Ummm....years? |
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Films of 2009 I've Viewed
Normally, I'd put one of my disclaimers up for a post like this, but I'll forgo the verbose assault as that's all been hashed out on this blog before. BOTTOM LINE: I don't endorse anyone seeing any of these films, no matter what the rating. Whether or not you watch a certain film is between you and the Holy Spirit. Capiche? And if you want to try to infer my level of spiritual maturity by what films I've viewed, that's your waste of time, not mine.
I'll keep this updated as we approach the eventual terminus of 2009. All movies are listed in order of release date. As expected, the only qualification is that the film had an original release date in 2009. Try to guess which ones were my choices and which ones were Susan's. :-)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
New in Town
Taken
Coraline
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Watchmen
Duplicity
State of Play
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Star Trek
The Proposal
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Public Enemies
The Hurt Locker
(500) Days of Summer
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Julie & Julia
District 9
The Time Traveler's Wife
Inglourious Basterds
9
A Serious Man
An Education
I'll keep this updated as we approach the eventual terminus of 2009. All movies are listed in order of release date. As expected, the only qualification is that the film had an original release date in 2009. Try to guess which ones were my choices and which ones were Susan's. :-)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
New in Town
Taken
Coraline
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Watchmen
Duplicity
State of Play
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Star Trek
The Proposal
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Public Enemies
The Hurt Locker
(500) Days of Summer
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Julie & Julia
District 9
The Time Traveler's Wife
Inglourious Basterds
9
A Serious Man
An Education
Monday, October 26, 2009
Battle of the Books
VS.
Who ya got?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Clarifications of the Creative Imperative
Upon talking to a few friends concerning my previous post, it became clear to me that I need to clarify a few things regarding it. First, I was not intending to imply that "creative" scholarship was in any way better than traditional scholarship. I think it is foolish to attempt to place more value on one type than the other for the simple reason that both are equally needed in the academy. My point is that there are two types of scholarship: there is scholarship that builds upon what has already been established and there is scholarship that breaks new ground. It is my hope that my dissertation will fall into the latter category.
Secondly, "creative" scholarship IS scholarship. By "creative" scholarship, I do not mean simply creating a project with no ties to previous works, minimal citations, unsubstantiated opinions, etc. It is not amateurish. I am not issuing a call for lowering the bar on what can be considered true scholarship. I am, however, issuing a call for theological academics to open their eyes and see that the bar exists in other places, even cross-disciplinary ones.
Lastly, I harbor no delusions of my potential dissertation being revolutionary. I'm not expecting it to be the greatest thing since the Reformation's return to justification by faith. If anything, I expect it to receive a rather tepid response, if for no other reason than the probable outcome that so many will cursorily dismiss it as irrelevant. In my opinion, it is good that I anticipate that, as it will be my job, in fact, to show such naysayers just how wrong they really are.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. As I mentioned previously, it all is a step-by-step process and there are still hurdles to jump in order to be cleared to begin officially writing the dissertation. Still, I fully believe that much of my life has been in preparation for writing it, almost as if God allowed me to develop such a passion for the very purpose of looking at it from an explicitly theological standpoint. And that is all the more reason why I meant exactly what I said about not taking "no" for an answer.
Don't get me wrong; the purpose of being in a PhD program is for obtaining a PhD. But the bottom line is that the only reason I ever entered the PhD program in the first place was because of the Lord leading me in that direction, not because I had an earthly desire to obtain a PhD. For me, it never has been about a degree. And it never will.
Secondly, "creative" scholarship IS scholarship. By "creative" scholarship, I do not mean simply creating a project with no ties to previous works, minimal citations, unsubstantiated opinions, etc. It is not amateurish. I am not issuing a call for lowering the bar on what can be considered true scholarship. I am, however, issuing a call for theological academics to open their eyes and see that the bar exists in other places, even cross-disciplinary ones.
Lastly, I harbor no delusions of my potential dissertation being revolutionary. I'm not expecting it to be the greatest thing since the Reformation's return to justification by faith. If anything, I expect it to receive a rather tepid response, if for no other reason than the probable outcome that so many will cursorily dismiss it as irrelevant. In my opinion, it is good that I anticipate that, as it will be my job, in fact, to show such naysayers just how wrong they really are.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. As I mentioned previously, it all is a step-by-step process and there are still hurdles to jump in order to be cleared to begin officially writing the dissertation. Still, I fully believe that much of my life has been in preparation for writing it, almost as if God allowed me to develop such a passion for the very purpose of looking at it from an explicitly theological standpoint. And that is all the more reason why I meant exactly what I said about not taking "no" for an answer.
Don't get me wrong; the purpose of being in a PhD program is for obtaining a PhD. But the bottom line is that the only reason I ever entered the PhD program in the first place was because of the Lord leading me in that direction, not because I had an earthly desire to obtain a PhD. For me, it never has been about a degree. And it never will.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Theology PhDs and the Creative (But Not Categorical) Imperative
As it has been quite some time since I have made a decidedly substantive post, I thought it might be best to jump back in with one related to the PhD program in general, though perhaps more precisely, my progress in said program. The impetus behind this post is quite simple: slowly throughout my years in the M.Div. program, I began to pick up on something that bothered me the more I thought about it. The relationship between the omnipotence of God and human responsibility? Nope. Explaining how Jesus Christ can be 100% divine and 100% human? Nuh-uh. (Insert other theological conundrum here)? No. What began to bother me was really not so much theological as it was methodological and that was the lack of creativity. As I progressed into the PhD program, the problem only manifested itself more.
Now, I'm sure the more theologically inclined among you are already thinking the same thing I'm thinking--traditionally, creativity in theology has been disdained by the church (read: doctrinal guardians) and for good reason. After all, creativity is only one step removed from heresy, is it not? But I'm not talking about creativity in the sense of getting inventive, creating new teachings or reaching preposterous conclusions which do not conform to Scripture. The plenitude of heretics throughout church history are not creative heroes. The kind of creativity I'm talking about is a creativity in application and the ability to think outside the box (sorry to be platitudinous).
Time and time again, whether it was through reading theological monographs, perusing dissertations, or writing my own research papers, I was confronted with the realization that these were all "Variations on a Theme" (if Brahms will permit his music for metaphorical usage) as it were; someone (probably ancient) began a certain line of thought and then scores upon scores of scholars either built upon his arguments or made minutiae out of his minutiae ad nauseum. This continued until the point was reached where books were written of which one had absolutely no chance of comprehending even 10% unless he or she had read the innumerable other books which informed the author's thought. Do not misunderstand me--there is a place for this and such is a perfectly legitimate enterprise in the academy.
The problem is not that this type of scholarship exists so much as it is that myopia in the academy has produced the assumption that this is the ONLY legitimate type of scholarship. That is why professors count the number of sources used in dissertations, why they attempt to quantify the reputability of such sources, and why they naturally assume that whatever your contribution to the field might be, it must, IT MUST, be visibly built upon the backs of those who have come before you and somehow be a new way to think about what has already been thought. "Variations on a Theme," my friends.
For the record, I am not so naïve as to think that any dissertation (or monograph, for that matter) is wholly original, as if the author's thought was in no way influenced or informed by others. Let's not be ridiculous. However, perhaps I am naïve enough to believe that the state of the academy in this regard is in need of change. Perhaps I am naïve enough to believe that the academy has become so overspecialized that the thought of doing anything cross-disciplinary is so foreign to most that its academic legitimacy is automatically reduced to a "that's more for the popular level" mentality which, in turn, results from an ivory tower arrogance.
In the PhD program I quickly came to the realization that if I tried to do a "business as usual" dissertation, I would go insane. Again, there is a place for such dissertations and they are perfectly legitimate--somewhere out there is the need for "The Nuanced Meaning of Two Important Uses of 'Shamah' in Genesis," though I can only imagine what neuroses must be present in someone to possess him or her to spend years writing something so incredibly specialized (I jest, I jest). However, I knew that in order for me to survive the program to its completion, I would have to do something different and something a little more creative with my dissertation, something that presumably would take theology somewhere it has not been before. In my opinion, that is an equally legitimate and equally necessary enterprise.
