1.31.2007

The Teenager

Teenagers are average-to-large creatures that normally reside in suburban environments. Their monkey-like stature and their dangerous, retarded actions are key identifiers.

The average female teenager wears clothing that is far too tight or far too slutty for her body. She travels in packs of other teenage girls, sometimes with horny teenage males straggling behind the pack. They unleash horrific screeching noises at times in order to scare away predators and to make their presence known to other packs of savage teenage females. They jump about and run around malls, their prime predatory grounds, preying upon retail staff and adult-mall-goers.

The male teenager is quite different from the female in many ways. Their clothing drapes off their bodies in order to make sure predators have no idea of the position of their actual body. They wear large ballcaps to protect their scalp from mall-lighting and from the teenage female messing up their crest of fur atop their head. They normally travel in small packs and enjoy congregating near Tim Horton's or mall theatres, standing about talking about whatever it is they talk about. Male teenagers are less hygenic than the female, showering once every eight years.

The male mating dance consists of mating calls, such as "sup" and head movements in their giant ballcaps. The female then plays "hard-to-get" in order to drive the male counterparts into a rage or possibly homosexuality. The female's built-in theatrical cold-heartedness (or BITCH for short) is used at all times around the single male. Once the male has won the female, she then expects him to buy her things and do anything she says. This leads the male to become frustrated and perform the mating dance for another female while still attached to the first. It is unknown why either gender of the species attaches itself to the other, but leading sociologists and zoologists believe it is due to desperation, and sometimes to make babies they are in no way prepared to take care of.

On most occasions, really awful pitches (RAP) or pretentious ugly-and-noisey krap (PUNK) will accompany packs of teenagers, enforcing whiney, obnoxious attitudes towards beneficial elements of life, such as love, money, family, and air. Different waves of culture-change pass through entire populations of teenagers, such as the detrimental "everyone misunderstands ourselves" or EMO for short. EMO teenagers will have their hair covering their eyes so no one can see that they are faking sadness and frustration. Black clothing and under-eating are also associated with EMO. Any teenagers thought to have EMO characteristics should be brought to a Toys-R-Us immediately so they can realize life does not suck as much as they think.

Teenagers should be considered annoying and should be pushed down mall escalators whenever possible in order to knock some sort of sense into their little brains. Coffee or other stainable beverages should be used to spill on their clothing so they can never wear it again. Take caution if you must talk to a teenager, for they hardly listen and can be of no help in any situation except harassment of innocent bystanders and the leeching of money from the teenagers' parents.

Teenagers eventually evolve into adults, where all of these attributes should disappear. If they do not, disassociate yourself from them immediately, unless you wish to remain ostracized for all eternity.

--Jam

1.29.2007

The Blogs Fell, One By One

Blogs are great things. I get to type here, no editing (hollaback.. err, something), rambling on about boys, games, movies, names, whatever I damn-well feel like. I think the blog is one of the best creations of our time. It's completely revamped the way journalistic media is presented as people read blogs now more often than they read newspapers.

Lately, however, my everyday-reads have been dwindling away into the abyss. The abyss of nothingness. How am I supposed to nurse an addiction to blogs if no one adds to them? I can only read about the start of a new semester and watch a dancing Star Trek LEGO character so many times, people. So *hint hint*, everyone should update. Well, there are exceptions. Liz and Heidi are totally on top of it. Props to you guys for.. that.

So I've been getting all grad school crazy lately for whatever reason. I know I have over a year left after this year, but it's just so exciting that I'm going to be getting on a path worth getting on. I mean, my degree now is quasi-interesting, but it's also quasi-boring and seems quasi-pointless. I was talking to Brian and he totally cheered me up. He told me to make small goals in-between the big goals and then I'll have stuff to get excited about and to aim towards all the time. Good idea, I think.

