Awesome Movie Highlight: No. 9--Inglorious Basterds/Watchmen

Inglourious Basterds

Holy crap. I love me some Tarantino, and this is by far my favorite. Tarantino knows how to do everything: write flawless dialogue; build suspense and tension; create beautiful strong characters, especially women; great shots; and tell a damn good story. Refer to my previous blog on the movie.

“My name is Shosanna Dreyfus... and you've seen the face of Jewish vengeance.”

Watchmen

But since I've already raved about Inglourious Basterds I wanted to share one that came in close on the list: Watchmen. I'm not one to complain when a movie doesn't match up panel by panel with the graphic novel or word by word with the novel. They are different mediums. Why do you want to watch your comic book? It's a comic book for a reason. Are we trying to make the comic book die? There would be no point in it if every movie made from one copied it verbatim. That being said, Watchmen was genius. The music choices kicked ass, especially Dylan's "The Times They Are A' Changin'." The characters were perfectly cast in this noir superhero criticism. The ending was changed to fit the modern-day big screen better. With themes of utopia, heroism, sexuality, and so forth, Watchmen should have created a legacy that parallels with comic counterpart, but alas, many do not see film adaptations the way I do.

"Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon." -Rorschach

Site of the Week 9/21-9/27: Cover Lay Down

You guys! I'm crazy about this blog! Wanna know why? I'LL TELL YOU WHY! It's a blog that provides us mp3s and clips of folk covers of original songs from the pop, rap, blues, classic rock, and other genres. It gives backgrounds to versions of traditional songs, where some versions originated and when a shift changed. Reviews, rationales, and studies are provided. Tunes are often grouped in themes, like Dolly Parton or Sailing. Some of my favorites: First Aid Kit's version of Fleet Foxes' "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song;" Brianna Lane's version of the Foo Fighters' "Learn to Fly;" Shawn Colvin's cover of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy;" Jonathan Coulton's countryish-boy-band-sounding cover of "Baby Got Back;" and anything by Richard Shindell.

The best part for you guys....you get to hear a lot of my favorite bands, like The Greencards and The Duhks! Many of my favorite Irish musicians make it on the list too, like Cara Dillon and her version of the Beatles' "Wait!"


Cover Lay Down

Awesome Movie Highlight: No. 10--Evening

Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll post my top ten movies and reasons why they're in my top ten. Surprisingly there's a lot of dramas and Nicole Kidman. I tend to not enjoy either. So I'm shocked at my own choices sometimes.

Evening

Evening is based on Susan Minot’s same-titled novel of a woman on her death bed, confusing the present and the past. What’s real and what’s not? Wonderful acting, especially by the rarely-seen-on-screen Glenn Close. Everything about the movie makes me want to watch it again and again. On top of that, Claire Danes does her own singing! Cue swoon! Other stars include veteran Venessa Graves, the lovable Hugh Dancy, the multi-faceted Toni Collete, the man of men Patrick Wilson, the versatile acting goddess Meryl Streep, Streep’s daughter Mamie Gummer, and recently departed daughter of Redgrave Natasha Richardson. You can’t go wrong with the most talented cast in Hollywood. It was totally underrated and misunderstood and flew under the radar and will continue to do so, making me utterly sad. Complexity, unfortunately is lost within the typical moviegoer’s…moviegoing.

“We are mysterious creatures, aren't we? And at the end so much of it turns out not to matter.”

Geek Chic: The James Joyce

TWEED!!!!! You guys, tweed is so in again. The seventies and eighties brought in the popularity of tweed jackets, but I've been seeing them again, as well as tweed vests and caps. I went to an Irish festival last weekend, and nearly every person had on a tweed cap, man and woman. I don't see them just at Irish festivals, but also in everyday circumstances. How fun! I love my tweed cap. You can wear them with anything, and in the winter, they look friggin sweet with a nice pea coat. The Irish look is natural and comfy, yet stylish. Irish designer Zoe Boomer said of what she likes and what trends seem to be in style in Ireland from what I've seen: "I love individual styles with personality not necessarily following the trends but looking stylish and well put together, in garments that suit their figure. I'm not a fan of too grungy or too perfect. I love when women look well dressed especially if they have natural hair and make-up. To me a natural finish makes them look more stylish and real." Fully agreed, Lady Boomer!

Also, as of this moment, I just got the softest blanket for my bed....EVER! you're welcome for that information...thanks, Máthair!

Lollysmith.com Irish Gifts

If you're a manly man, and if you're not in the U.K. and don't mind paying extra (or if you're in the U.K.)...The Big Man's Shop

Summer Watching List: A Reflection

Well nerds, it's fall (or autumn, if you prefer) and that means summer time is over. The end of summer brings many things, including new episodes of our favorite shows (yay!). While this is good news, the good thing about the summer months and no new episodes (save summer series) is that it gives me the opportunity to watch shows I haven't had the time to watch. This summer I invested my time into two t.v. series: Weeds and Supernatural.