And so, here I am--in the midst of studying for comprehensive exams, I know what I want to be my dissertation to be. Instead of a project in which I would consider researching and writing to be pure drudgery, I have a project in which researching and writing will be enjoyable. I understand that it is not set in stone and has yet to be approved. There are always steps in the PhD process; I must pass comps and have a prospectus approved before formal work can begin. But I also understand enough about both myself and the academy to know that it is an all-or-nothing situation--if my prospectus is not approved, there is no alternative. I will not subject myself to the torture of stifling my creativity and monotonously working on a project my heart is not in, no matter what the perceived value of the degree attached to the end of it may be.
To those whose dissertations either have been or will be what might be considered typical fare: Kudos. But that ain't me.
Now, I'm sure the more theologically inclined among you are already thinking the same thing I'm thinking--traditionally, creativity in theology has been disdained by the church (read: doctrinal guardians) and for good reason. After all, creativity is only one step removed from heresy, is it not? But I'm not talking about creativity in the sense of getting inventive, creating new teachings or reaching preposterous conclusions which do not conform to Scripture. The plenitude of heretics throughout church history are not creative heroes. The kind of creativity I'm talking about is a creativity in application and the ability to think outside the box (sorry to be platitudinous).
Time and time again, whether it was through reading theological monographs, perusing dissertations, or writing my own research papers, I was confronted with the realization that these were all "Variations on a Theme" (if Brahms will permit his music for metaphorical usage) as it were; someone (probably ancient) began a certain line of thought and then scores upon scores of scholars either built upon his arguments or made minutiae out of his minutiae ad nauseum. This continued until the point was reached where books were written of which one had absolutely no chance of comprehending even 10% unless he or she had read the innumerable other books which informed the author's thought. Do not misunderstand me--there is a place for this and such is a perfectly legitimate enterprise in the academy.
The problem is not that this type of scholarship exists so much as it is that myopia in the academy has produced the assumption that this is the ONLY legitimate type of scholarship. That is why professors count the number of sources used in dissertations, why they attempt to quantify the reputability of such sources, and why they naturally assume that whatever your contribution to the field might be, it must, IT MUST, be visibly built upon the backs of those who have come before you and somehow be a new way to think about what has already been thought. "Variations on a Theme," my friends.
For the record, I am not so naïve as to think that any dissertation (or monograph, for that matter) is wholly original, as if the author's thought was in no way influenced or informed by others. Let's not be ridiculous. However, perhaps I am naïve enough to believe that the state of the academy in this regard is in need of change. Perhaps I am naïve enough to believe that the academy has become so overspecialized that the thought of doing anything cross-disciplinary is so foreign to most that its academic legitimacy is automatically reduced to a "that's more for the popular level" mentality which, in turn, results from an ivory tower arrogance.
In the PhD program I quickly came to the realization that if I tried to do a "business as usual" dissertation, I would go insane. Again, there is a place for such dissertations and they are perfectly legitimate--somewhere out there is the need for "The Nuanced Meaning of Two Important Uses of 'Shamah' in Genesis," though I can only imagine what neuroses must be present in someone to possess him or her to spend years writing something so incredibly specialized (I jest, I jest). However, I knew that in order for me to survive the program to its completion, I would have to do something different and something a little more creative with my dissertation, something that presumably would take theology somewhere it has not been before. In my opinion, that is an equally legitimate and equally necessary enterprise.
And so, here I am--in the midst of studying for comprehensive exams, I know what I want to be my dissertation to be. Instead of a project in which I would consider researching and writing to be pure drudgery, I have a project in which researching and writing will be enjoyable. I understand that it is not set in stone and has yet to be approved. There are always steps in the PhD process; I must pass comps and have a prospectus approved before formal work can begin. But I also understand enough about both myself and the academy to know that it is an all-or-nothing situation--if my prospectus is not approved, there is no alternative. I will not subject myself to the torture of stifling my creativity and monotonously working on a project my heart is not in, no matter what the perceived value of the degree attached to the end of it may be.
To those whose dissertations either have been or will be what might be considered typical fare: Kudos. But that ain't me.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Coldplay Setlist
Here's the setlist from last night's Coldplay concert at the Superpages.com Center in Dallas! Amazing show!
Life in Technicolor
Violet Hill
Clocks
In My Place
Yellow
Glass of Water
Cemeteries of London
42
Fix You
Strawberry Swing
Out in the Crowd (B Stage)
God Put a Smile Upon Your Face (Techno Version)
Talk (Techno Version)
Trouble
Postcards from Far Away
Viva la Vida
Lost!
Out in the Crowd Again (C Stage)
Green Eyes
Death Will Never Conquer
Billie Jean
Politik
Lovers in Japan
Death and All His Friends
Encore
The Scientist
Life in Technicolor ii
Life in Technicolor
Violet Hill
Clocks
In My Place
Yellow
Glass of Water
Cemeteries of London
42
Fix You
Strawberry Swing
Out in the Crowd (B Stage)
God Put a Smile Upon Your Face (Techno Version)
Talk (Techno Version)
Trouble
Postcards from Far Away
Viva la Vida
Lost!
Out in the Crowd Again (C Stage)
Green Eyes
Death Will Never Conquer
Billie Jean
Politik
Lovers in Japan
Death and All His Friends
Encore
The Scientist
Life in Technicolor ii
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Television Shows of which I Have Seen Every Episode
EDIT (7/16/09): I decided it was time to update the list.
I thought it would be fun to list out the television shows of which I have seen every episode (or for a show still in-progress, every episode up to its last ending point) and to ask my fellow bloggers to post their own. Again, only every episode counts. No "all but one or two" and please also designate shows that are still in-progress.
(in alphabetical order)
The Adventures of Pete and Pete
Angel
Arrested Development
Batman: The Animated Series
Breaking Bad (show still in-progress)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Closer (show still in-progress)
Dark Skies
Dollhouse (show still in-progress)
Duckman
Firefly
Fringe (show still in-progress)
Gargoyles
James Bond Jr.
La Femme Nikita
LOST (show still in-progress)
MacGyver
Mythbusters (show still in-progress)
The Pretender
Profiler
Salute Your Shorts
Survivor (show still in-progress)
The Tomorrow People (1992-1995 version)
I thought it would be fun to list out the television shows of which I have seen every episode (or for a show still in-progress, every episode up to its last ending point) and to ask my fellow bloggers to post their own. Again, only every episode counts. No "all but one or two" and please also designate shows that are still in-progress.
(in alphabetical order)
The Adventures of Pete and Pete
Angel
Arrested Development
Batman: The Animated Series
Breaking Bad (show still in-progress)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Closer (show still in-progress)
Dark Skies
Dollhouse (show still in-progress)
Duckman
Firefly
Fringe (show still in-progress)
Gargoyles
James Bond Jr.
La Femme Nikita
LOST (show still in-progress)
MacGyver
Mythbusters (show still in-progress)
The Pretender
Profiler
Salute Your Shorts
Survivor (show still in-progress)
The Tomorrow People (1992-1995 version)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
LOST and the Proof of Human Idiocy
What can the ratings for LOST tell us about the human condition? Observe.
Season 1, Episode 12: 21.5 million viewers
Season 2, Episode 1: 23.4 million viewers
Season 3, Episode 1: 18.8 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 1: 17.7 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 2: 16.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 3: 15.6 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 4: 15.4 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 5: 14.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 6: 14.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 7: 13.8 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 8: 13.3 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 9: 14.0 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 10: 12.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 11: 13.0 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 12: 13.1 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 13: 13.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 14: 13.9 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 1: 11.3 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 2: 11.2 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 3: 11.0 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 4: 9.8 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 5: 11.4 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 6: 10.0 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 7: 10.6 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 8: 9.4 million viewers
There you have it, folks. As of March 18, 2009 (Season 5, Episode 8), at least 14 million Americans are complete and utter idiots.
Good day. :-)
Season 1, Episode 12: 21.5 million viewers
Season 2, Episode 1: 23.4 million viewers
Season 3, Episode 1: 18.8 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 1: 17.7 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 2: 16.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 3: 15.6 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 4: 15.4 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 5: 14.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 6: 14.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 7: 13.8 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 8: 13.3 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 9: 14.0 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 10: 12.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 11: 13.0 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 12: 13.1 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 13: 13.9 million viewers
Season 4, Episode 14: 13.9 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 1: 11.3 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 2: 11.2 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 3: 11.0 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 4: 9.8 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 5: 11.4 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 6: 10.0 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 7: 10.6 million viewers
Season 5, Episode 8: 9.4 million viewers
There you have it, folks. As of March 18, 2009 (Season 5, Episode 8), at least 14 million Americans are complete and utter idiots.
