Saturday Night at the Movies

Watched some movies last night with friends. One stunk, one was excellent and one was just bizarre.

Started out at Andrew and Lori's where we watched the first 15 minutes of Johnny English, I was mildly amused, but not enough to make up for the fact that this movie was predictable and boring. I'd recommend the Austin Powers movies instead of this one. I normally like Rowan Atkinson, but more for his stand-up and Blackadder, than for Mr. Bean. Johnny English was closer to Mr. Bean. Spy Spoofs have been done better, the afore-mentioned Austin Powers trilogy comes to mind again. And since James Bond has been known to parody itself at times, I'd rather watch one of those again.

I then went down the block to another friend's place, Mark. Where along with James, Rob and Celine, we watched La Femme Nikita, now this was an excellent Spy movie, far superior to the Americanized version, Point of No Return. Luc Besson is an intriguing director and I adore the style and feel of this movie. I was glad to see this again, although I must remark that the english subtitles of this edition were subpar, but that may have been rectified with the newer special edition.

And now for something completely different, Rob and Celine then left and Mark, James and I were skimming the channels when on Scream TV we discovered a completely Bizarre film entitled Killer Condoms, it was an homage to Film Noire with a counter-culture twist, amusing and audacious in its way, the bizarreness of it seemed to draw you in. I'm not sure I would call it a cult classic, but it is definitely a cult film and cleverly done. It subverts the genre in many ways. The hard-nosed Sicilian trench-coated cop is unabashedly homosexual for one thing. It's set in New York, where it deals with seedier aspects of the city. The movie could be mistaken for a classic film noir save for one thing, the killer condoms themselves. The sheer silliness of the monster in question, almost over-shadows the message underlying the film. It takes an intriguing look at the treatment of of those who live alternative life-styles and asks acceptance. I'm not sure if I liked the movie, but it did draw me in. It's not for everyone, but if you happen to catch it. It does have it's moments.

Games without Frontiers - As Above, So Below: A Game of Angels

I'm currently working on the Role-Playing game above and am trying to come terms with what rules system to use. I am leaning heavily towards Nobilis, but am also considering using some of the rules from a Game called Paladin (an independent game, put out by Clinton R. Nixon. Check it out at www.anvilwerks.com.) I need to read up more on the Nobilis rules, but think they will add the elements, I am looking to add to the game.
I hope it will be fun, when I do get around to running it.

Morning is Broken

Getting up at 9 AM, when you only got to bed at 3 is not a good thing. Some days, six hours of sleep just isn't enough. Today is one of those days.

What is within your heart must come out.

In the night flying,
your heart blooms under the moon,
a single tear falls.

Who I am and Why I'm here.

"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more; it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."

- Shakespeare

How do I follow a quote like that? How can I claim myself a writer and dare to compare myself to old Bill himself, I don't, I won't and I can't. I just wanted to start off with a bang, with a powerful statement and Shakespeare is definitely the way to do that.

Why Macbeth you ask? It's my favourite tragedy by old Bill, with Richard III coming in a close second.
Roman Polanski's film version truly inspires and if you haven't seen Ian McKellen's Richard III, it is a remarkable interpretation for the cinema. See them both.

Personally I think Shakespeare would have adored Hollywood, flaws and all.

I suppose I should get to who I am and what I'm trying to do with this blog.

Tymen, that's the name I was given when I was born, I'm quite partial to it and am happy that it is fairly unique.

Ottawa, that's where I'm from. Ye olde capital of Canada for those who aren't in the know.

Writer, that's what I am in my heart of hearts. Currently working on several projects and even hope to direct a short film this summer. But, I need to find people who are willing to work for Glory and not much else.

Film and Television, both are passions of mine. Movies and Television are like a fine meal, they are to be savoured and explored. They should both make you take notice and think. They should draw you in and set your curiosity afire. (Curse the Gods of Television for canceling Angel and leaving my TV future Whedonless, although I await the Firefly movie with hope in my heart).

Role-Playing, is another passion of mine, a hobby which I enjoy, but do not pursue as much as I used to.
Although I wish that were not so.

This is in part who I am, as to why I am doing this Blog? I can leave you only with one answer in the form of a question.

Why not?