All Consuming : Jayme

Waiting for the Barbarians (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:51:43 GMT

by Coetzee

It occurs to me that we crush insects beneath our feet, miracles of creation too, beetles, worms, cockroaches, ants, in their various ways.
- J.M. Coetzee

RENT

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:28:19 GMT

Rent

The play would have been better titled DEGENERATES. I was so completely dissapointed – I felt like I paid to watch MTV on stage. I can admit with pleasure that the lead vocals were fabulous and a few of the songs were pretty catchy – BUT the acting was terrible and the forced cursing, sexual inuendos, and the overall irresponsability and ignorance of the characters was deplorable. I spent a great deal of time wondering if it would ever end.

The Historian (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:22:11 GMT

The Historian

by Elizabeth Kostova

I recieved this as a Christmas gift a few years ago by friends who knew my slight minute itsy bitsy tiny obsession with vampires. I only recently had time to pick it up – and I could NOT put it down! It is really an amazing read with fascinating language, intellectual discussion, historical character, and intriguing fantasy – EXCELLENT!

The Bourne Ultimatum (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:35:40 GMT

The Bourne Ultimatum (Widescreen Edition)

by Paul Greengrass

Definitely the least best of the three. While the action was great – it seems to have been so at the cost of storyline and performance. The plot was extremely underdeveloped and porous (What was going on with the relationship between Bourne and Parsons?) and therefore negligent of character development as well. Bourne himself seemed disconnected from his environment – mechanical and absentminded – which ultimately worked against sympathies. It wasn’t the worst movie I have ever seen, but it certainly wasn’t the best.

The Boring Clause (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 04:27:53 GMT

The Santa Clause 3 - The Escape Clause

by Michael Lembeck

I was really quite disappointed in this film. I had expected a little more plot development after two other successful films – but it was not the case. In addition to a flimsy plot, the acting was completely dull. This film seems NOT to have been made with any real artistry but merely with the intent of cashing in on the holiday season (ironically a criticized motif in the film). Don’t wrap this one up for the holidays!

A story about "Skinwalkers"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:52:28 GMT

Skinwalkers

Apparently there is an unrated (or R-rated) version of this film. It was cut down to PG-13 for the US release. Ergo, if I could get my hands on the German version, I would probably be able to revise my skinless review.

How is it that I go about doing that?

Skinwalkers (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:50:21 GMT

Skinwalkers

It may be called ‘Skinwalkers’ but there is certainly a less than desirable amount of skin in this movie. With sexy mythical werewolves of Indian legend, a potentially serious love triangle, and a lead like Jason Behr (Varek), the expectations for skin, sex, and salvation were pretty high. Unfortunately, this film doesn’t deliver. Instead, the film attempts to crop a fairly complex plot to a 110 minute time span. But 110 minutes is nearly two hours! Exactly. But instead of utilizing the time to capitalize on a more fully developed plot and character scenario, Director James Isaac seems to have preferred scenery and action shots. At the end of an hour and 50 minutes the audience is left with a flimsy story, underdeveloped characters, chemistry deprived relationships, a falling climax, and a loose reconciliation.

But as you’ll notice, I still gave the film three stars. Oh, what a beautiful man can do for you! I ♥ Jason Behr.

Gosford Park (rated 2 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:45:14 GMT

Gosford Park

Clive Owen is HOT but this movie is NOT.

Wickedly Good (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 07:46:42 GMT

Wicked A New Musical

by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Joe Mantello

If at all possible, I highly recommend seeing this production while the character of Glinda is being played by Christina Decicco. She was phenomenal. Indeed, she made the production!

Perfect Creature (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 06:54:00 GMT

Perfect Creature

by Glenn Standring

I am actually not quite sure what to make of this film. I had not really approached it with any real expectation but nonetheless found myself unsatisfied at the end. It seemed more like an 84 minute television pilot. I was tempted to pop the non-existent second disc into my dvd player, which, if nothing else, is a testament to the films appeal to interest (or at least that of Mr. Scott).