Good day. :-)
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Sad State of the SBC's Internet Presence
I'm not naming any names. I'm not pointing to any particular issues. What I am doing, however, is pointing to SBC blogs and journalism. Here's a song from my high school days. I'm sure you will be able to discern what applicability is there and how far it goes. I'm not saying that it correlates perfectly.
That said, shame on us.
"Christian Hate Mail" (Click to listen)
By: Calibretto
What is this I see? Can we not get along?
Discord in the body shows me something is wrong.
Difference of opinion brings about your hate.
The way that we view life makes you so irate.
Why can't you see there's no unity
In the way you hate me just because we don't agree?
Send us your hate mail in the name of Christ.
Insult us, bash us, but don't place nice.
I'm sure the Father's proud of the way you treat your brother.
It's sad to say the Christian way is beating up each other.
Not everything is black and white.
What makes me wrong, what makes you right?
I'm a Christian, too, but I would never want to be like you.
We see things differently.
You don't know my heart and you don't know me.
Stop holding this grudge.
Why don't you let God be my judge?
Your convictions, they are not mine.
The way you act is out of line.
Send us your hate mail in the name of Christ.
Insult us, bash us, but don't place nice.
I'm sure the Father's proud of the way you treat your brother.
It's sad to say the Christian way is beating up each other.
That said, shame on us.
"Christian Hate Mail" (Click to listen)
By: Calibretto
What is this I see? Can we not get along?
Discord in the body shows me something is wrong.
Difference of opinion brings about your hate.
The way that we view life makes you so irate.
Why can't you see there's no unity
In the way you hate me just because we don't agree?
Send us your hate mail in the name of Christ.
Insult us, bash us, but don't place nice.
I'm sure the Father's proud of the way you treat your brother.
It's sad to say the Christian way is beating up each other.
Not everything is black and white.
What makes me wrong, what makes you right?
I'm a Christian, too, but I would never want to be like you.
We see things differently.
You don't know my heart and you don't know me.
Stop holding this grudge.
Why don't you let God be my judge?
Your convictions, they are not mine.
The way you act is out of line.
Send us your hate mail in the name of Christ.
Insult us, bash us, but don't place nice.
I'm sure the Father's proud of the way you treat your brother.
It's sad to say the Christian way is beating up each other.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscar Night Predictions
Since the Oscars are tonight, I thought I would share my predictions for all of the major categories. Tomorrow, I'll come back and edit this post with how accurate I ended up being. My predictions are in bold.
EDIT: The winners appear in italics below. The following are the awards I predicted correctly: Performace by an actor in a leading role, Performance by an actor in a supporting role, Performance by an actress in a leading role, Performance by an actress in a supporting role, Best animated feature film of the year, Achievement in costume design, Achievement in directing, Best documentary feature, Achievement in makeup, Achievement in music written for motion pictures (original score), Achievement in music written for motion pictures (original song), Best motion picture of the year, Achievement in sound editing, Achievement in visual effects, Adapted screenplay, Original screenplay.
Performance by an actor in a leading role
* Richard Jenkins in "The Visitor" (Overture Films)
* Frank Langella in "Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
* Sean Penn in "Milk" (Focus Features)
* Brad Pitt in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight)
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
* Josh Brolin in "Milk" (Focus Features)
* Robert Downey Jr. in "Tropic Thunder" (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
* Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Doubt" (Miramax)
* Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
* Michael Shannon in "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
* Anne Hathaway in "Rachel Getting Married" (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Angelina Jolie in "Changeling" (Universal)
* Melissa Leo in "Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Meryl Streep in "Doubt" (Miramax)
* Kate Winslet in "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
* Amy Adams in "Doubt" (Miramax)
* Penélope Cruz in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (The Weinstein Company)
* Viola Davis in "Doubt" (Miramax)
* Taraji P. Henson in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Marisa Tomei in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight)
Best animated feature film of the year
* "Bolt" (Walt Disney) Chris Williams and Byron Howard
* "Kung Fu Panda" (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount) John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Andrew Stanton
Achievement in art direction
* "Changeling" (Universal) Art Direction: James J. Murakami Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Art Direction: Nathan Crowley Set Decoration: Peter Lando
* "The Duchess" (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films) Art Direction: Michael Carlin Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
* "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage) Art Direction: Kristi Zea Set Decoration: Debra Schutt
Achievement in cinematography
* "Changeling" (Universal) Tom Stern
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Claudio Miranda
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Wally Pfister
* "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Anthony Dod Mantle
Achievement in costume design
* "Australia" (20th Century Fox) Catherine Martin
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Jacqueline West
* "The Duchess" (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films) Michael O'Connor
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Danny Glicker
* "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage) Albert Wolsky
Achievement in directing
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) David Fincher
* "Frost/Nixon" (Universal) Ron Howard
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Gus Van Sant
* "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) Stephen Daldry
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Danny Boyle
Best documentary feature
* "The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)" (Cinema Guild) A Pandinlao Films Production Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
* "Encounters at the End of the World" (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment) A Creative Differences Production Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
* "The Garden" A Black Valley Films Production Scott Hamilton Kennedy
* "Man on Wire" (Magnolia Pictures) A Wall to Wall Production James Marsh and Simon Chinn
* "Trouble the Water" (Zeitgeist Films) An Elsewhere Films Production Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
Best documentary short subject
* "The Conscience of Nhem En" A Farallon Films Production Steven Okazaki
* "The Final Inch" A Vermilion Films Production Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
* "Smile Pinki" A Principe Production Megan Mylan
* "The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306" A Rock Paper Scissors Production Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde
Achievement in film editing
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Lee Smith
* "Frost/Nixon" (Universal) Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Elliot Graham
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Chris Dickens
Best foreign language film of the year
* "The Baader Meinhof Complex" A Constantin Film Production - Germany
* "The Class" (Sony Pictures Classics) A Haut et Court Production - France
* "Departures" (Regent Releasing) A Departures Film Partners Production - Japan
* "Revanche" (Janus Films) A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production - Austria
* "Waltz with Bashir" (Sony Pictures Classics) A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production - Israel
Achievement in makeup
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Greg Cannom
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O'Sullivan
* "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" (Universal) Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Alexandre Desplat
* "Defiance" (Paramount Vantage) James Newton Howard
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Danny Elfman
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) A.R. Rahman
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Thomas Newman
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
* "Down to Earth" from "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman Lyric by Peter Gabriel
* "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Gulzar
* "O Saya" from "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam
Best motion picture of the year
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) A Kennedy/Marshall Production Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
* "Frost/Nixon" (Universal) A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
* "Milk" (Focus Features) A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
* "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) A Celador Films Production Christian Colson, Producer
Best animated short film
* "La Maison en Petits Cubes" A Robot Communications Production Kunio Kato
* "Lavatory - Lovestory" A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production Konstantin Bronzit
* "Oktapodi" (Talantis Films) A Gobelins, L'école de l'image Production Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
* "Presto" (Walt Disney) A Pixar Animation Studios Production Doug Sweetland
* "This Way Up" A Nexus Production Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes
Best live action short film
* "Auf der Strecke (On the Line)" (Hamburg Shortfilmagency) An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production Reto Caffi
* "Manon on the Asphalt" (La Luna Productions) A La Luna Production Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
* "New Boy" (Network Ireland Television) A Zanzibar Films Production Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
* "The Pig" An M & M Production Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
* "Spielzeugland (Toyland)" A Mephisto Film Production Jochen Alexander Freydank
Achievement in sound editing
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Richard King
* "Iron Man" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment) Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Tom Sayers
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
* "Wanted" (Universal) Wylie Stateman
Achievement in sound mixing
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
* "Wanted" (Universal) Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt
Achievement in visual effects
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
* "Iron Man" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment) John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan
Adapted screenplay
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Screenplay by Eric Roth Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
* "Doubt" (Miramax) Written by John Patrick Shanley
* "Frost/Nixon" (Universal) Screenplay by Peter Morgan
* "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) Screenplay by David Hare
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy
Original screenplay
* "Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics) Written by Courtney Hunt
* "Happy-Go-Lucky" (Miramax) Written by Mike Leigh
* "In Bruges" (Focus Features) Written by Martin McDonagh
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Written by Dustin Lance Black
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon
Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter
EDIT: The winners appear in italics below. The following are the awards I predicted correctly: Performace by an actor in a leading role, Performance by an actor in a supporting role, Performance by an actress in a leading role, Performance by an actress in a supporting role, Best animated feature film of the year, Achievement in costume design, Achievement in directing, Best documentary feature, Achievement in makeup, Achievement in music written for motion pictures (original score), Achievement in music written for motion pictures (original song), Best motion picture of the year, Achievement in sound editing, Achievement in visual effects, Adapted screenplay, Original screenplay.
