Links of the Day

Decode Your VIN - Turns out the VIN number isn't just a unique identifier of your car but a detailed breakdown that describes your cars make, features, model year, assembly plant and more. Click the link to learn more.

Barnes & Noble Nook Review - First review of the final unit that I have seen. Solid device, runs slow (screen refresh, menu response, pretty much everything), has a small learning curve for the UI, good use of the second color touch screen but still needs improvement. My read is it is further proof to not buy the 1.0 version of new tech even if it’s copying the 2.0 version of someone else's (in this case the Kindle). Still, I am interested in the possibilities, just waiting for the price and tech to get to become worth the investment. Below is a video showing off the interface.

Avatar Costliest Film Ever - James Cameron likes to hit new thresholds in expense as Titanic’s $200 million was a new high 10 years ago and now Avatar's $300 million budget has once again moved the bar. Fox and Cameron are being coy about the film's cost, probably waiting until have at least the first weekend's box office to determine profitability feasibility. However, Cameron has bragged that his team essentially re-invented motion capture technology from scratch, finding Robert Zemeckis (A Christmas Carol) lacking. Technically this rather expensive R&D undertaking normally would be added to the film's cost which might explain early $500 million estimates for the film.

Legend of Zelda: Sprit Tracks Review - The next installment of the Zelda franchise finally comes out tomorrow and so far reviews are good. Like the one at the link, pretty much all say the game is fun, Zelda's heavy use add a good element to the game, the dungeons and puzzles are solid but the train travel is about as tedious as the sailboat was in the other DS installments.

MLR and Healthcare - While the article at the link is about one thing, I found the information about the MLR (medical loss ratio) to be more interesting because it is a key value used by insurance companies in determining their profits. In short, the higher the ratio, the more money spent on healthcare and less going to paperwork and profits. So of course insurance companies want that number as low as possible. As Aetna learned, even going up 1.5% can cost a company billions in market value. This was not because of loss in profits but because Wall Street used that as a queue to sell their shares at lower values. In essence, this easily describes why healthcare companies are in the business of saying no. If they say yes to procedures and those with pre-existing conditions, the MLR goes up, they make less. So no is, by market necessity and rules of capitalism, a must. Therefore, reform by the market has no real reason to occur without some outside force like laws.

Links of the Day

CW 2009-2010 TV Schedule - The last network has finally revealed its schedule. Cancellations include Everybody Hates Chris, Privileged, and sadly Reaper. Renewals for Smallville, Supernatural, Gossip Girl, and 90210. New shows are the usual sexy people without money problems get themselves in trouble while having lots of sex that the network likes called Beautiful Life, Melrose Place, and Vampire diaries. The only major movie is to switch Smallville to the day shows go to die - Friday. Rather odd considering the effort that went into renewing the program. The main thing is Supernatural gets to finish its five year run so I am happy.

Ghostbuster 3 Coming Soon? - It appears a revival of the franchise is in full swing that started off with a video game. Now Dan Aykroyd is saying that the film could start filming this winter with the entire original cast returning to hand off the Ghostbusters job to a new generation. Dan mentioned Alyssa Milano and Eliza Dushku as two people he wouldn't mind putting on the jumpsuit for the movie. Long story short, people are interested but nothing is greelit just yet.

V Teaser Trailer - ABC has released a trailer for their next season show "V" that indicates that at least some of the elements of the original series will be retained such as the lizard insides that the human looking shell is hiding.


Consumerist Tests the Snuggie - Meg Marco (who turns out to be pretty cute) and Ben Popken help test the snuggie. The end result is the thicker hospital gown is cheaply made, causes lots of static and sheds lint like a cat in the middle of summer. At least your butt will be easily exposed when going to the bathroom just like a hospital gown.


Terminator Salvation Reviews - Basically this movie is getting savaged by online critics such as IO9 and AICN. They are actually angry with how bad the movie is, probably due to their disappointment. The problems seem to be numerous, from poorly acted lines, to poorly written lines, bad stage direction (but good action scenes), huge logic holes (why would Skynet bother to build human interfaces into their components), and just a complete failure to give the movie any urgency and concern for any of the characters. Essentially, if you’re going, cut your brain off and just enjoy the action and try not to think about it too much.