We're in the midst of our fourth blizzard in the last two weeks. I'm not sure who decided to settle on this island of tundra, but they were dumb. Especially now that the fish are all gone. There is nothing here. I can't wait to move somewhere else to be quite honest. I mean, I'm not saying the people here smell or have hunchbacks. They might, but I'm not saying that ...right now. Right now I'm saying that the weather just stinks. Someone warned me, but I didn't believe them. That's because I'm a big doorknob. The walls of snow are far taller than me beside people's driveways. Today I was walking back from the bus and fell into a snowdrift from hell up to my waist. I kinda just stood there for a minute, baffled that it really happened, then struggled out only to fall in over and over until I reached real land. The other thing is St. John's is a fun city, basically like St. Catharines only prettier, but I am ready to move to a big city now. I want a Starbucks nearby, I want traffic, I want efficient public transit - is that so much to ask? I don't think so.

To put grad school and leaving Newfoundland together, I found an amazing program in a crazy place, but I absolutely want it. I found the program, Masters of Professional Writing, before I knew where the school is, and when I found that out, I fell out of my chair. Well, I fell out of it in my mind, but boy, that would have made my story even better. Chair-fallings are intellectual stimulators, says me. Anyway, don't get me off-topic. The school is the University of Southern California in Los Angeles! *freaks out* It would be expensive and hard to get into, but I'm really going to try when the time comes. Sun, hot California men, big and exciting city.. that's all I need. How freaking awesome would that be? "Very" is the correct answer to that question, by the way. I'll let you know how that goes, whenever that goes.

That's enough posting stuff for now. Loves ya!

--Jam without a tan

1.27.2007

The Bitch From Down the Street

Gooooood morning! Well, it's actually afternoon, but we'll say morning so I don't feel so lazy.

Last night was my roommate's birthday party and it was actually a lot of fun, despite losing a bunch of people to the insane snowstorm that hit around 5pm. About twelve people showed up and we just hung around, danced, got very drunk, danced.. I don't really know what we did to pass all of that time, but it kept going into the morning so who knows. I went to bed around 6am and passed out while the party continued, so I can't give you a definite time on when it ended.

Anyway, my post today isn't about the party specifically, rather a person who attended the party. She is a good friend of my roommate and I've seen her at a bunch of different parties since I've been here. She is hands-down, no competition, the meanest, rudest, most horrible bitch-drunk I have ever met. Here's why:

Incident the First:
In September, I went to this party my second week here with my roommates and all their friends. It was an absolute blast; I met tons and tons of new people, including her. I was so confused why she was there because she was such a bitch to everyone, but I thought nothing of it. Towards the end of the night, I saw her talking to a guy - they were about five feet from me. Suddenly, she jumps up and hits him, hard, across the face and starts ranting about how he touched her face and no one should touch her and he's a pervert and all this. I saw the entire thing and he was just drunk and poked her forehead or something. Like, get a grip. Anyway, she hit him really hard and I, for probably the first time in my entire life, had the urge to just hit her back. He "can't" hit her, so I was so ready to do so in his place. All I could remember about her from that night was "wow, what a bitch."

There were more incidents between first and second, but I can't remember them. I guess they were less bitchy than the others. Hurrah!

Incident the Second:
At last night's party, it is brought to my attention that super-bitch has bought a house down the street. She was saying she saw me today and then starts giggling and was saying how I ran for like ten seconds and then stopped and looked around to see if anyone had seen me running. So, I thought this was actually very funny. I mean, everyone does that - it was cold - and I can laugh at myself, sure. So we all had a good laugh, and then she said something about my pants. I have no idea what, something about how they were light (light jeans are in right now - get a sense of style). So I didn't get it, and she continues with something like "look in the mirror, you'll understand." The whole room does one of those laughs like "Yeah, that would be funny if it wasn't so mean and you weren't such a bitch." So, obviously I just stopped saying things to her. Then she keeps asking me if I'm mad and why am I mad and all this and I was just saying that it doesn't matter, I'm not mad, I just don't care to talk to her. That sets her off and she bugs and bugs me, so finally I told her that yeah, what she said was offensive and I don't think it was very necessary or funny. WELL, then everytime I would say anything to anyone, she'd butt her snively little bitch-head in and say, "that offended her," or something to that effect.

Anyway, I'm done with her. I have never wanted to hit someone so badly in my entire life. I think it's disgusting that someone can act like that while drinking and blame it on the alcohol. Why am I not a big bitch when I drink? Oh, oh right - because I'm not a bitch!