Performance by an actor in a leading role
* Richard Jenkins in "The Visitor" (Overture Films)
* Frank Langella in "Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
* Sean Penn in "Milk" (Focus Features)
* Brad Pitt in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight)
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
* Josh Brolin in "Milk" (Focus Features)
* Robert Downey Jr. in "Tropic Thunder" (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
* Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Doubt" (Miramax)
* Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
* Michael Shannon in "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
* Anne Hathaway in "Rachel Getting Married" (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Angelina Jolie in "Changeling" (Universal)
* Melissa Leo in "Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Meryl Streep in "Doubt" (Miramax)
* Kate Winslet in "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
* Amy Adams in "Doubt" (Miramax)
* Penélope Cruz in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (The Weinstein Company)
* Viola Davis in "Doubt" (Miramax)
* Taraji P. Henson in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
* Marisa Tomei in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight)
Best animated feature film of the year
* "Bolt" (Walt Disney) Chris Williams and Byron Howard
* "Kung Fu Panda" (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount) John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Andrew Stanton
Achievement in art direction
* "Changeling" (Universal) Art Direction: James J. Murakami Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Art Direction: Nathan Crowley Set Decoration: Peter Lando
* "The Duchess" (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films) Art Direction: Michael Carlin Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
* "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage) Art Direction: Kristi Zea Set Decoration: Debra Schutt
Achievement in cinematography
* "Changeling" (Universal) Tom Stern
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Claudio Miranda
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Wally Pfister
* "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Anthony Dod Mantle
Achievement in costume design
* "Australia" (20th Century Fox) Catherine Martin
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Jacqueline West
* "The Duchess" (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films) Michael O'Connor
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Danny Glicker
* "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage) Albert Wolsky
Achievement in directing
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) David Fincher
* "Frost/Nixon" (Universal) Ron Howard
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Gus Van Sant
* "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) Stephen Daldry
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Danny Boyle
Best documentary feature
* "The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)" (Cinema Guild) A Pandinlao Films Production Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
* "Encounters at the End of the World" (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment) A Creative Differences Production Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
* "The Garden" A Black Valley Films Production Scott Hamilton Kennedy
* "Man on Wire" (Magnolia Pictures) A Wall to Wall Production James Marsh and Simon Chinn
* "Trouble the Water" (Zeitgeist Films) An Elsewhere Films Production Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
Best documentary short subject
* "The Conscience of Nhem En" A Farallon Films Production Steven Okazaki
* "The Final Inch" A Vermilion Films Production Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
* "Smile Pinki" A Principe Production Megan Mylan
* "The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306" A Rock Paper Scissors Production Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde
Achievement in film editing
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Lee Smith
* "Frost/Nixon" (Universal) Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Elliot Graham
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Chris Dickens
Best foreign language film of the year
* "The Baader Meinhof Complex" A Constantin Film Production - Germany
* "The Class" (Sony Pictures Classics) A Haut et Court Production - France
* "Departures" (Regent Releasing) A Departures Film Partners Production - Japan
* "Revanche" (Janus Films) A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production - Austria
* "Waltz with Bashir" (Sony Pictures Classics) A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production - Israel
Achievement in makeup
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Greg Cannom
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O'Sullivan
* "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" (Universal) Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Alexandre Desplat
* "Defiance" (Paramount Vantage) James Newton Howard
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Danny Elfman
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) A.R. Rahman
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Thomas Newman
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
* "Down to Earth" from "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman Lyric by Peter Gabriel
* "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Gulzar
* "O Saya" from "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam
Best motion picture of the year
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) A Kennedy/Marshall Production Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
* "Frost/Nixon" (Universal) A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
* "Milk" (Focus Features) A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
* "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) A Celador Films Production Christian Colson, Producer
Best animated short film
* "La Maison en Petits Cubes" A Robot Communications Production Kunio Kato
* "Lavatory - Lovestory" A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production Konstantin Bronzit
* "Oktapodi" (Talantis Films) A Gobelins, L'école de l'image Production Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
* "Presto" (Walt Disney) A Pixar Animation Studios Production Doug Sweetland
* "This Way Up" A Nexus Production Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes
Best live action short film
* "Auf der Strecke (On the Line)" (Hamburg Shortfilmagency) An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production Reto Caffi
* "Manon on the Asphalt" (La Luna Productions) A La Luna Production Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
* "New Boy" (Network Ireland Television) A Zanzibar Films Production Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
* "The Pig" An M & M Production Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
* "Spielzeugland (Toyland)" A Mephisto Film Production Jochen Alexander Freydank
Achievement in sound editing
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Richard King
* "Iron Man" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment) Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Tom Sayers
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
* "Wanted" (Universal) Wylie Stateman
Achievement in sound mixing
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
* "Wanted" (Universal) Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt
Achievement in visual effects
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
* "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.) Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
* "Iron Man" (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment) John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan
Adapted screenplay
* "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.) Screenplay by Eric Roth Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
* "Doubt" (Miramax) Written by John Patrick Shanley
* "Frost/Nixon" (Universal) Screenplay by Peter Morgan
* "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) Screenplay by David Hare
* "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy
Original screenplay
* "Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics) Written by Courtney Hunt
* "Happy-Go-Lucky" (Miramax) Written by Mike Leigh
* "In Bruges" (Focus Features) Written by Martin McDonagh
* "Milk" (Focus Features) Written by Dustin Lance Black
* "WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon
Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter
Monday, February 02, 2009
Are Video Games Art?
Are video games art in the same sense that films are art? Roger Ebert doesn't believe they are.
Roger Ebert is wrong.
Roger Ebert is wrong.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Well Thought Out Twinkles
Why? Because, who wouldn't want Silversun Pickups instead of writing a review on this Sunday evening?
"Well Thought Out Twinkles" by Silversun Pickups
"Well Thought Out Twinkles" by Silversun Pickups
Thursday, January 22, 2009
How Did My Selections Stack Up?
The Oscar nominations were announced this morning, so I thought it would be fun to see which of my "top ten" films received nominations, how many, and for what.
"Matt's Top Ten Favorite Films of 2008"
10. In Bruges
Nominated for: Best Original Screenplay
9. Iron Man
Nominated for: Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects
8. Gran Torino
Nominated for: Nothing--a shock to most of us who keep up with the film industry
7. Doubt
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Meryl Streep), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Amy Adams), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Viola Davis), Best Adapted Screenplay
6. WALL-E
Nominated for: Best Animated Feature Film of the Year, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song), Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Original Screenplay
5. The Dark Knight
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Heath Ledger), Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Makeup, Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects
4. Frost/Nixon
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Frank Langella), Best Achievement in Directing (Ron Howard), Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Adapted Screenplay
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Brad Pitt), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Taraji P. Henson), Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Directing (David Fincher), Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Makeup, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Adapted Screenplay
2. Revolutionary Road
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Michael Shannon), Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Costume Design
1. Slumdog Millionaire
Nominated for: Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Directing (Danny Boyle), Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song), Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song), Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Adapted Screenplay
Hmmm...not bad. Not bad at all. :-)
"Matt's Top Ten Favorite Films of 2008"
10. In Bruges
Nominated for: Best Original Screenplay
9. Iron Man
Nominated for: Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects
8. Gran Torino
Nominated for: Nothing--a shock to most of us who keep up with the film industry
7. Doubt
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Meryl Streep), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Amy Adams), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Viola Davis), Best Adapted Screenplay
6. WALL-E
Nominated for: Best Animated Feature Film of the Year, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song), Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Original Screenplay
5. The Dark Knight
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Heath Ledger), Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Makeup, Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects
4. Frost/Nixon
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Frank Langella), Best Achievement in Directing (Ron Howard), Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Adapted Screenplay
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Brad Pitt), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Taraji P. Henson), Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Directing (David Fincher), Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Makeup, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Adapted Screenplay
2. Revolutionary Road
Nominated for: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Michael Shannon), Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Costume Design
1. Slumdog Millionaire
Nominated for: Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Directing (Danny Boyle), Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score), Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song), Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song), Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing, Best Adapted Screenplay
Hmmm...not bad. Not bad at all. :-)
Friday, January 16, 2009
My Top Ten Favorite Films of 2008
Thanks for waiting for this, everyone. As you can see from the title above, I've turned this list into a "top ten" list as opposed to a "top five." Why? Well, there were some other movies besides my "top five" which were too good simply to relegate them to "honorable mention" status without saying anything else about them or ranking them. Consequently, this list is now my "top ten favorite films of 2008." Again, the rule for each of my "top" lists is always that each item of media must have had an original release date in 2008. However, before we get into this list, a brief excursus would be beneficial.