Links of the Day

$3.4 Trillion Budget Passes - The House and Senate have both approved the final version of the budget with 0 Republican votes for the bill (including really GOP moderate Arlen Specter). The main concern for Republicans (other than spending in places that isn't military) is it will increase taxes on top 5% that is their bread and butter. The tax cut for the remaining 95% varies but realistically it will probably only add to a few hundred a year (about the same as the Bush cuts). The main concern is the concern over deficit spending which could increase to $1.2 trillion a year but Democrats are hoping increased tax revenue from a recovered economy and that 5% will offset that.

New PSP Planned? - The rumor mill is fired up that Sony is planning a major re-design of the PSP that will eliminate the UMD disk drive in favor of flash memory and downloading content. The system might include a second analog stick, sliding screen to reach controllers and a larger, better screen. The final design, whatever it may be, will be unveiled at E3 in June.

American Classic Arcade Museum Tour - I use to love arcade games. My favorite two was X-Men and TMNT where you and other players worked together to get through the levels. Sadly though, Arcades are dying in part because of the technological leaps of consoles but also because it’s just so darn expensive to drop and average of $1 to $2 for maybe five minutes of fun if you can last that long. Click the link above for games of a bygone era that is slowing coming to an end. Click here for a gallery from the museum and here to go the official website.

Consumer Reports Reviews the ShamWow - It is nice to see Consumer Reports finally embracing the internet with video reviews and the like that they are putting up on the Consumerist.com. In this case it is a review of the ShamWow. Their overall verdict is it works the same as a sponge only a lot more expensive.

Wall-E Review

Wall-E is one of the best movies released this year and probably the best movie yet produced by Pixar. It’s an entertaining, sweet film that tells a complete story with very few words. The animation is detailed, gorgeous and conveys robotic emotion in amazing ways and with sound. I don't really understand how the Pixar team managed it but they took a square robotic trash compactor and made it a fully realized character with as much depth as the traditional 3-D human character would have.

The story itself is pretty simple, the robot is lonely. Another robot comes and a bond is formed and when the she-bot is taken away, he follows her. The result is many amazing and sweet moments around the message of excess waste and human indifference and laziness.

If you do not see any other movie this summer at least see this one. Make sure you see it with a crowd of kids as their joy, giggles, and gasps make the movie that more enjoyable.

Wanted Review

Wanted is a movie that ignores the rules of physics, contains superhero like powers without the superhero element and has over the top stunts and special effects. Basically it’s the perfect summer popcorn movie where you sit, enjoy your two hours and leave. Sure it has its mistakes, plot holes and ignores the rules of gravity but that’s all part of the fun of the movie. It has a theme of the regular guy who becomes extraordinary but then the movie made the point of him having unlimited funds and a special power so that he could do that.

Angelina Jolie, with her tattoos, expressions and just her presence reminds you why she is regarded as one of the most beautiful woman in the world. She honestly doesn't do much but look sexy, but then that’s all she needed to do. James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman both seemed to enjoy their roles as pseudo good guys that kick ass and enjoy doing it.

The story itself is silly with a twist that you probably where not looking for and honestly only existed to create an ending to the film. You could probably spend all day making fun of the script problems and other things but that is not why you watch a popcorn movie. You watch to have fun and enjoy yourself for a few hours and this movie succeeds in that regard. I was highly entertained and recommend you see this movie on the big screen in a crowed theatre to fully enjoy it.

Recount Review

Watching HBO's Recount was an interesting experience. It was a good, informative film that even the major participants that the film is based on agree is accurate. It is something that should be required in political science classes across the country for showing what a farce the legal and political system can become.

The entire battle in Florida for the 2000 US election came down to confusing ballots, archaic equipment, and political ambitions. The movie does an excellent job of covering and easily explaining the voting problem with the confusing ballots and equipment that led to some miscounts. That is angering but expected.

What really angers you is watching the manipulations that took place by the Republican Party to block a hand recount of the ballots and also to prevent the machine recounts in 17 counties that refused to do them. The vacant Katherine Harris was at the heart of this, more concerned about her place in the Republican Party then her concern over doing her job correctly, which was getting an accurate count of who the citizens of Florida wanted as President. Of course the Florida laws on the issue didn't help as they where sloppy and poorly written and allowed for multiple interpretations. The Republican led Florida election board combined with Harris' willing support resulted in the inevitable.