--Jam the not-bitch

PS: I got my ear pierced. I feel pretty - oh-so-pretty!

1.23.2007

Sex 'N' Money

Kay, have I ever told you that Paul Oakenfold makes my heart go "pitter-patter" and "good-lord-ah-ooh-kiss-musical-orgasm"? Well, he does. Every song I hear by him is better than the last and it makes my bowls move. Not quite, because that's gross, but he does things to me that normal people cannot. Paul, you are above us all. I think you're Jesus' younger brother or something, but I'll have to check with Dan Brown on that one.

Anyway, his new song "Sex 'N' Money" features Pharrell, who is a pretty man who can actually sing, and is just as good as his previous song "Faster Kill Pussycat" that features Brittany Murphy (that I rave about constantly). So, here it is. Yes, I understand that the video is insane, but just listen to the song. I know you won't download it otherwise. Lazy monkeys.



I have a second date with a boy tonight! I may have actually found a decent, datable guy in St. John's! I know, it's shocking. I've been single for about two-and-a-half years now, so I am perfectly willing to date a guy if he's worthwhile. Eeeee! *scream of excitement, duh*

Today, Julia walked me to my english class as she always does, and the room was completely dark. I was like "Wow, that's wei- oh my god! My class is in the library today!" We darted (we're talented and can turn into darts) to the library to check my email so I knew what room I was in. I get all the way there, and kinda made a "Hrm" noise, and realized I don't know my computer password thing. I threw up my arms in an arm-throwing upwards motion craziness and said "I'm not going to class. Let's go eat." We tra-la-la along the path to the U.C. when, lo-and-behold, my prof walks by us! "That's my prof!" I say ever-so-not-quietly to Julia and sneakily follow him to class. I even turned to her after and made a sneaky face to her, and BOY OH BOY, was it sneaky! Sneakeriest face I ever did make. Then, Julia drew it as a picture and I became a hot anime man that looked exactly like me.

And that, children, is the story of how I made it to class. You wish you were me. You know it. ...you!

--Jam 'N' Bunny

1.21.2007

Pouring

Have you ever heard of that saying "When it rains, it pours"? I live that saying in many ways.

First of all, I get caught in the rain all the freaking time! I mean, the clouds all get together and they're like, "Okay, I see him putting his shoes on. Move, people, move!" Then they swoosh in, in a very swoosherary cloud movement and have Niagara Falls on my white chocolate. No fair.

Anyway, here's some stuff that is real:

School has been fairly light this semester thus far, and I am definitely slacking due to it. I'm changing my major from Philosophy and English to just English because Philosophy is totally whooping my ass. I just can't see my way through the material anymore. I've dropped one of my philosophies this term already, and I'm debating dropping the other so I'm left with three englishes. Not a full course load, but then I'd be able to get great marks in my english courses and then next year I can focus on what I need to take. I'm so worried though that it's going to take me forever to get through my degree, but I mean I shouldn't do something that will lower my GPA and lead to something I don't want, right? Someone please give me feedback on this!

As for guys, it's almost a steady downpour there too, for once. I'm getting all wet, at the very least. On Friday, I went to a party with a bunch of my super-awesome friends and got super-awesomely drunk, as you should at a super-awesome party. Anywho, two girls started getting their mack on, partially because of booze, partially because of sexuality, partially so that I could use the word "mack" later on. I walk into the bedroom where this is occurring and a bunch of guys are sitting on the bed watching them go at it on the floor. I sit down on the bed and within about five seconds I'm like, "what the hell are we watching this for?" Somehow it comes up that this friend of mine, a guy, is taunted to make out with me so that we can compete with the girls - or something like that. Anyway, I play coy because I'm not going to just jump on a guy (who I thought was straight). He literally pulls me down on the bed and we made out for - well I don't know how long. Not long enough! He even kissed me goodbye! Awwww! So, the dilemma enters in that I have been crushing on said guy for months since I first met him but I hadn't said anything because why would I if I thought he was straight? Now that I know that he's bi (and that he's an amazing kisser), I am sort of compelled to pursue it, but at the same time, sort of not because he's a friend and I have never approached a bi guy about that, so.. I dunno. On top of all of this, my date tonight with the other guy was cancelled due to bad weather, so later in the week I'll go out with him, and I may end up liking him. I NEED feedback on this! This is not optional.

