All Consuming : Paolo Jose Cruz

What else can I say? All apologies...

nobody@allconsuming.net (Paolo Jose Cruz) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 07:00:20 GMT

Consider it a noble failure.

Gus Van Sant admirably tries to veer away from rock biopic cliches in his fictionalized account of the last days of “Blake”, a rock star loosely patterned after Kurt Cobain.

Unfortunately, the end result is a dull, pretentious mish-mash of character sketches and random scenes, from a variety of perspectives, none of which add up to a compelling storyline. Rambling conversations. Quiet moments. Near arguments. The tension is palpable—we get it. But the audience is never given a reason to care.

Worst of all, the movie feels interminably slow. There are many gratuitous shots with little to no movement, where the camera lingers on its subject, without adding anything to the narrative unfolding.

It’s a shame, really. I ordinarily respect and enjoy the work of the people involved in The Last Days. But this was just a poor effort, on all counts.

Why I recommend "Wasteland Book 1: Cities In Dust"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Paolo Jose Cruz) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 06:50:44 GMT

Wasteland Book 1: Cities In Dust

by Antony Johnston

Reads like a cross between Deadwood and Mad Max—effectively combining frontier nation-building themes with a post-apocalyptic survivors’ narrative.

Highly recommended if you like both Carnivale or Dune.

Why I recommend "The Young Snakes Featuring Aimee Mann"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Paolo Jose Cruz) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 06:43:34 GMT

The Young Snakes Featuring Aimee Mann

Under-rated album by Aimee Mann’s old post-punk band. Expect angular guitar lines, unconventional timing, and Mann’s voice being used like a sonic weapon—so unlike her melodic solo fare, but just as captivating.

Highly recommended if you like The Au Pairs, The Raincoats, or The Slits.

Why I recommend "Twelve Reasons Why I Love Her"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Paolo Jose Cruz) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 06:29:33 GMT

Twelve Reasons Why I Love Her

by Jamie S. Rich

Captivating non-linear story of a relationship between two opinionated, articulate 20-somethings. The believable characters are strengthened by the expressive linework of newcomer Joelle Jones.

Highly recommended if you like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or “Breaking Up” from DEMO #8.

Why I recommend "Wasteland"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Paolo Jose Cruz) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 06:10:02 GMT

Wasteland

by Antony Johnston and Christopher Mitten

Reads like a cross between Deadwood and Mad Max—effectively combining frontier nation-building themes with a post-apocalyptic survivors’ narrative.

Highly recommended if you like both Carnivale or Dune.