The movie actually tries to be fair to Katherine Harris. Laura Dern does an excellent job. Frankly the Harris in the movie comes across as a flat out ditz, something backed up by books on the subject, her failed political career, and multiple press statements (she could give Bush a run for his money). Of course, being an idiot, she is the last person in the room to know this and is portrayed as feeling under siege for simply doing what her Republican leadership wanted her to do.

Don’t even get me started on the Supreme Court which inserted itself in the process when it’s legal right and moral right to do so is nebulous at best. It was clearly the result of Republicans calling in multiple favors to get the job done - declare Bush the winner.

Now despite my attack of the Republicans, the movie does a good job of trying to stand back and just tell the story from the perspective of both parties, showing the events that occurred without offering an opinion. However, you can't watch this movie and not have an opinion. I honestly don't see how you can't watch this movie and simply not be enraged at how something as simple as counting votes becomes a legal and personal quagmire and still call it democracy in action and rule of law when it was anything but.

Honestly though, the actions of the Republican Party and its supporters where beyond reprehensible. To support it, as many Republicans still do, shows their lack of morals and frankly, to the sadness of this country, we got the candidate we deserved for allowing them to succeed. About the only plus of the whole story is that Bush could have potentially won the election free and clear without any doubts and instead he will always be considered the President that stole an election. Considering how the next eight years went, I have little doubt he will go down as the worse President in this nation’s history and all those many supporters will have to live with the idiot they chose to back and the morals they happily sold in the effort. Many would have sleepless nights thinking about it but I don’t anyone involved in this fiasco have enough of a conscious to be bothered by it.

Indiana Jones 4 Review

This is an Indiana Jones movie and it isn't. While the movie entertained me, it was missing a lot of the magic that made the previous Indy films so fun. It is hard to nail down exactly what is missing though.

You have Harrison Ford and Indiana Jones and despite the 19 years, he doesn't miss a beat with the looks, lines, and expressions. You have the return of Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, once again playing the role with the usual fun and appeal. The movies has the interesting villains in the form of Russians (fits the red scare times of the 50s) and leader Irina Spalko, played well by the beautiful Cate Blanchett. You have the quest, the mysterious Crystal Skull and the resulting world wide trip in the hunt for it. You even have a nod to the Ark from the first movie in the first 30 minutes of the movie. All the elements of a great Indy movie are there. Yet something is missing.

The problem though is the elements are fantastic but how they come together not so much. The actors do their jobs, the sets are great, the special effects are stunning but ultimately the failure is at the script level and while the writer can be blamed there were a lot of cooks in the kitchen that seemed to miss some of the fundamentals. Sure the first 30 minutes had it but after that things fall apart.

The problem I think is the focus. In the past the focus was the quest (the Crystal Skulls) rather then the chase (the bad guys) and how Indy was either always just a step ahead or always figuring out a way out of a jam. In most cases everyone was reacting to his actions rather then vice versa.

In this movie, the quest is incidental. Actually the quest was pretty irrelevant considering that John Hurt's Prof. Oxley had already found the skull and the temple and Indy was just retracing his steps. Instead the movie focused on the relationship between Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) and the chase. Because of this, Indy was often reacting to what they where doing instead of taking the lead on things. In all that, much of the magic was lost.

Now I am not saying don't see the movie, just saying the rush isn't there and don't go in with too high expectations. Go in just wanting to be entertained and save a few bucks by seeing it at a matinee.

Speed Racer Review

This movie is fun, very entertaining and getting thoroughly screwed by bad trailers and confused critics. It’s a must see movie that is very fun for adults (just ignore the kiddy aspects) and the kids who will drink this movie in with much joy. The film does take some initial getting use to, with the bright colors and look (kids will catch on real quick) but after that it just flows along nicely.

The story is basically a typical sports movie...the hero (Speed Racer) overcomes some obstacles (evil corporate CEO and henchmen) to win the championship with the help of his friends and family. We all know the story, we all know the beginning, we know the end, so its the journey we get into and the journey in this film is a lot of fun with amazing eye candy (the films's look), the action (the races are tense and gorgeous) and just fantastic effects and execution.