Well, I'm soaked. Damn rain. At least things are getting interesting.

--Jam

PS: If either guy reads this and is like "wtf m8", ummm.. oops? I just needed to get stuff out and see what my friends think I should do. Pretend it didn't happen, lol.

PPS: The term "white chocolate" is from my wonderful roommates who continue to refer to themselves as that. I promise never to use it in person.

1.18.2007

Something Old, Something New

Yo dawgs.

When I think of relationships, I think of a lot of things. Sometimes it seems like I'm completely jealous of those in one - they have this connection with another person like no other, they're happy. Other times, I feel like it's too much work - giving for the other person, dealing with problems, they're unhappy. I bounce back and forth between the two pretty much everyday as I see different couples.

An old flame came back into my life recently, made me feel something I've missed for a long time. I mean, we only chat online because my previous life is in Ontario and I'm here, but it was so amazing to talk to him. Things with him were so complicated and short and I regret so much. I don't regret much in life, but this would be the most prominent example of regret that I feel towards anything. We were joking around and I invited him over to my place, and he asked if I was paying for the flight. I said yeah, I would, and after I said it, I realized it's completely true. I would find a way to get him here if it meant getting him here. I think if he got here, we'd have the best visit ever, we'd get back together, and I'd be with him for the rest of my life. In order for that to happen though, we'd have to sustain years of long-distance, and he'd have to forgive me for ending it last time and would also have to let himself fall for me again. Maybe that's far too much to ask?

This weekend, I have a date, and it will quite possibly be my first good date in a long time. I'm looking forward to it, but not-so-much the exhausting nature dates seem to bring with them. I'm optimistic, but there's a little voice in the back of my head that says, "you've had the best already, so why bother?"

Hmm. A very serious post. Woozle wuzzle?

--Jam

1.17.2007

Hot

Well hi! Long time no type-at-you!

The last couple days have seemed very bright. I'm digging into my courses, hanging out with friends, soon to be playing badminton *hopefully* and starting the gym tomorrow! Weee! I'm trying to stay upbeat despite the fact that it's -26 with the windchill. Le brr.

I was asking my friends last night, in my procrastination, if they knew of any eligible guys to set me up with, but it wasn't looking like people here even know what "gay" means. I always get that reaction like a puppy when it doesn't know what you want it to do. It makes that "bur?" noise and tilts its head. Yeah, I get that from people here when I mention homosexuality. Well, not literally, but pretty close. I think I saw Julia do that once, but that might have been at my rendition of Country Mouse, Angry Mouse. Anyway, I asked my new-ish friend Kelilah if she knew of any guys and she, of course, did the puppy thing, so I said something like "oh poor me", only more whiney, and she responded with "No way! You're such a hottie!" Hee hee, it made me smile. Then, my even new-ish-er friend Sheila was asked, and she sends me this picture of some adonis and says she's friends with him. After I cleaned up my puddle of drool, I said "Let's stay in my league," to which she responded, "He is in your league! You're a hottie!" HEE HEE! I was called a hottie twice in one day! I feel so perty! It's so nice when you get random compliments from people. I'm still on a wee high from that yesterday. See folks? Do a nice thing, and it'll make a gay boy happy somewhere in the world.

On a completely unrelated note, does anyone dislike random, internet-bound Turkish men? I know I do. I mean, I hadn't thought about it before a couple months ago, but now I do. I really dislike them. I suppose you want to know why. Well, I guess I'll be nice to you.. today. Hahaha, I'm kidding. Don't leave. Good lord.