Catching up on a t.v. series such as these (both in their fifth season this year) can be taxing. For me, every free half hour or hour I could find was devoted to getting caught up to where the new episodes are. It's an enjoyable experience most of the time, until it gets to the point where it starts to feel like a job. But, if it's a good show like these you're happy to get up and go to work.

Although Weeds is a summer series I was able to watch seasons 1 through 4 in enough time to begin watching new episodes halfway through season 5. I adore this show and have come to realize that I will love any show with a group of dysfunctional characters.

Last week I finished season 4 of Supernatural and I am totally invested in the show now. I love the characters, but most importantly I love that I can sit back and watch the show without easily predicting what will happen next.

There are more shows on my list, but I'll be taking a break from it for a while. Up next are It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Damages and Bones.

Growl for me!

In honor of the premiere of Cougar Town tonight on ABC, I think it's appropriate to compile a list of a nerd's top ten cougars. What qualifies as a cougar? Old enough to be a teen's mother, I'd say. So I'll go with mid 40s.

10. Mary Steenburgen: From Woody Allen's Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy to Elf, Mary Steenburgen lights up a room with her flighty, sweet voice. I wish she'd cook spaghetti for me...

9. Jane Seymour: Seymour was by far the sexiest bond lady EVER. She looked good decked out in western garb, but I began to lose respect for her when she started doing roles and movies like Wedding Crashers. Less sexy, more slutty. But because of Dr. Quinn and previous experiences, she still tops my list...and have you seen her?!



8. Robin Wright Penn: Princess Buttercup. Classic. Queen of the Wealthow. And she can sing? I couldn't stop listening to her two songs on the Beowulf soundtrack for two weeks when I saw the movie a few months ago (I should've seen it sooner with Neil Gaiman scripting it).

7. Famke Janssen: All I have to say is "Jean. Grey. Bad. Ass." Another Bond lady and classy actress. If only she could read my mind...

6. Faith Hill: I know to most, she'd probably top this list, but remember this is Nerdy Pop...I do think she's classy and beautiful and has a great set of pipes. She's not afraid to speak her mind. I like that in a lady. And she's not afraid to be herself, which is probably why she doesn't have more a fan base in her music and just her looks.

5. Megan Mullally: The only character I liked on Will & Grace, and, therefore, the only reason I watched was Karen Walker, the squeaky, drunken, pill-popping riot! And now she'll be a single mom looking for love in obviously the wrong places. And look...look at those glasses! That's hot.

4. Courteney Cox: I usually considered Monica the Friend that was most like me...clean freak, crazy, etc. Unfortunately it turns out I'm more like Ross...disappointing to say the least. I loved, loved, loved her as bitchy Lucy Spiller on Dirt, and I can't wait to watch her tonight.

3. Michelle Yeoh: Wowzas! A woman who does her won stunts and wields a sword and every other hand-combat weapon. I'll watch any movie she's in. And she tore my heart into shreds in Sunshine. She's the only reason why I tolerated the Mummy III. She's oh so sexy. Her voice, her poise, her....well, her.

2. Amanda Tapping: I love you, Madame Tapping. You own science-fiction as far as I'm concerned! Though I haven't seen her in her previous work, I have heard of her dedication to Stargate, and I've seen her dedication to the thrilling and complex Sanctuary. And damn, can she rock a ladyhat like crazy. See first episode for classic broad ladyhat. I've only seen Chely Wright rock it like her in her video for "Jezebel."

1. Mary McDonnell: I feel like I don't need to say anything, but I do. Because...I owe that to her. She's sexy beyond all sexiness. Her fantastic acting makes her even sexier. When she delivers the lines in "Blood on the Scales," she made me shiver and tremble with excitement and all sorts of good feelings in my pants. But why on earth would she guest star on Grey's Anatomy?! That almost pegged her down a notch, but since they have good music on their show, I let it slide. She played the most badass lady president ever, and I wish Laura Roslin could be ours one day. I hope Roslin guest stars on Sanctuary this season! I might explode!

Honorable mention: Cate Blanchett, solely for being the classiest, most talented performer to grace the big screen since Dame Judy Dench and Meryl Streep. And she's beautiful.

Celtic Corner: Cara Dillon

I failed to mention that Cara Dillon's newest release came out in the U.S. last Tuesday. I failed to mention it because I already ordered it in the spring from the U.K. I'm that nerdy. Listen, every single time I suggest Cara Dillon to somebody, they end up loving her. Why? Listen and find out for yourself. Her voice captures the winding, lush, rustic land of old Ireland. Her cover of Tommy Sands' "There Were Roses" is what addicted me to her music. And to Tommy Sands. Her latest album Hill of Thieves falls back to more traditional sounds as she covers more traditional songs. The only self-penned tune is her title track, and it's my favorite. Every track is Irish to the core, even through the very last tune "Fil, Fil A Run O." In between are gems such as "The Parting Glass" and "P Stands For Paddy," where Dillon gets a rare chance to sing an upbeat tune. Doesn't happen often, but I don't mind one bit! Another highlight is "Spencer the Rover," guest starring her brother in-law and AMAZING talent Seth Lakeman on vocals and guitar. You guys, Cara Dillon will be your most favorite person EVER!