EXCURSUS ON THE VIEWING OF "R"-RATED MOVIES:
If one were to do a little research on the films within this list as well as the films in the list of all the films I viewed this year, he or she would discover that several have been given the rating "R - Restricted" by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This, then, could quite naturally lead to the questioning of whether it is appropriate for a believer to view R-rated movies. As the reader is no doubt aware, some believers choose (based upon personal convictions) to avoid viewing any R-rated movies whatsoever.
The difference between such believers and myself is quite simple: they are willing to let the arbitrary and often politically motivated decisions of a group of (presumably) unbelievers determine whether or not they will see certain movies, while I will not allow such decisions to determine what films I see. Some, I'm sure, will probably disagree with my characterization of the MPAA and attempt to laud it as "not perfect, but the best barometer we have." Unfortunately, those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are arbitrary obviously have not seen enough films and those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are often politically motivated are woefully mired in a painful naiveté concerning the way Hollywood operates. The reality is not only that some PG-13 movies should be R (see my comments on The Dark Knight below) and some R movies should be PG-13, but also that money and corporate "back-scratching" go a very long way in determining a movie's rating.
Because of these circumstances, I simply do not allow the MPAA to determine whether or not I see a film; I let God determine that. There is certainly much to be praised about researching a film's content before viewing it. I always do so in order to educate myself fully about the film and then allow the Holy Spirit to direct me in whether or not it is appropriate viewing.
My point in saying all of this is that if you use the MPAA to determine whether or not you see a film, while I believe you are misguided, such a practice is certainly your prerogative. But, please do not assume that my viewing of certain R-rated films is an accurate measuring stick to determine my level of spiritual maturity; likewise, please do not assume that my viewing of any R-rated film necessarily constitutes my endorsement of the film for viewing by every Christian. And with that, it is now time for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "top ten favorite films of 2008" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual films themselves or the characters, the dialogue, the actions, the theological implications, and the profanities/obscenities that are portrayed therein. Because both art and film as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these films or their contents are interpreted by the viewer/reader. Any conclusion (about the films themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the viewer/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Now, on to the show.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Films of 2008
10. In Bruges
There's just something about British gangsters with comedy thrown in that I love. To be quite honest, though, I usually don't particularly care for Colin Farrell. However, I can't deny that he certainly is entertaining to watch in this film. If nothing else, this movie produced one of the best lines of the year: "If I'd grown up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me. But I didn't, so it doesn't."
9. Iron Man
Never would I have dreamed that Robert Downey, Jr. would make a comeback. But make a comeback he did with Iron Man. This film truly surprised me. I'll go see almost any superhero movie regardless of quality expectations because I'm a comic book geek, but I honestly wasn't expecting a lot out of Iron Man. How delighted I was to walk out of the theater proven wrong by a film which would end up on my "top ten" list.
8. Gran Torino
What is it about Clint Eastwood that makes him so appealing even in his old age? I don't know, but a well-crafted, if simple, story certainly doesn't hurt. Eastwood proves he's still got what it takes to make a good movie. If Gran Torino is his last film, it's definitely a good one with which to finish.
7. Doubt
It's rare that a film comes out with three superb, Oscar-worthy performances and with Doubt, there is much "doubt" as to whose is the best between Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, and Amy Adams. All three play their roles to perfection, taking us inside a Catholic school in 1964 for an intense "did he or didn't he?" drama.
6. WALL-E
If anything, I believe that WALL-E has proven that animated films can be just as good as live-action films. The story of WALL-E is done well enough that it can produce genuine emotional responses in viewers as well as stand above the plots of much of the tripe I've seen over the years. I've seen a lot of movies. A LOT. In fact, I've seen more films in my 23 years (assuming I started at 4) of movie-watching than many people have seen in their entire lives. WALL-E is easily better than 90% of them. And it's animated. Go figure.
5. The Dark Knight
Well, here we go into the "top five" and what?...another superhero movie? Well, it just so happens that the The Dark Knight is the best superhero movie I've ever seen. Let's go ahead and get one thing out of the way: yes, Heath Ledger is amazing as The Joker. But what's even more amazing is that Christopher Nolan transformed a (pop culturally) dying superhero with Batman Begins and then turned around and made this superhero's next story one of the best films of 2008.
To be sure, The Dark Knight is dark. Very dark. And it should have been rated "R" because of this. I'm not the only one to make this argument; many others have said the same thing, even a Hollywood director. But, dark as it is, and disturbing as The Joker may be, the film is still at a caliber to which all films should aspire, whatever the genre. It's simply THAT good.
4. Frost/Nixon
While one might think that everything that went on behind the scenes of David Frost's post-resignation interview with Richard Nixon would be boring material for a film, Ron Howard does his best to show us that such was not the case. Whether or not things were really as dramatic as Howard makes them out to be, however, I find irrelevant. In terms of storytelling, things have to be dramatic--otherwise, you are left with a boring documentary (not that all documentaries are boring).
Nixon was called "Tricky Dick" for a reason and if the portrayal of him in this film is remotely accurate, the viewer is left seeing why he earned that name. There's no doubting that the man knew what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and how long to say it. Trying to get him in a corner was like trying to nail Jello to the wall. But when David Frost finally buckled down, loaded his guns, and kept relentlessly firing at Nixon in his last interview with him, the nation finally saw the Nixon they wanted to see: the defeated one.
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
I won't get into the mixed reviews for this film because understanding all of the issues, especially those voiced by Roger Ebert, would take up far too much space. Instead, I'll just say that with some movies you have to suspend disbelief and allow yourself to be fully immersed in the story. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an example of just such an instance par excellence.
David Fincher does some wonderful things with this film and the CGI used to make Brad Pitt age as well as look younger is simply astounding. For some reason, you can't help but think about your own mortality and the events of your own life after watching this film. And in a sense, I suppose that's kind of the point rather than a strict rendering of F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story.
2. Revolutionary Road
The much-heralded reuniting of Kate & Leo has received a tepid response from many critics. They don't doubt the power of the performances in the film; rather, their problem is with the film itself. I'm sure there are some reasons not to like the film, but to me, Revolutionary Road is going to be one of those polarizing "love it or hate it" films.
Some people can't stand "depressing" movies. Some people don't want to watch an on-screen depiction of a married couple with serious, serious problems. Some people don't want to watch people have their lives ripped apart. That's fine. But I'll say this: if ever there was a near-perfect example of the emptiness and hopelessness of life outside of Christ, it would be Revolutionary Road. And sometimes we need to be reminded of just what kind of a life that really would be.
1. Slumdog Millionaire
Wow. Slumdog Millionaire. I never would have guessed that an independent film made in India would walk away with my top favorite movie of the year, but it's really hard not to give Slumdog Millionaire the praise it deserves. Admittedly, its screenplay is not original--it's based off a novel called Q&A. Since I haven't read the novel, I can't make any judgments based upon it. But I can make judgments based upon what I saw portrayed on the screen and what I saw was simply magnificent.
Who would of thought that someone could turn the story of a young Indian man on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? into an engrossing story that captivates the viewer and holds his attention throughout? Not me. And definitely not many film critics either, as they all seemed equally pleasantly surprised by this film. We all knew Danny Boyle had talent back with Trainspotting twelve years ago. There's no denying that. But Slumdog Millionaire is his finest work yet.
Films of 2008 I Viewed:
21
27 Dresses
Australia
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Cloverfield
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Doubt
The Duchess
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Fireproof
Fool's Gold
Frost/Nixon
Get Smart
Gran Torino
In Bruges
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Iron Man
My Blueberry Nights
Quantum of Solace
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire
Smart People
Speed Racer
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Tropic Thunder
Vantage Point
W.
