drums that were recorded in the very early 80s but sound like they're from the late 90s, and are played tastefully and awesomely (BY PHIL COLLINS)? What about roto-toms? It sounds like I'm making fun of this record, but, while I could do without the roto-toms, Abacab really is a fantastic record. "No Reply at All" is quickly climbing the list of favorite songs ever. The verses sound like something Animal Collective would've used as a sample. "Keep It Dark" was my first top jam on Abacab, and probably still is, but "Man on the Corner" and "Who Dunnit?," as corny as it is, are sort of catching up. Don't get me wrong, the entire album is corny as hell, but that is up for with Abacab's overall sense of rhythm, melody, and complex song structures that aren't completely overwhelming. Seriously, I love me some Abacab.
Top jams: "No Reply at All," "Keep It Dark," "Dodo/Lurker," "Who Dunnit?," "Man on the Corner," "Another Record"


Ram - Paul and Linda McCartney (Apple, 1971)
Ram is Paul McCartney's second post-Beatles album, and is also the only one where Linda is credited along with him. It is a bizarre pop record that features plenty of silly McCartney-isms present on, say, The White Album (I'll admit to totally loving Ram's ridiculous "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" through and through). "Too Many People" is an excellent opener with probably the best melody on the record, and "The Back Seat of My Car" is the perfect closer, even if it is a little too dramatic. "Ram On" is a beautiful and eerie ukelele ballad that was my first favorite song on the album. "Eat at Home" is the true jam though, in all of its straight forward power pop glory. As maligned as Ram was when it was released, it's easy to see that it has been referenced plenty in modern music. It certainly is a worthwhile listen, even if it doesn't quite live up to the standards of The Beatles' best albums.
Top jams: "Too Many People," "Ram On," "Dear Boy," "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey," "Smile Away," "Eat at Home," "Long Haired Lady," "The Back Seat of My Car"

A Different Ship/Electric Cables/Spooky Action at a Distance/Open Your Heart

A Different Ship - Here We Go Magic (Secretly Canadian, 2012)
On this, their third LP, Here We Go Magic sort of rein things in. The self-titled 2009 debut was a sort expansive yet subtle folk experiment with plenty of electric elements, placing them in the Grizzly Bear camp, sonically. 2010's Pigeons and 2011's The January EP were a bit more in your face: funkier and a kraut-y. On A Different Ship, which was produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Beck, Pavement, etc.), the band run with the funkiness, but smoothing it out a bit. It's basically an adult contemporary/soft rock album, with nods to Fleetwood Mac, especially in the production, and even some Paul Simon. There's something else to it, though, that I just can't place. And it's the combination of that unplaceable element and the Mac-isms that wins me over. Even if I prefer the earlier releases.


Electric Cables - Lightships (Geographic, 2012)
Lightships is a new alias for Teenage Fanclub's Gerard Love, and Electric Cables continues his penchant for gorgeous pop songs with Byrds-esque chiming guitars and broad instrumentation. While these are pop songs of the ballad persuasion, and their production is excellent, Electric Cables has a lucid feel throughout, which makes it a great album to fall asleep to (in a good way). I'm new at being a Teenage Fanclub fan, and I never saw this record coming, so it was a welcome, pleasant surprise. Especially with songs like "Two Lines," "Sweetness in Her Spark," and "Stretching Out." If you happened to listen to Teenage Fanclub's 2010 LP, Shadows, and were into the song "Into the City," basically all of Electric Cables sounds like that.


Spooky Action at a Distance - Lotus Plaza (Kranky, 2012)
Lotus Plaza is the solo project of Deerhunter guitarist Lockett Pundt. His 2009 debut, The Floodlight Collective, was a collection of moody, ambient, lo-fi shoegaze tracks. It was pretty nice, but it surely didn't hit me nearly as hard as his follow up, Spooky Action at a Distance, has. The differences between the two are VAST. Not only is Spooky Action at a Distance well produced (by none other than Detroit's own Chris Koltay, which is news to me), it consists of actual pop songs. There are still some subtle shoegaze elements, for sure, but chiming Byrdsian guitars, moderate tempos and solid melodies are the main focus here. It's difficult to deny that the songs here just sound like jams Pundt could have submitted for Deerhunter records. But, they're damn fine songs nonetheless. Into it.


Open Your Heart - The Men (Sacred Bones, 2012)
The Men seem to be one of underground punk rock's big new things, so, on a whim (and admittedly based on Pitchfork's recommendation), I decided it seemed worthwhile to put in some time with the band's latest, Open Your Heart. It is raw, powerful punk rock with chaotic tendencies, but melodic sensibility a good portion of the time. Hints of The Replacements and Sonic Youth poke in and out, which is a pretty fun combination. Opener "Turn it Around," "Oscillation," and closer "Ex-Dreams" are all completely bad ass. The guitars sound awesome. CHECK IT.

Prometheus/Moonrise Kingdom

Prometheus (2012)
Written by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof, directed by Ridley Scott
It has been quite a while since I had been so excited to see a film in the theater. I know that reviews for Prometheus have been relatively mixed (though, good for the most part, right?). I, however, thought it was a complete knock out. Ridley Scott tried to downplay the degree to which Prometheus is a direct prequel to his 1979 sci-fi/horror classic Alien, and I believe he failed. I will say that, perhaps, Prometheus might not cover the particular subject one might suspect quite as much as desired. Anyway, I am of the opinion that this film should go down as one of the absolute greatest summer blockbusters of our time. Sure, it's not perfect. I have complaints about some of the plot points and a lot of the ridiculous decisions and unbelievable reactions of the characters (I'm being vague because I don't want to give ANYTHING away). It's pacing is a little bit quicker than I was hoping, too. But, visually, Prometheus is absolutely stunning, and the acting is quite impressive (mainly Michael Fassbender). My issues with the plot are minuscule, and even if everything unravels too quickly, I still love the way it all happens. There are plenty of moments to jump at, too, and the violence and gore is fun and certainly shocking. If you're a fan of or at least interested in the Alien series, I know you're going to see this. But, you should do yourself a favor and see it regardless. And, if you're disappointed by it, I don't know what to tell you. You're crazy.


Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Written by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola, directed by Wes Anderson
Usually I go into Wes Anderson films with huge expectations. Even though I had already gathered that Moonrise Kingdom was a sort of return to form for Anderson, I still was able to keep my expectations non-existent when I went to see it the other day. It's obvious now that nothing will ever touch The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) or Rushmore (1998). But, still, after Moonrise Kingdom finished, I couldn't help but walk away feeling that it was Anderson's best since The Life Aquatic (2004). A lot of Anderson's usual elements are present: dry, quirky dialogue spoken by ridiculous, fairy tale characters, dysfunctional family, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, vibrant colors, and symmetrical, ultra intentional cinematography. What sets Moonrise Kingdom apart a little is that the cast is made up predominantly of children. If you typically like Wes Anderson's work, then there's no reason for you to dislike this, but, also, I don't really see it winning over any new fans. That being said, Moonrise Kingdom is a wonderful addition to Anderson's filmography. It is whimsical in a charming way, and really, a lot funnier than I was expecting, thanks to the memorable characters and performances. DO IT.