Well, for the past two-or-so months, random Turkish men have been adding me to MSN. I tried talking to the first couple to see where they got my address, but quickly realized that they really don't speak any english. I also realized that as soon as they added me, spyware and viruses began appearing on my computer. Charming! So, I blocked them all, and since I received those first two or three, over two-hundred have added me, and the same amount have been blocked. Where are they getting my address? Do they think I'm a girl? Do they think I'm a desperate girl who is going to be like "Ooh, Turkish man who doesn't speak English, will you marry me? I'll move there right away because you are ever-so-awesome in your internet café in downtown Istanbul! Swoon!" I'll even say swoon. Anyway, everyday I get about three or four more - I guess eventually I'll block the entire male population of Turkey. Maybe I'll make it into Guinness?

Well, I think I may have a wee nap. A wee HOT nap because I'm a HOTTIE! Swoon!

--Jam

1.14.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: #1

The Best Movie of 2006

Babel



Story
When a woman is shot while travelling through the Middle East, it affects several different groups of people across the globe, changing their lives forever. The film follows the use and misuse of language in society and how it hinders our communication.

Merit
First of all, the story is very hard to explain without giving away parts of the story. It is this year's Heights or Crash, an interwoven story of multiple characters, focusing on a main issue - in this case, language. It is a moving, powerful story that alone proves to be one of the best of the year.

The acting in this film is on par with Brokeback Mountain. The entire cast is remarkable, allowing for numerous Oscar nominations come February. Unknowns like Adrianna Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi give outstanding performances, sure to propel them into further blockbusters. Cate Blanchett gives her all as usual, and Brad Pitt may finally win the Oscar that has eluded him for so long.

The artistic appeal of this film, including the cinematography and the score, give the film an "indie" feel, while continuing to be a first-class movie. There has not been a film this well done in years, and I would dare call it one of the best ever made.

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score
Best Supporting Actor: Brad Pitt
Best Supporting Actress: Rinko Kikuchi
Best Supporting Actress: Adrianna Barraza
Best Original Screenplay: Guillermo Arriaga
Best Director: Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu
Best Picture


The Worst Movie of 2006

She's The Man



Story
When Viola's soccer team is cancelled to focus on the men's team, she takes the opportunity of her twin brother being out of the country, disguises herself as him, and goes to his boarding school to prove that she is as good a player as any guy. While there, she falls for her roommate, who thinks she's a guy, and becomes entangled in many different relationships.

Fault
*deep breaths* Okay. First of all, the story alone is ridiculous. It makes absolutely no sense. How can she just skip her own school to go to a different school? Wouldn't her school call home and her dumb divorced parents would figure it out? She becomes extremely popular through instances of male showmanship in-front of her peers - but guys are not pursuaded that easily. If they thought you were an effeminate man, they wouldn't just get over that because some women said you were hot. It belittles the intelligence and sensibility of all men, thus further removing an entire gender from the viewing audience!

The acting was elementary. Amanda Bynes is the worst actress I have ever seen have such an amazing career. Hilary Duff has nothing on your suckiness, Amanda. Nothing. Channing Tatum, though disgustingly hot, can't act. Every movie he's been in, he gets the same reviews, and the movies all stink. The rest of the actors are not worth mentioning because their careers are over now, so I don't have to think of them ever again.

There was even a scene (or more than one, I can't really recall) that has fun, upbeat motivational music playing while Bynes and her wacky friends tried to make her into a wacky man and were having such a wacky time. Oh, so wacky! The more wacky, the better! The wackiness went on for the entire film - I was about to whacky myself in the skull to put myself out of my misery.

The most outstanding flaw this movie has to offer is the fact that Amanda Bynes is not a man! She doesn't look like a man when she's in her little wig, when she has voice "slip-ups", she sounds like a girl - it's all so unbelievable! It's like dressing up Lassie with whiskers and calling him a cat! It doesn't work that way! Didn't anyone notice this during filming? Didn't someone say "Ya know, she really doesn't look like a guy. This isn't going to make sense." ANYONE? Maybe the director was insane and fired anyone who said it. Everyone was thinking it, crazy director man. Everyone.

Anyway, I think this is definitely one of the worst films, if not the worst film, ever made. I have a new respect for every other movie ever made after seeing this crap. Congratulations, Amanda - you managed to create and star in a film that will be forgotten, but your ridiculous excuse for an acting career will not be. Wacky!