WALL-E
What Happens in Vegas
Total Time Spent Viewing the Above Films Which Could Have Been Spent Reading Theology: 57 hours, 58 minutes
Total Time Spent Regretting the Decision to View the Above Films Instead of Read Theology: 0 nanoseconds
EXCURSUS ON THE VIEWING OF "R"-RATED MOVIES:
If one were to do a little research on the films within this list as well as the films in the list of all the films I viewed this year, he or she would discover that several have been given the rating "R - Restricted" by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This, then, could quite naturally lead to the questioning of whether it is appropriate for a believer to view R-rated movies. As the reader is no doubt aware, some believers choose (based upon personal convictions) to avoid viewing any R-rated movies whatsoever.
The difference between such believers and myself is quite simple: they are willing to let the arbitrary and often politically motivated decisions of a group of (presumably) unbelievers determine whether or not they will see certain movies, while I will not allow such decisions to determine what films I see. Some, I'm sure, will probably disagree with my characterization of the MPAA and attempt to laud it as "not perfect, but the best barometer we have." Unfortunately, those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are arbitrary obviously have not seen enough films and those who don't believe that the MPAA's decisions in rating movies are often politically motivated are woefully mired in a painful naiveté concerning the way Hollywood operates. The reality is not only that some PG-13 movies should be R (see my comments on The Dark Knight below) and some R movies should be PG-13, but also that money and corporate "back-scratching" go a very long way in determining a movie's rating.
Because of these circumstances, I simply do not allow the MPAA to determine whether or not I see a film; I let God determine that. There is certainly much to be praised about researching a film's content before viewing it. I always do so in order to educate myself fully about the film and then allow the Holy Spirit to direct me in whether or not it is appropriate viewing.
My point in saying all of this is that if you use the MPAA to determine whether or not you see a film, while I believe you are misguided, such a practice is certainly your prerogative. But, please do not assume that my viewing of certain R-rated films is an accurate measuring stick to determine my level of spiritual maturity; likewise, please do not assume that my viewing of any R-rated film necessarily constitutes my endorsement of the film for viewing by every Christian. And with that, it is now time for one of my famous disclaimers...
DISCLAIMER (to those to whom I must always disclaim things): Please keep the following in mind. The posting of this list of "top ten favorite films of 2008" in no way expressly indicates or otherwise implies that the author of this blog endorses in any way the actual films themselves or the characters, the dialogue, the actions, the theological implications, and the profanities/obscenities that are portrayed therein. Because both art and film as an art form are highly interpretive and subjective in nature, the author of this blog is hereby absolved of any responsibility whatsoever as to how these films or their contents are interpreted by the viewer/reader. Any conclusion (about the films themselves or the author's decision to declare them as his favorites of the year) reached by the viewer/reader that does not adequately take into consideration what is expressly stated in this disclaimer is thereby rendered entirely without merit and erroneous.
Now, on to the show.
Matt's Top Ten Favorite Films of 2008
10. In Bruges
There's just something about British gangsters with comedy thrown in that I love. To be quite honest, though, I usually don't particularly care for Colin Farrell. However, I can't deny that he certainly is entertaining to watch in this film. If nothing else, this movie produced one of the best lines of the year: "If I'd grown up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me. But I didn't, so it doesn't."
9. Iron Man
Never would I have dreamed that Robert Downey, Jr. would make a comeback. But make a comeback he did with Iron Man. This film truly surprised me. I'll go see almost any superhero movie regardless of quality expectations because I'm a comic book geek, but I honestly wasn't expecting a lot out of Iron Man. How delighted I was to walk out of the theater proven wrong by a film which would end up on my "top ten" list.
8. Gran Torino
What is it about Clint Eastwood that makes him so appealing even in his old age? I don't know, but a well-crafted, if simple, story certainly doesn't hurt. Eastwood proves he's still got what it takes to make a good movie. If Gran Torino is his last film, it's definitely a good one with which to finish.
7. Doubt
It's rare that a film comes out with three superb, Oscar-worthy performances and with Doubt, there is much "doubt" as to whose is the best between Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, and Amy Adams. All three play their roles to perfection, taking us inside a Catholic school in 1964 for an intense "did he or didn't he?" drama.
6. WALL-E
If anything, I believe that WALL-E has proven that animated films can be just as good as live-action films. The story of WALL-E is done well enough that it can produce genuine emotional responses in viewers as well as stand above the plots of much of the tripe I've seen over the years. I've seen a lot of movies. A LOT. In fact, I've seen more films in my 23 years (assuming I started at 4) of movie-watching than many people have seen in their entire lives. WALL-E is easily better than 90% of them. And it's animated. Go figure.
5. The Dark Knight
Well, here we go into the "top five" and what?...another superhero movie? Well, it just so happens that the The Dark Knight is the best superhero movie I've ever seen. Let's go ahead and get one thing out of the way: yes, Heath Ledger is amazing as The Joker. But what's even more amazing is that Christopher Nolan transformed a (pop culturally) dying superhero with Batman Begins and then turned around and made this superhero's next story one of the best films of 2008.
To be sure, The Dark Knight is dark. Very dark. And it should have been rated "R" because of this. I'm not the only one to make this argument; many others have said the same thing, even a Hollywood director. But, dark as it is, and disturbing as The Joker may be, the film is still at a caliber to which all films should aspire, whatever the genre. It's simply THAT good.
4. Frost/Nixon
While one might think that everything that went on behind the scenes of David Frost's post-resignation interview with Richard Nixon would be boring material for a film, Ron Howard does his best to show us that such was not the case. Whether or not things were really as dramatic as Howard makes them out to be, however, I find irrelevant. In terms of storytelling, things have to be dramatic--otherwise, you are left with a boring documentary (not that all documentaries are boring).
Nixon was called "Tricky Dick" for a reason and if the portrayal of him in this film is remotely accurate, the viewer is left seeing why he earned that name. There's no doubting that the man knew what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and how long to say it. Trying to get him in a corner was like trying to nail Jello to the wall. But when David Frost finally buckled down, loaded his guns, and kept relentlessly firing at Nixon in his last interview with him, the nation finally saw the Nixon they wanted to see: the defeated one.
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
I won't get into the mixed reviews for this film because understanding all of the issues, especially those voiced by Roger Ebert, would take up far too much space. Instead, I'll just say that with some movies you have to suspend disbelief and allow yourself to be fully immersed in the story. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an example of just such an instance par excellence.
David Fincher does some wonderful things with this film and the CGI used to make Brad Pitt age as well as look younger is simply astounding. For some reason, you can't help but think about your own mortality and the events of your own life after watching this film. And in a sense, I suppose that's kind of the point rather than a strict rendering of F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story.
2. Revolutionary Road
The much-heralded reuniting of Kate & Leo has received a tepid response from many critics. They don't doubt the power of the performances in the film; rather, their problem is with the film itself. I'm sure there are some reasons not to like the film, but to me, Revolutionary Road is going to be one of those polarizing "love it or hate it" films.
Some people can't stand "depressing" movies. Some people don't want to watch an on-screen depiction of a married couple with serious, serious problems. Some people don't want to watch people have their lives ripped apart. That's fine. But I'll say this: if ever there was a near-perfect example of the emptiness and hopelessness of life outside of Christ, it would be Revolutionary Road. And sometimes we need to be reminded of just what kind of a life that really would be.
1. Slumdog Millionaire
Wow. Slumdog Millionaire. I never would have guessed that an independent film made in India would walk away with my top favorite movie of the year, but it's really hard not to give Slumdog Millionaire the praise it deserves. Admittedly, its screenplay is not original--it's based off a novel called Q&A. Since I haven't read the novel, I can't make any judgments based upon it. But I can make judgments based upon what I saw portrayed on the screen and what I saw was simply magnificent.
Who would of thought that someone could turn the story of a young Indian man on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? into an engrossing story that captivates the viewer and holds his attention throughout? Not me. And definitely not many film critics either, as they all seemed equally pleasantly surprised by this film. We all knew Danny Boyle had talent back with Trainspotting twelve years ago. There's no denying that. But Slumdog Millionaire is his finest work yet.