The plot seems (or seemed) promising – The result of a genetic mutation (found only in males), the Vampires or Brothers as it were, have woven themselves into the fabric of human society in the 300 years following their advent, making up a religious-like institution whose aim is simultaneously to “protect” humans and secure their own future. This peaceful, though fragile, relationship is symbiotic, an exchange of protection for blood, which comes to be threatened by the criminal behavior of a rogue Brother, Edgar (Leo Gregory), whose behavior is more closely associated with the violent Vampires of myth. It is the task of Brother Silas (Dougray Scott), also Edgar’s brother, to capture the rogue Vampire, a task which he is unable to complete successfully without having to include the police, particularly their Captain, Lily (Saffrond Burrows). Unfortunately however, the above proposed plot line was not as clearly demonstrated in the film. It seemed instead fairly choppy and irregularly dispersed, never really coming to fruition or developing any climactic events or resolving elements. I mean, what is the perfect creature? (Other than a Vampire that looks like Dougray Scott, of course.)

The cinematic elements however were creative and interesting, set amidst a blend of futuristic and modern elements in what is presumably a European city in an alternate universe. Even the action was rather satisfactory.

Regardless, the dialogue wasn’t particularly compelling. It also proved less useful in propelling the plot-line, given my confusion at the end. There also seemed a severe lack of character development (especially Edgar), and ultimately a failure to really consummate (yes, consummate) the chemistry between Scott and Burrows.

Apparently Edgar’s character was supposed to have been played by Jonathon Rhys-Meyers, who had to leave the production due to other film commitments, and which frankly, I think was a lost opportunity (Indeed, Rhys-Meyers would have brought the villain much needed sex appeal). The film ends however with some implied vague intent for a sequel (and presumably a better explanation), to which, if such a sequel involves the brooding but beautiful Mr. Scott, I will say, “Yes, Please”.

Kelly Clarkson (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:51:03 GMT

Kelly Clarkson

I attended the Kelly Clarkson “My December” concert in Boston at the Orpheum Theater on Tuesday, October 23rd. I had been expecting to have a good time. I have always enjoyed her music and adored her sweet personality. But the concert was exponentially better than even my best expectations. It didn’t hurt of course the the venue was smaller than your massive stadiums and that my seats were nearly front and center. Kelly was her usual charming self, and her voice was as crystal clear as it is on her albums. She had amazing presence and energy which really reverberated through the crowd. It all made for a very fun evening!

O Pioneers! (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:44:19 GMT

O Pioneers!

by Willa Cather

What a beautifully intricate and poignant story! It is a complex tale of love and land and the relationship of the individual to their environment. Tragic but full of hope and faith, Willa Cather successfully paints a portrait of the American West and the pioneering spirit of its first settlers.

Serenade (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 04:06:33 GMT

Serenade

by Boston Ballet

Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Peter I. Tchaikovsky

This was an absolutely beautiful ballet, both in choreography and in performance. While “plot-less”, the ballet remained beautiful, poignant, mysterious, and even occasionally erotic. It was both visually and audibly superior to any other ballet I have seen.

La Sylphide (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:59:45 GMT

La Sylphide

by Boston Ballet

Boston Ballet
MUSIC: Herman Løvenskjold
CHOREOGRAPHY: Sorella Englund after August Bournonville

This ballet was performed in two acts. After the first, I was feeling pleasantly entertained and found the performance quite charming. I did however feel there was a serious lack of presence by lead Lorna Fiejoo (the Sylph) and a fairly obvious lack of chemistry between Lorna and male lead Carlos Molina (James). This was emphasized even further by the excellent chemistry and presence eminating from John Lam (Gurn), Melissa Hough (Effie, James’ fiancée), and Melanie Atkins (Madge, a witch). I was hopeful however, for the second act. Much to my chagrin however, there was no improvement of performances and still less in the plot-line itself. The curtain closed rather anti-climatically and I found myself largely disappointed.

Into the Wild (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:43:22 GMT

Into the Wild

by Sean Penn

While I did list this as worth consuming, I am still only rating it with three stars (It’s OK). There are a great many aspect of this film that are beautiful such as the scenery and the dialogue. I didn’t feel that any of the character portrayals by big-name actors was particularly well done. Ironically, it was the smaller characters (e.g. Rainey, Jan, Tracy, Ron) who really emitted the most emotion and sincerity.

I watched this film having been intrigued by an article shared with me by a friend, being that I am from Alaska. I happen to be of the opinion that this kid was out of his mind. Nonetheless, I thought perhaps this film would have a beautifully painted ideology I could appreciate. And ultimately it did. His (the film character) was a tragic story, characterized by arrogance and cowardice. I was very pleased the the movie ended with a poignant epiphany: “Happiness is only real when shared.”