This is also a family film, in the Disney tradition with a kid and a monkey that adults will find annoying while the kids will love. Ultimately that is something to remember...this is a family film which means you have to go in with the proper mindset. If you’re looking for the Matrix, of course you’re going to be disappointed. Go in looking for a Disney film and you will enjoy this film. Go in with your family and you will enjoy it even more.

Sadly this film is getting the bums rush because of a poorly executed advertising campaign that was more turn off then turn on. I saw the film because I figured it can't be as bad as the advertisements made it seem (thankfully I was right). Whoever put that campaign together should be fired because it does absolutely nothing to capture that fun of the film. Really two different campaigns should have been launched, once for the kids (focus on the looks, colors, etc) and one for the adults (focus on the actors and action). Also, they should have done a Disney and made sure that the critics that saw this movie came with their kids and see the movie as a family. If they had done that, the reviews would have probably been much more favorable and drowned out the childless critics that simply didn't get it.

See this movie before all others; I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Review

Basically, if you liked the first movie, you will like the second. If you didn't, then pass on this movie. It has the same basic storyline (save Narnia), same heroes (the Pevensie kids) plus some additions, the same variety and cute talking animals and basically the same threats (bad guys that want to rule the land through evil means), and the same fantastic special efforts and glorious end battle with the deus ex machina rescue from Aslan. If it sounds like I am panning the film, I am not. I did enjoy but if it seems too familiar while you’re watching at least you know why.

The execution, acting, effects, etc are spot on. The violence is there but remains bloodless even though only a really naive kid will not figure out what happened. It is slightly darker but most of that darkness takes place off screen. I was entertained for the entire movie and because of its scale, it’s a must see on the big screen. A good crown makes it more enjoyable but save a few bucks and just see it as a matinee.

Iron Man Review

Iron Man is the first must see movie of the summer. It’s as near perfect execution of a comic book concept. Its entertaining has engaging characters, excellent origin story that isn't bogged down with unnecessary minutiae, and stays true to the characters without the actors, directors, and co trying to re-invent the wheel to prove how clever they are.

Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark as a flippant wealthy genius is spot on and very entertaining. He isn't as serious as the character has grown in the comic books but that is a good thing. The movie is supposed to be fun, not deadly serious. Gwyneth Paltrow as his assistant Pepper Potts has simply never looked better. She should consider sticking with that look for a while. The character itself is engaging and used much better then the love interest characters are typically used for these types of movies. Really the cast overall does their jobs and do it well.

From effects, to story, to locations, to just the overall execution, this film is what a summer blockbuster is supposed to be. I can't wait for the sequel. As a side note, make sure to stick it out through the credits as an interesting extra scene has been added. I rate this film as see it now on the big screen.

Baby Mama, Deception, Forbidden Kingdom,

Baby Mama
Cute movie staring Tina Fey (30 Rock) who seeks out Amy Poehler (SNL) to be her surrogate when she is unable to have a baby or adopt (because single). Problems, hilarity and junk ensue. The movie is entertaining enough, a few chuckles, no laugh out loud moments for me. It’s one you enjoy while watching and then forget about before you even reach your car. Good date movie but otherwise see it as a matinee.

Deception
Excellent cast can not redeem this incredibly slow moving movie. Everything takes a long time to occur with many useless details that add nothing to the story. Ewan McGregor and Hugh Jackman are wasted. They could have done these roles in their sleep. Michelle Williams has simply never looked better, taking the Kate Beckinsale school for looking sexy (longer hair, better makeup), but really her role could have been played by any random woman in Hollywood. The idea of the story would have made a good Law & Order episode but that’s about all. The cast will lure you to watch this movie, but don't. Even seeing Maggie Q in see-through lingerie isn't worth it. It’s just too slow, predictable and boring. If you’re determined to see it, wait until it’s free on cable TV and even then I wouldn't bother.

Forbidden Kingdom
Fun, action filled movie. It’s basically the typical quest movie where the unexpected hero must gather friends and go defeat the evil overlord. Jet Li and Jackie Chan do their usual excellent acrobatics (with help of wirework) and kung fu. The action sequences are well executed. It’s just a generally entertaining film for all ages. Don't go in expecting anything but action and you should be good to go. See it with friends or family.

Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
If you liked the first Harold & Kumar then you will like the sequel. If you didn't, then you will not like this one. It’s an amusing film, but it didn't do much for me. It had its smile moments. Few laugh out loud moments. The movie was at its best when they duo hooked up with Neil Patrick Harris but started deflating after that. See it as a matinee if you’re really curious but otherwise it is a renter.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall Review

It’s hard to like a movie that opens and closes on male nudity. There is a reason it’s not used often in films, it simply makes people uncomfortable of both sexes and the reactions of people in the audience I saw the movie with were no different.

The movie is the usual romance movie only done in the over the top Apatow style. Boy (How I Met Your Mother's Peter Segel) loses girl (Veronica Mar's Kristen Bell), boy goes slightly nuts so goes to Hawaii to straighten his head. Boy stumbles across ex and meets a new girl (That 70's Show Mila Kunis). Hijacks ensue.

I wanted to see the movie because of the cast, being a fan of all three and harboring a crush on the stunning Kristen Bell. The cast does an excellent job, especially Kunis who not only has never looked better but comes across as an extremely appealing woman. You can see why someone would want to trade out Bell for her.

The main problem with the movie is the jokes and the ending. As is often the case with movies of this type, things get too silly to the point of taking you completely out of the movie. The movie clicks anytime the main cast is on screen. It also clicks with when 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer is doing anything. However a tremendous amount of time is wasted on a one note gay joke from Superbad's Jonah Hill. He continues to mine his awkward fat gay guy routine and the result is simply boring. Also the ending involving a puppet show is so beyond silly you can actually feel your brain cells die as you watch it. When a truly funny moment occurs, it’s great. The problem is they are far and few between. For a comedy I was checking my watch entirely too often.

Overall this film is watchable, probably good as a date movie, but overall I say save your bucks and toss it on your Netflix queue.

88 Minutes Review

88 Minutes in the commercials comes across as an action packed tense filled adventure. The reality is very much the opposite. I think a large part of the problem is in the execution of the movie. The movie is about Dr. Jack Gramm (Al Pacino, playing himself again) as he attempts to thwart his predicted death and frame up. Helping him is a treasure trove of lovely woman with Alicia Witt (looking good, short red hair not doing her any favors), LeeLee Sobieski (also yums), Amy Brenneman, and Deborah Kara Unger (reminding you that the liberian look can be sexy). The bad guy is serial killer/rapist Jon Foster played by Neal McDonough who is using an agent on the outside to frame the good doctor for killing that make it seems like he was innocent of the crimes he was convicted for. It all sounds really interesting except I solved the who of the movie literally 10 seconds after the character was properly introduced because it came across as such a clear diversion.

Any case the movie has lots of lovely eye candy, the core idea sounds interesting, but in the execution you have a lot of phone calls, lots of talking but really not a lot going on. The film focused more on the "mystery" of who was doing the killing and less on a fight for survival. The tension never developed because the lead character was never in danger (after all why countdown to his death if going to kill him before then). I think if the movie had focused on putting the lovely woman around him in mortal danger and less on the frame-up the movie might have moved along better. Instead it was vaguely interesting but not worth the high cost of admission. Save your money and just add it to the Netflix queue.

Quickie Movie Reviews

I have been on a small movie spree these last few weeks so figured will write quick reviews of the movies, on the assumption people know what they are about, just don't know if worth seeing.

Amazing Grace - Typical historical film, not that is a bad thing as the film is very entertaining and well done. Recommend sooner rather then later.

Breach - Another typical historical film, also very well done. Great acting all around and also worth seeing.

Bridge To Terabithia - The movie sadly didn't get good until towards the end when a tragic turn finally added the drama the otherwise boring movie desperately needed.

Ghost Rider - Typical popcorn movie. If you go in with the right mindset, don't try to hard to pick it apart, it does the job of entertaining you for two hours.

Music and Lyrics - Boring film, not very funny. The memorable part is the introduction of Haley Bennett, who is going to be a hell of a star if she picks the right roles. Her beauty just popped off the screen and was quite breathtaking. Sadly the film does little to indicate if she has any singing or acting skill (but didn't hurt either), hopefully her skills beyond looks will be highlighted in future work.

Reno 911!: Miami - Silly but amusing as hell. In no way shape or form try to take anything about it seriously and you will have a good time.