Bläeckfisk is the Swedish translation for the word octopus. I am not Swedish, but I do own a lot of furniture from Sweden and I like octopuses while admiring their multi-tasking ability. I would like to travel to Sweden at some point, plus I think it is a pretty cool looking word. Anyhow, speaking of words, I guess you could say that is why we are here. Words are the foundation for way we try to wrap our thoughts around everything in the galaxy. The tendrils that lead to emotions and curiosity. I am not here to solve the mysteries of the universe, just to discuss words in general. Specifically words written by other people and have been printed off and slapped between two slices of thin card stock. Many of these sandwiches go on to bigger and better things, some bigger and better than others. So, I guess we will be talking about those as well. If you share an interest in words or enjoi seeing what they can look like in action....välkommen! (Swedish for welcome.)

Friday, June 29, 2012

F19: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter-Directed by Timur Bekmambetov

"Judge us not equally, Abraham. We may all deserve hell, but some of us deserve it sooner than others."

History, violence and vampires. What a concept. This movie adaptation of the popular book hit movie houses this week and was quite interesting. It is not for everybody, but for a hybrid genre of historical fantasy, it reeks of awesomeness. Honest Abe wielding a custom silver crusted axe, battling the forces of darkness? Yes please! The title pretty much sums up the entirety of what this film covers and while it lacks depth, the special effects are stellar. Director Timur Bekmambetov had a real challenge on his hands turning this film into something worthwhile, as it could have just as easily become a rotten egg of an experience. The casting was terrific, the backdrop of a U.S. Capital in its infancy and the civil war scenes all were extremely well done. This movie is really a testament to what special effect companies are able to achieve these days and the fight scene that took place in the middle of a stampede was downright ridiculous. Muting the color palate also gives this movie the gothic edge it needed and I really enjoyed how historical events were taken and injected with a little twist of dred. If you are looking for a little escape from the real world and are in need of an action fix, check out of Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter. It is worth seeing.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34x6m-ahGIo

Monday, June 25, 2012

F18: Moonrise Kingdom-Directed by Wes Anderson

"I am missing a Khaki Scout. I am letting you know only as it is required by protocol."


Wes Anderson is not a director, but rather a mad scientist of his craft. I love his organic approach to storytelling and his sarcastically glum and drab style. Watching one of his movies is like sitting in a funky, hidden coffee shop that’s walls have been strangely muraled by some unknown visionary. You are not sure what to say about the art, but you just know that it is brilliant. He is really unlike any other director out there, and this latest movie of his is exceptional.  His movies are best remembered for their charming yet dark characters and the two leads in Moonrise Kingdom, Suzy and Sam surely belong in the pantheon with such legends as Steve Zissou and Chas Tennebaum. 

Sam is a Khaki Scout. Or ex-Khaki Scout I should say. He is roughly 11 years old.  And unpopular. Quite an accomplished water colorer, Sam has coke bottle glasses and builds a mean campfire. 

Suzy is also roughly 11 years old. She is left-handed. Suzy has three annoying brothers, loves science fiction novels, listening to music and blue eye shadow. Where ever she goes, her trusty binoculars go with, along with her pet kitten.

These two share an unlikely encounter during the school play and hatch a plan to go and live together out in the wilderness. Their disappearance does not go unnoticed and soon a savory cast of characters is on the warpath trying to find them and put an end to their budding romance. Edward Norton plays the Khaki Scout leader and is priceless tromping around the forest in short shorts and knee high socks. Bruce Willis crushes the role of pathetic downtrodden police officer, while Harvey Keitel will have you smirking with his depiction of the commanding founder of the Khaki Scouts. This movie has everything you will not be expecting a summertime flick to have and is a must see. It is fresh, enchanting and awkward, like all great Wes Anderson movies are. Skip the blockbusters and see this, stat. Thank you Mr. Anderson, you are a genius.