Vena Sera

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:16:01 GMT

Vena Sera

by Chevelle

Admittedly, I am a rather biased listener…Chevelle is my favorite rock band! And this album is no less becoming, featuring its usual beautifully melodic vocals, cryptic lyrics, and stunning musical tracks. There are some obviously superior songs (Saferwaters, Well Enough Alone, I Get It) as well as those that are perhaps less memorable but still worth listening to on repeat (Antisaint, Straight Jacket Fashion). This album, like others Chevelle as put out, comes highly recommended for Chevelle and rock fans alike!

Pathfinder

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 23:06:58 GMT

Pathfinder

While I am listing this with three stars, I have also listed this as not worth consuming. This is largely because while the movie was not bad… it was not particularly good enough that I would ever purchase or watch it again. While the acting by lead Karl Urban (Lord of the Rings) was believable, the remaining cast members were less so. And while the cinematography was quite stunning, the plot was sensationally boring and predictable. Ultimately it seemed like your average movie about the-prodigal-son-turned-hero with the cliche sex scene and exaggerated violence and blood. So again, not bad (I’ve seen worse) but… not really any good either.

A story about "Melville's Short Novels (Norton Critical Editions)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 04:55:40 GMT

Melville's Short Novels (Norton Critical Editions)

by Herman Melville

Read: Benito Cereno

A story about "Whitney, My Love"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 22:00:49 GMT

Whitney, My Love

by Judith McNaught

I have started reading this a second time. I love it as much as the first – but sometimes Whitney and Clayton frustrate me so much I just want to rip the pages out. Gasp Blasphemy!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 01:47:22 GMT

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

by Fran Rubel Kuzui

Really… what can you say about this movie? It is cheesy, not well acted, and not well scripted… but indeed, it is a load of fangs and fun (be sure to notice Ben Affleck’s small part on the basketball court).

God Game (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jayme) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 21:56:33 GMT

God Game

by Andrew M. Greeley

I picked up this book at a library “garage” sale. I was intrigued by the storyline that positioned a human in the role of “God”. While I would not call this book particularly well written (at least not to my taste) or entertaining, it certainly did have some thought provoking questions to offer. If you are one who is interested in the concept of creator-creation relations, you may in fact enjoy this book.

“Consider this from an American humorist:
‘Strange that you should not have suspected, years ago, centuries, ages, aeons ago! for you have existed, companionless, through all the eternities. Strange, indeed, that you should not have suspected that your universe and its contents were only dreams, visions, fictions! Strange, because thay are so frankly and hysterically insane – like all dreams: a God who could make good children as easily as bad, yet preferred to make bad ones; who could have made every one of them happy, yet never made a single happy one; who made them prize their bitter life, yet stingily cut it short; who gave his angels eternal happiness unearned, yet required his other children to earn it; who gave his angels painless lives, yet cursed his other children with biting miseries and maladies of mind and body; who mouths justice and invented hell – mouths mercy, and invented hell – mouths golden rules, and forgiveness multiplied by seventy times seven, and invented hell; who mouths morals to other people and has none himself; who frowns upon crimes, yet commits them all; who created man without invitation, then tries to shuffle the responsibility for man’s acts upon man, instead of honorably placing it where it belongs, upon himself; and finally, with althogether divine obtuseness, invites this poor abused slave to worship him! . . .
‘You perceive, now, that these things are all impossible, except in a dream. You perceive that they are pure and puerile insanities, the silly creations of an imagination that is not conscious of its freaks – in a word, that they are a dream, and you the maker of it. The dream marks are all present – you should have recognized them earlier . . .
‘It is true, that which I have revealed to you: there is no God, no universe, no human race, no earthly life, no heaven, no hell. It is all Dream, a grotesque and foolish dream. Nothing exists but You. And you are but a Thought – a vagrant, Thought, a useless Thought, a homeless Thought, wandering forlorn among the empty eternities!’
See what I mean by humorist? Laugh, I thought I’d die.
Presumably Mark Twain felt quite pleased with himself when he thus ended his last story “The Mysterious Stranger.” But even the narrator of this tale, who is no philosophical sophisticate as the reader doubtless perceives by now, would point out that you can’t have a dream without a dreamer, a thought without a thinker, a story without a storyteller. Nor can you tell a story without a purpose, even if as in the case of the elderly and bitter Twain, the purpose is to insist that there is no purpose.”
- Andrew M. Greeley, God Game, Century Hutchinson, 1986, quoting Mark Twain, No. 44, The Mysterious Stranger, ed. John Tuckey and Robert Hirst, University of California Press, 1983.