1.12.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: Runner-up

The Best Movies of 2006: Runner-up

Thank You For Smoking



Story
The spokesperson for big tobacco, who spins all the bad press aimed at the industry, attempts to continue doing his job to the best of his ability while staying a role model to his son.

Merit
This film is one of the best comedies to have been produced in years. Its dry, dark humour, first of all, is hilarious in so many ways. Everything and everyone, from a cancer patient to a zen office, give this film the dry hilarity such films as Lost in Translation have managed to give. The characters are so diverse, but so defined by the amazing writing and acting Thank You For Smoking has to offer. The lead, Aaron Eckhart, is relatively unknown but will not be that way for long. He gives the best performance in a comedy since.. ever. The cast supports and amplifies his tendencies and qualities, only furthering his amazing talent.

In a mass of slapstick "comedies", this film stands out above the rest as a film everyone should see, love, and laugh along with. A very close second-place to the best movie of the year.

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Cinematography
Best Actor: Aaron Eckhart
Best Adapted Screenplay: Jason Reitman
Best Picture



The Worst Movies of 2006: Runner-up

The Sentinel



Story
There's a traitor in the secret service, Michael Douglas is having an affair with the First Lady, and Eva Longoria is.. there.

Fault
Where do I start? The acting was horrendous and contrived. It looked like a fourth-grade play. Sutherland and Douglas (who in the movie have a silly feud and get all angry but then make up because this movie is as realistic as life!) give the worst performances of their careers. Actually, worse than a fourth-grade play. Maybe that's because the script was so ridiculous - every line was a cliché made to drive me insane. The tagline is "Let's do this"! SERIOUSLY! I'm not joking. The story was blatantly obvious, making its "twists" irrelevant. This film was a pathetic rendition of all other governmenty thriller-flicks that should not be seen by anyone. If I could go back in time and not watch it, I would. Oh Jebus, I would.

1.11.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: #3

The Best Movies of 2006: #3

Bobby



Story
This film follows many different groups of people that were in or around the Embassador hotel on the day of Robert Kennedy's assassination. It shows their interconnectivitiy and how they were affected by the president's death.

Merit
Through a time of change and hope, Bobby shows that each person has their own trials to overcome in order for positive change to occur. The way in which the story (or stories) was presented alone is astonishing, as it delves deep into a wide array of emotion. Unlike many presidential historical films that focus on the prominent figures, this film allows the viewer to see how so many different people deal with brushes with fame, times of disaster, and everything in between.

Besides the story, the acting was remarkable by numerous individuals, the film was absolutely accurate to the time period, and the script was believable. A must-see this year for any person of any generation.

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Supporting Actress: Sharon Stone
Best Supporting Actor: Freddy Rodriguez
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Original Song: "Never Gonna Break My Faith" by Bryan Adams
Best Director: Emelio Estevez
Best Original Screenplay: Emelio Estevez
Best Picture



The Worst Movies of 2006: #3

Silent Hill



Story
A woman and her daughter travel to the small village of Silent Hill when the daughter spekas of it in her sleep. They become trapped in a horrific world and find out that the daughter is, or is related to, some girl. (I really have hardly a clue what this film is about.)

Fault
Um, I don't think I really need to spell this one. Did you see the commercials?

Long story short:
1. The plot was ridiculous and didn't make a tiny bit of sense (similar to most horror films).
2. Was there actually acting in this film? Well, let's see. There were nurses with bloody bandages on their faces. There were crazy flesh-eating babies. There was a giant guy with a big metal prism thing on his head (see poster). Nope - no acting.
3. The graphics were terrible. 1999 called. It wants its shiny, wavey guck graphics back.
4. Everything else sucked too! Yay!

This film wasn't scary. This film wasn't thought-provoking. This film wasn't anything more than a video game gone horribly wrong.

1.09.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: #4

The Best Movies of 2006: #4

The Fountain



Story
The film follows three parallel stories, each in their own undefined time period. It follows love, life, time, and many other prominent themes.

Merit
I apologize that the "Story" section for this film is so short, but there is good reason. The story includes so much, it would be hard to describe without giving away some of the film.

