Evening Post: Mad Men and The Thing

I'm trying out a late night post because I've been struck with a little inspirado...not really, I was hoping by writing that I would be, but oh well. Instead I'm just going to share some of my favorites as of late. I've been staying in a bit this week and I've discovered some pretty neat stuff...

MAD MEN

Yeah, I know...way late on getting on the bandwagon. I tend to be a bit of a skeptic when it comes to shows that win a ton of Emmys, Global Globes, and whatever other beauty contests TV shows can win. I don't tend to enjoy award winning shows but Mad Men is a definite exception for me. Before I saw it, I couldn't get a hold of what people liked about it. They would mention the clothes and setting and little else. It is witten well and acted well but again those don't give you a full picture better than saying the clothes are neat. I'm going to try to put it into words what I like about it.

At this point (after nearly completing the fist season on Netflix) I think what I like is that the rules are presented pretty clearly. The rules in present day shows won't reflect reality (even though they clam to be based on it) and there will be conflicts that just don't make any sense and dilemmas will come off as petty and vapid. In Mad Men, I sort of get why things are petty and accept it. There are very clear rules between men and women and I can understand why certain things are said and why certain things are happening. But although I think the writers, director, actors, et al do a great job of setting up the rules I think there is another reason why I have an easy time perceiving the rules of Mad Men. Being set in another time period sort of allows me to think outside of the universe as I know it and piece together the little I know about the era. It's easy to accept that Don Draper is a charming hero that is also misogynistic and cavalier. It's easy to except that Joan is jealous and vacuous but still attractive and desirable. It's very comforting not having to apply my politics, my values to a show; I can remain distance because it doesn't reflect a time I live in. It's as if I can become each character and understand their motivations without feeling internally conflicted. Sure, I still hate certain characters and like others but the whole show just sort of washes over me. I get absorbed but not frustrated or annoyed. I'm not sure if Mad Men is a true reflection of the time period; it's frankly not important that it is. It's sort of like science fiction; the world of Mad Men is like an alternate reality that is easy to embrace because the people aren't three eyed aliens and they wear clothes from a decade I've seen before. It also has mystery, drama, great music, interesting shots and of course wonderful sets and costumes. For anyone who has seen and like it, I'll say I'm engrosssed as all those intense far-off stares all the characters seem to do.

Boy, I really do like Mad Men because I wrote more about it than I originally planned. I'll end with a movie I saw again recently. If you haven't seen The Thing, it is a beautiful monster film...I know beautiful seems like a weird word but it's masterful how they used puppets and makeup instead of CGI.

Addendum: Also, Cole Phelps is in it!

THE THING (1982)

At the Movies

This post is part of my vacation away series. These posts are from other blogging endeavors and aren't about Southern Ohio but I hope you find them fun, interesting and informative! I am around to read comments so don't hesitate to leave them :) 

SUPPORT

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT MOVIE THEATERS!

Tonight I went to the movin' picture show and saw a wonderful animated film by Bill Plympton (check out his blog) called "Idiots and Angels". I really enjoyed it and I reserve the right to withhold my critique...just go see it and judge for yourself. Where can you see it, hmmm? Well I saw it at my local independent movie theater so I encourage you to do the same. Each local independent movie theater is unique but if there is a independent film that you would like to see, I'm sure you can contact your local establishment and see if they can acquire it. This is one of the many reasons why local movie theaters are so awesome and because of this I wanted to take some time and give a shout out to a few great local theaters I've been to. Keep up the great work!

The Neon

Cinematheque

Cedar Lee

SoOh Sighting: In Time Trailer (and free ad space opportunity!)

Just saw this trailer preview through Gawker and I notcied a special sign with a very special name on it at the 2:10 mark. Could it be possible that this cool futuristic dystopia is set in little ole Dayton, OH!? Probably not with all those pretty Californian faces and flat, dry, sunny landscapes but it's fun to ponder. If anyone can comment on what's the meaning of the Dayton sign I'll give you free ad space* on my blog for one week!

*terms and condition set by me which includes design etc

Just Saw...Bridesmaids

via Wikipedia

There are so many film review sites out there that I'm trying to keep my film reviews to a small brief paragraph. My movie reviews will probably sound more scathing than the rest of my posts. I guess I'm pretty critical of movies but I have to say that I really enjoy all movies no matter how "bad", "objectionable", "boring" or "cheesy". I just really enjoy watching movies. Everything is worth a watch in my book but hopefully if you don't feel the same way I can save you your time and a couple bucks with my reviews.

BRIDESMAIDS

For it being called Bridesmaids it sure didn't show enough of them. They set-up the wedding party but the bridesmaids' relationships and interactions never came to fruition. After the first act (which ends on the plane ride) they disappear and then everything focuses on the hapless, loser protagonist/maid of honor, Annie, (played by Kristen Wiig) being very self-centered and jealous of her friend's wedding. Her friend/the bride, Lillian, (played by Maya Rudolph) wasn't likeable either because she would occasionally gloat and make quips about her wonderful life-to-be. The first act was funny with a lot of sight gags and cringe-worthy over-the-top pre-wedding shenanigans. And then the second act wallowed in Annie's self-pity for too long. In the end, Annie didn't have a complete transformation which is fine and honestly realistic but it did seem lame that the beginning of her turn around was getting a new boyfriend, Nathan (played by Chris O'Dowd). Nathan reminded me of a guy who was the nice nerdy guy in highschool and at 30 something he ends up with the girl who had been the semi-popular, guys' girl in highschool that back then would have played him like a yo-yo and ended up with the popular jockey/richie but soft spoken, soulful guy (see Pretty in Pink) but is ultimately dumped after her cake business fails (see Bridesmaids) and now at 30 has few options. Lastly, I don't think this broke new ground for women comedies despite the untypical gross-out aspect. I felt it fell into the same trap that too many movies about women always do; getting the guy is all that matters in the end, no matter what degrading, humiliating self-actualizing stuff you have to do to get him.

Pro

Funny first act, noteworthy pre-wedding scenes, protagonist was funny

Con

Slow second act, the movie was put together sloppily, character interactions were disjointed, the protagonist was pitiful



Recommendation

Save this for Netflix or TV


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Also, I enjoy movie discussions so please feel free to rebuttal if you've seen the movie. Like I said, I'll probably watch this again so I'm open to learn another point of view.