Films of 2008 I Viewed:
21
27 Dresses
Australia
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Cloverfield
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Doubt
The Duchess
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Fireproof
Fool's Gold
Frost/Nixon
Get Smart
Gran Torino
In Bruges
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Iron Man
My Blueberry Nights
Quantum of Solace
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire
Smart People
Speed Racer
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Tropic Thunder
Vantage Point
W.
WALL-E
What Happens in Vegas
Total Time Spent Viewing the Above Films Which Could Have Been Spent Reading Theology: 57 hours, 58 minutes
Total Time Spent Regretting the Decision to View the Above Films Instead of Read Theology: 0 nanoseconds
Monday, December 29, 2008
My Top Five Favorite Video Games of 2008
Continuing on from my previous "top five" post, it is now time for "my top five favorite video games of 2008." Similar to last year, my "top five favorite films of 2008" list will not appear until sometime in January 2009. This is to allow myself enough time to attempt to finish off the movies of 2008 that I want to see. Again, the rule for each of these lists is that each item of media must have had an original release date in 2008. Now, without further adieu...
Matt's Top Five Favorite Video Games of 2008
5. Grand Theft Auto IV by Rockstar Games, for the Xbox 360
To be honest, I'd rather not get into the issues concerning the content of Grand Theft Auto IV. Yes, in the game you can do some very bad things. Yes, the game is very much the video game equivalent of an R-rated movie. Yes, children can get their hands on this game way too easily. All of that is true and I'm not going to waste my time or yours defending my decision to play the game nor my decision to place it on my "top five" list.
Instead, let me mention the game's massive free-roaming scope, its careful attention to detail, its intricate story, its eclectic blend of real music for listening on the in-game radio stations, its spot-on satirical social commentary, and its ability to make you want just to sit down in front of your television, hop into Liberty City, and do whatever you want through the eyes of an eastern European immigrant. As far as I'm concerned, there have been plenty of games which have billed themselves as "sandbox" titles, but when it gets right down to it, no one has ever done "sandbox" better than Grand Theft Auto IV.
4. Fable II by Microsoft, for the Xbox 360
Peter Molyneux is a video game visionary--that's certainly no secret to anyone who keeps up with video game culture and industry. But when Molyneux said that he wanted to get serious about moral choices with Fable II, he wasn't messing around. I have never encountered a game before which has such precisely defined and far-reaching consequences for one's moral actions within a game. Do you want to be a truly good hero? That's fine, but you'd better be willing to make some pretty hefty sacrifices. Do you want to be a truly evil hero? Well, you can do that, too, but at what cost?
Fable II isn't perfect in the execution of its moral system, but it does a pretty fine job and certainly a better job than any game that has come before it. It's expansive, it's fun, and it's about as free-roaming as you're going to get with a role-playing game (RPG) without stepping into the boundaries of a massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). RPG and non-RPG fans alike owe it to themselves at least to give Fable II a try. If you're like me, you'll play through the game once as good as possible and then once as evil as possible to see just what transpires as the result of your actions.
3. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots by Konami, for the Playstation 3
After twenty-something years, the saga of Snake was finally brought to an end with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. I, as well as many other gamers, had doubts about whether or not Hideo Kojima's team would be able to tie up the myriad loose ends they left throughout the series, but somehow they managed to do it. The story is still convoluted, to be sure, but things even I thought would never be addressed were actually taken care of. To top it off, the game is beautiful (especially in HD) and is probably the closest I've ever seen a game come to being a film, yet still an interactive GAME.
If you have a chance, check out the clip below from 1:25 to 5:20, as it's probably one of the more emotionally nuanced parts of the game. Admittedly, it's hard to understand why if you haven't played through Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Still, the context is that Snake (his codename, of course), an elite special ops soldier who has recently succumbed to accelerated aging presumably due to Werner's Syndrome, has been privately hired to assassinate a terrorist codenamed "Liquid." The problem is that the United States military is after Liquid as well and has sent a special ops team headed by Meryl, who coincidentally has a history with Snake, to capture Liquid. At this point in the game, Snake is 42 years old, but his accelerated aging has made his body that of a man in his sixties. He is wearing specially developed electronic face camouflage which makes his face appear younger.
The game's action is intense, its production level is top-notch, and it is entertaining the whole way through. Anyone who owns a Playstation 3 MUST play this game whether familiar with the series or not. It's simply that good.
2. LittleBigPlanet by Sony Computer Entertainment, for the Playstation 3
Most older gamers tend to shy away from games that might be deemed "cutesy." But when a "cutesy" game is as much fun as LittleBigPlanet, you can't help but play it and love it. Comparisons of it to traditional platformers are more-or-less accurate, but where LittleBigPlanet truly differentiates itself is in its jam-packed tools to create your own levels. Never before has there been a video game that encourages you so much to make your own levels for the game, that the user-created levels actually end up being the focus.
I've played through quite a few user-created levels online so far and I must say, some of them are absolutely ingenious and are even better than some of the levels the developers created themselves. I'm still working on creating my first level, but it is time consuming enough at is simply to throw something together. Since I'm a bit more careful and intentional about what I do, I don't foresee my level being completed anytime soon. Another "must-have" for the Playstation 3.
1. Fallout 3 by Bethesda, for the Xbox 360
I don't know what it is about dystopian or apocalyptic themes, but I am naturally drawn to them. Last year, Bioshock, a first-person shooter set in an underwater dystopian city, took my top honor as my favorite game of the year. This year, Fallout 3, an RPG set in an apocalyptic, post-nuclear version of Washington, D.C., is my choice for this year.
Fallout 3 does everything right. It has an engrossing story, the game keeps you interested, it mixes RPG elements with action elements, it is huge, and it simply keeps you coming back for more. Who ever thought that a post-apocalyptic landscape could be so much fun? Like last year's top pick, it even forces you to make important decisions along the way that have far-reaching consequences (not unlike Fable II above, though not as pronounced).
There is very little not to like about Fallout 3. But there is very much not to see. The game is so big, you can literally spend hours upon hours playing it and still not see everything that's out there in the Capitol Wasteland. I'll be playing it well into 2009; that's for sure.
Honorable Mentions: Rock Band 2 by MTV Games, for the Xbox 360; Braid by Jonathan Blow, for the Xbox 360; World of Goo by 2D Boy, for the Wii; Super Smash Bros. Brawl by Nintendo, for the Wii; Chrono Trigger by Square Enix, for the Nintendo DS; and The World Ends with You by Square Enix, for the Nintendo DS
Matt's Top Five Favorite Video Games of 2008
5. Grand Theft Auto IV by Rockstar Games, for the Xbox 360
To be honest, I'd rather not get into the issues concerning the content of Grand Theft Auto IV. Yes, in the game you can do some very bad things. Yes, the game is very much the video game equivalent of an R-rated movie. Yes, children can get their hands on this game way too easily. All of that is true and I'm not going to waste my time or yours defending my decision to play the game nor my decision to place it on my "top five" list.
Instead, let me mention the game's massive free-roaming scope, its careful attention to detail, its intricate story, its eclectic blend of real music for listening on the in-game radio stations, its spot-on satirical social commentary, and its ability to make you want just to sit down in front of your television, hop into Liberty City, and do whatever you want through the eyes of an eastern European immigrant. As far as I'm concerned, there have been plenty of games which have billed themselves as "sandbox" titles, but when it gets right down to it, no one has ever done "sandbox" better than Grand Theft Auto IV.
4. Fable II by Microsoft, for the Xbox 360
Peter Molyneux is a video game visionary--that's certainly no secret to anyone who keeps up with video game culture and industry. But when Molyneux said that he wanted to get serious about moral choices with Fable II, he wasn't messing around. I have never encountered a game before which has such precisely defined and far-reaching consequences for one's moral actions within a game. Do you want to be a truly good hero? That's fine, but you'd better be willing to make some pretty hefty sacrifices. Do you want to be a truly evil hero? Well, you can do that, too, but at what cost?
Fable II isn't perfect in the execution of its moral system, but it does a pretty fine job and certainly a better job than any game that has come before it. It's expansive, it's fun, and it's about as free-roaming as you're going to get with a role-playing game (RPG) without stepping into the boundaries of a massively-multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). RPG and non-RPG fans alike owe it to themselves at least to give Fable II a try. If you're like me, you'll play through the game once as good as possible and then once as evil as possible to see just what transpires as the result of your actions.
3. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots by Konami, for the Playstation 3
After twenty-something years, the saga of Snake was finally brought to an end with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. I, as well as many other gamers, had doubts about whether or not Hideo Kojima's team would be able to tie up the myriad loose ends they left throughout the series, but somehow they managed to do it. The story is still convoluted, to be sure, but things even I thought would never be addressed were actually taken care of. To top it off, the game is beautiful (especially in HD) and is probably the closest I've ever seen a game come to being a film, yet still an interactive GAME.
If you have a chance, check out the clip below from 1:25 to 5:20, as it's probably one of the more emotionally nuanced parts of the game. Admittedly, it's hard to understand why if you haven't played through Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Still, the context is that Snake (his codename, of course), an elite special ops soldier who has recently succumbed to accelerated aging presumably due to Werner's Syndrome, has been privately hired to assassinate a terrorist codenamed "Liquid." The problem is that the United States military is after Liquid as well and has sent a special ops team headed by Meryl, who coincidentally has a history with Snake, to capture Liquid. At this point in the game, Snake is 42 years old, but his accelerated aging has made his body that of a man in his sixties. He is wearing specially developed electronic face camouflage which makes his face appear younger.
The game's action is intense, its production level is top-notch, and it is entertaining the whole way through. Anyone who owns a Playstation 3 MUST play this game whether familiar with the series or not. It's simply that good.
2. LittleBigPlanet by Sony Computer Entertainment, for the Playstation 3
Most older gamers tend to shy away from games that might be deemed "cutesy." But when a "cutesy" game is as much fun as LittleBigPlanet, you can't help but play it and love it. Comparisons of it to traditional platformers are more-or-less accurate, but where LittleBigPlanet truly differentiates itself is in its jam-packed tools to create your own levels. Never before has there been a video game that encourages you so much to make your own levels for the game, that the user-created levels actually end up being the focus.
I've played through quite a few user-created levels online so far and I must say, some of them are absolutely ingenious and are even better than some of the levels the developers created themselves. I'm still working on creating my first level, but it is time consuming enough at is simply to throw something together. Since I'm a bit more careful and intentional about what I do, I don't foresee my level being completed anytime soon. Another "must-have" for the Playstation 3.
1. Fallout 3 by Bethesda, for the Xbox 360
I don't know what it is about dystopian or apocalyptic themes, but I am naturally drawn to them. Last year, Bioshock, a first-person shooter set in an underwater dystopian city, took my top honor as my favorite game of the year. This year, Fallout 3, an RPG set in an apocalyptic, post-nuclear version of Washington, D.C., is my choice for this year.
Fallout 3 does everything right. It has an engrossing story, the game keeps you interested, it mixes RPG elements with action elements, it is huge, and it simply keeps you coming back for more. Who ever thought that a post-apocalyptic landscape could be so much fun? Like last year's top pick, it even forces you to make important decisions along the way that have far-reaching consequences (not unlike Fable II above, though not as pronounced).
There is very little not to like about Fallout 3. But there is very much not to see. The game is so big, you can literally spend hours upon hours playing it and still not see everything that's out there in the Capitol Wasteland. I'll be playing it well into 2009; that's for sure.
Honorable Mentions: Rock Band 2 by MTV Games, for the Xbox 360; Braid by Jonathan Blow, for the Xbox 360; World of Goo by 2D Boy, for the Wii; Super Smash Bros. Brawl by Nintendo, for the Wii; Chrono Trigger by Square Enix, for the Nintendo DS; and The World Ends with You by Square Enix, for the Nintendo DS
Saturday, December 27, 2008
My Top Five Favorite Albums of 2008
Ah, the end of the year...once Christmas has passed, it's time for everyone to produce their "top" lists of the year! 2008 is no exception for me, so I'll begin with my "Top Five Favorite Albums." As expected, the rule for each of my "top five" lists is that each item of media must have had an original release date in 2008. Now, without further adieu...
Matt's Top Five Favorite Albums of 2008
5. Intimacy by Bloc Party
To be honest, it was difficult to choose this album over any of this year's "honorable mentions." The reason, I think, is because there are some songs on this album that I just do not like at all. However, the songs I do like more than make up for this deficiency and are so good, in my opinion, that they warrant this album's placement on my "top five" list. If Bloc Party could maintain some consistency on their albums, I think they would be a better band than they already are.
4. The Hawk is Howling by Mogwai
Some people cannot stand music without lyrics because they don't see the music as transmitting any kind of message. In the case of Mogwai, however, their musical soundscapes do the talking for them. Some people were hoping this album would be the next Come On Die Young, but I think such expectations are as unrealistic as hoping that any of Radiohead's post-OK Computer albums would be the next OK Computer. Bands evolve musically; let them.
3. Day & Age by The Killers
Speaking of unrealistic expectations, The Killers unfortunately fell victim to hopes that this album would be the next Sam's Town. When people have expectations for an album that aren't met, the reviews are often lackluster and in the case of this year's offering by The Killers, such lackluster reviews were unfounded because Day & Age is a solid album. Sure, it wasn't Sam's Town, but it wasn't supposed to be. I'm interested in hearing how some of the tracks of this album sound live when I see them perform in Grand Prairie on February 4.
2. Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust by Sigur Rós
Last year, Sigur Rós topped my list of favorite albums--this year they are number two. This album is probably their most varied yet--some songs are upbeat and catchy, while others are slow and more subdued. In both cases, they seem to have shed their heavier leanings for lighter fare this time around. I'm always amazed at what Sigur Rós can do and at how their music is able to bring up a wealth of emotions when listening to it. They continue to remain one of my favorite bands.
1. Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends by Coldplay
If you know me, this choice as my top favorite album of 2008 should come as no surprise. Coldplay continues to become more and more worthy of bona fide rockstar status with each passing year and as long as they keep putting out albums like Viva la Vida, they will cement themselves as one of the world's most popular rock bands. Some may consider them to be a little too radio-friendly, but that doesn't really bother me. Radio-friendly or not, they make excellent music and that's always something I can appreciate.
Honorable Mentions: The Bedlam in Goliath by The Mars Volta, Dear Science by TV on the Radio, and Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Matt's Top Five Favorite Albums of 2008
5. Intimacy by Bloc Party
To be honest, it was difficult to choose this album over any of this year's "honorable mentions." The reason, I think, is because there are some songs on this album that I just do not like at all. However, the songs I do like more than make up for this deficiency and are so good, in my opinion, that they warrant this album's placement on my "top five" list. If Bloc Party could maintain some consistency on their albums, I think they would be a better band than they already are.
4. The Hawk is Howling by Mogwai
Some people cannot stand music without lyrics because they don't see the music as transmitting any kind of message. In the case of Mogwai, however, their musical soundscapes do the talking for them. Some people were hoping this album would be the next Come On Die Young, but I think such expectations are as unrealistic as hoping that any of Radiohead's post-OK Computer albums would be the next OK Computer. Bands evolve musically; let them.
3. Day & Age by The Killers
Speaking of unrealistic expectations, The Killers unfortunately fell victim to hopes that this album would be the next Sam's Town. When people have expectations for an album that aren't met, the reviews are often lackluster and in the case of this year's offering by The Killers, such lackluster reviews were unfounded because Day & Age is a solid album. Sure, it wasn't Sam's Town, but it wasn't supposed to be. I'm interested in hearing how some of the tracks of this album sound live when I see them perform in Grand Prairie on February 4.
2. Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust by Sigur Rós
Last year, Sigur Rós topped my list of favorite albums--this year they are number two. This album is probably their most varied yet--some songs are upbeat and catchy, while others are slow and more subdued. In both cases, they seem to have shed their heavier leanings for lighter fare this time around. I'm always amazed at what Sigur Rós can do and at how their music is able to bring up a wealth of emotions when listening to it. They continue to remain one of my favorite bands.
1. Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends by Coldplay
If you know me, this choice as my top favorite album of 2008 should come as no surprise. Coldplay continues to become more and more worthy of bona fide rockstar status with each passing year and as long as they keep putting out albums like Viva la Vida, they will cement themselves as one of the world's most popular rock bands. Some may consider them to be a little too radio-friendly, but that doesn't really bother me. Radio-friendly or not, they make excellent music and that's always something I can appreciate.
Honorable Mentions: The Bedlam in Goliath by The Mars Volta, Dear Science by TV on the Radio, and Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