The reason this film excels is in its complexity. Hardly any films make the audience think or ponder ideas as heavy as the meaning of existence or cyclical time, but The Fountain manages to do this and more. Because the film follows three different stories using the same characters and some of the same elements in the story, it creates a wonderful and terrifying sense of existence.

The graphics were imaginative and visually extraordinary. The music was fitting for each scene. The acting was remarkable, especially by leading man Hugh Jackman. This film has so much to offer. It is this year's Mulholland Drive: a film that you know is great, but you may have to question "Why?"

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Cinematography
Best Art Direction
Best Original Score
Best Visual Effects
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Actor: Hugh Jackman



The Worst Movies of 2006: #4

Another Gay Movie



Story
American Pie + gay + vulgarity + gay + sex + gay = #4.

Fault
As part of the gay community, it seems to be my duty to see every gay movie that is ever released, even if they're terrible pieces of crap every single time. Another Gay Movie does not disappoint. It has no storyline, which I suppose is fine for a parody-flick. The acting is boring and amateur. There really is nothing in this film that is worth seeing besides some hot guys. If you want hot guys going at it, and I mean going at it, look up "pornography". This film is appealing to the ignorant gay population, which unfortunately is very large. To me, however, it wasn't funny and it wasn't good. It was a waste of time.

While there are three films left (and, trust me, they are worse), please do not see this film under any circumstances. PLEASE. For the love of Jebus.

1.08.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: #5

The Best Movies of 2006: #5

Lady in the Water



Story
When a mythical creature arrives from the pool in an apartment building, the tenants are quickly involved in her elaborate quest to return home.

Merit
This film is a complete original, which is part of the reason it made it on the list this year. In a sea of forumlaic movies, Lady in the Water dares to be different, as a modern, adult fairy tale. It allows for the viewer to be immersed in a story that is obviously fiction but that in all circumstances could be (and is wanted to be, possibly) true. Many people will dislike this film simply for the fact that they cannot imagine a world that is ours, but that is different than ours (if that makes sense).

Apart from the story, the cinematography is off-the-charts-amazing, providing shot after shot of beautiful, captivating imagery. A brilliant film, due to be a classic.

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score
Best Original Screenplay: M. Night Shyamalan



The Worst Movies of 2006: #5

The Da Vinci Code



Story
Do I really need to go through this one? You should know this story - go read the book. Museum, murder, symbols, Jesus, bla bla bla.

Fault
Possibly the most hyped and most disappointing film of the year, The Da Vinci Code was a disaster. The best-selling novel developed an intricate and controversial, (anti-)religious chronicle; the film does anything but. It is full of car-chases and "action" in order to appeal to the masses, yet still tries to develop the story through long, extraordinarily boring descriptions. Even though I am a fan of Audrey Tautou, the acting was pathetic and contrived by the greater portion of the cast. All-in-all, the novel should be read to know the interesting story Dan Brown has created, but the film should be ignored.

1.07.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: #6

The Best Movies of 2006: #6

The Last Kiss



Story
When a group of friends hits their 30th birthdays, they realize life is not what they expected it to be and try to change. The Last Kiss is a film about coming-of-age, finding oneself, and the realities of life and love.

Merit
This film, like Braff's previous film Garden State, explores human emotion, no matter how dark. It follows a group of individuals, thus propelling the concepts further from different angles. The acting was superb, especially from veterans Blythe Danner and Tom Wilkinson, who experience their own "midlife crisis".

This film is not one for the faint of heart - it is rough, sometimes depressing, and emotionally unstable. The reason is managed to make my list is it is real, more real than the vast majority of films out today, and for that deserves its spot. Way to go, Zach! Keep making great films!

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Original Score
Best Supporting Actor, Tom Wilkinson
Best Adapted Screenplay, Paul Haggis



The Worst Movies of 2006: #6

Scary Movie 4



Story
The main heroine of the Scary Movie films Cindy (played by Anna Faris) find that the house she lives in is haunted by a young boy. She ventures to find who killed him, why they killed him, and also stop the giant "Tr-iPods" that are destroying the world. The film parodies such horror films as The Grudge and Saw.

Fault
I have been a fan of previous Scary Movie films as they offer a humorous take on horror films and the acting is surprisingly hilarious, however this installment was not up-to-par with the others. Scary Movie 4 did not offer a complete storyline to follow, but rather a choppy "flashbacklike" series of events simply to mock as many films as possible. It was uncreative and was not thought out. I think Leslie Nielson's influence, since he took over the series after the second film from the Wayans, is detrimental to the series and he should stop messing up something good - immediately.

1.06.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: #7

The Best Movies of 2006: #7

Ice Age 2: The Meltdown



Story
Following their adventure in the first film, Ice Age 2 follows a group of prehistoric mammals who are threatened by the eminent floods that are beginning to become a threat to their existence. As they set off on their next adventure to reach the ark that is said to save them, they encounter new friends and address old problems.

Merit
This film is one of the best children's films I have seen in my entire life. It is so well animated (even though I am not a fan of computer graphic films) and I almost want to say it is "well acted", because the voice acting was spot on by such heavyweights as Ray Ramano, Queen Latifah, and Seann William Scott. It, like the first Ice Age, is in league with the Shrek series, the Disney classics, and live action films.

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Animated Film


The Worst Movies of 2006: #7

The Pursuit of Happyness



Story
Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) is failing in his career and in his marriage. He wants to provide for his family and believes in his own potential, but can't seem to achieve greatness. While doing a tough non-paying internship, he struggles to provide for himself and his son.

Fault
I think there are two simple reasons why this movie was bad:
1. It was so depressing. The entirety of the movie shows his struggles, how awful life is, and then how awful life is again.
2. It was a "motivational" film. They always stink. I'm sure if I had seen World Trade Center, it would have been on this list too.
I think this film sort-of had the ability to be better. I mean, the kid is cute, Will Smith is a good actor, but I can only watch so much of Will Smith and his son crying. That doesn't make a movie, guys. That makes Worst #7.

1.05.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006: #8

The Best Movies of 2006: #8

Inside Man



Story
A prominent New York bank is robbed and takes the entirety as hostages. As the story unfolds, various interests in the bank and the characters' knowledge unfold the underlying facts about the bank's contents.

Merit
Inside Man was by far one of the best suspense films I have ever seen. It combines action with real-life situations that are not normally shown (bank robberies, for instance), and conveys that the nobleness in people does not always overpower the need to cover up personal interest. It is a story that appeals to a large mass of people, as those who need a film greater than a simple suspense will find relief in the character development and the mysteries throughout.

Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Original Score


The Worst Movies of 2006: #8

The Prestige



Story
Two magicians try to create a legacy for themselves in the industry, but after an incident, become bitter rivals. When one can do the impossible trick, the other explores the darkest side of magic.

Fault
While this film attempted to be very "tricky", I think the audience is left with one of two final thoughts: that they figured it out too early, thus the movie fell to boring early on, or they have no clue what happened and are left feeling disappointed. The film only appeals to a tiny group of people who can accept what happened in the film without having figured it out. In my opinion, the twists, as they should not be called, were brutally obvious. Apart from that aspect, the film was also excrutiatingly boring and went on for far too long.

1.04.2007

The Best and Worst Movies of 2006



Hey guys! It's that time of year again. (I say that every year!) The year of 2006 gave us many great movies, and unfortunately, many not-so-great movies. Fortunately for me, that means super awesome reviews for my blog! Yeeeehaw! Let's get started!

First off, let's remember that the films I put in my lists are films I have seen, and therefore there may be films that are better that I have yet to see. There are a bunch that I would have liked to have seen before I produce my top and bottom movies of 2006, including:

Notes on a Scandal
An Inconvenient Truth
The Queen
Children of Men
Little Children
Little Miss Sunshine
Poster Boy
Volver

But, the show must go on with films I have seen! Tune in tomorrow for the first in what will prove to be a riveting week of filmatic greatness and suckiness.

--Jam the Critic

EDIT: Links to the best and worst movies of 2006:

Eight
Seven
Six
Five
Four
Three
Runner-up
One

1.01.2007

Two-Thousand-Seven

Hurrah! Happy New Year!

(Don't do anything I wouldn't do.)

--Fireworks Jam