Thought Provoking, redundant, disorganized, engaging... meaningless adjectives that all describe Albert Brook's leap into authorship with his May 2011 release "2030: The Real Story that Happens to America."
Brooks, more well known for his IMDB history including Nemo's dad in "Finding Nemo," had decided maybe his vision was too big for the big screen or maybe he just couldn't get the right investors to shell out the cash.
2030, while engaging didn't leave much for the imagination. It was written as a weekly drama always making you wonder how each character is connected like in the first season of NBC's Heroes. The problem was that you never knew which characters were important to follow or who was a menial B lister. Redundantly and with each introduction a full description of each new character droned on, only to then be forgotten or barely play a role down the road.
The details of each characters back story felt forced as a way to differentiate them from each other to make up for the lack of character development though subtlety and interactions. Each characters dialog whether it be an 80-year-old man, a 20-year-old girl, the president of the United State's, his mistress, or a Chinese health professional, each character all at the same speech patterns. mannerisms, and knack for sarcasm that one would find watching any interview with Albert Brooks. The character interactions and little development that there was truly was disappointing, it seemed that there was no effort, if at least no accomplishment in the effort.
However; the development of the current world seemed logical. While I feel that the advancements in technology are a little rushed as I don't believe all walls will be screens in 19 years or planes will be flying themselves (at least not for commercial use) something about it felt right. Sure Los Angeles could get destroyed [But let's hope not since I am in the midst of relocating their myself], but the compelling part was the reaction of the American government. What will we do when we are broke and other countries don't help. I think Brooks has this on the mark, we will sell out souls to the powers that be albeit must less support from the American people.
Much of the technology listed in 2030 is the equivalent of people expecting flying cars by the 2000s, but it is fun to speculate. Flying cars were expected, I think any industry analyst in the 1950s would shit there pants if I told them I downloaded Albert Brook's book on my Kindle in less than 30 seconds from the decision I made to purchase it.
With as many digressions as the book had [or my review for that matter], I felt that it really came together in the last 1/10th or so. When the cliche of having all of the characters together, dead, or at least involved came to fruition a real story was finally being told. A story that in it of itself didn't need all of the lead up, or at least a copy edits here and there would have sufficed.
The climax of the book wasn't even so much of a climax, it was expected; not in a bad way. The foreshadowing was abrupt and came flying off the page like a 3-D movie, which allowed the real focus to go to your reaction to what was going on. My reactions: wow these characters are stupid. They were unlikable and kept making ridiculously bad decisions, but then I thought thats exactly what got us to this backwards and unsure of a fake future to begin with. That's when I realized this book was so stupid that it became more an allegory on the intelligence level of America than a prediction of the future or really an effort for anything other than a quick buck.
And for that I thought it was brilliant. I like this book ironically.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Spider-man: Turn off the Dark - A Broad[way] Review.
On a journey to become a socialite one must visit several realms of culture. The most apparent is broadway stage, where for decades visiting the theatre has been both an experience and a representation of class. Over the years the endearment has faded with pop cultures infusion with the stage. The grace that once existed is now a mere glimmer of what once was. However; with this infusion also harvested an integration of technology and class creating many new wonders to be appreciated by a mass audience of varying backgrounds.
My foray in this culture lied with my visit to Spider-man: Turn off the Dark (Pre-Opening March 27, 2011). Spider-man has been surrounded by controversy since its inception. The costs, the risks, the later injuries, the director, etc. have all found their way in failures in the spotlight and ridiculed by the masses.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Spider-man: Turn off the Dark was a laughable, miserable, but a highly enjoyable train wreck that you can't turn away from. Opening with quite possibly the worse song ever written (Sorry Rebecca Black, you have been dethroned) "Bullied by Numbers" was a laughable excuse for bullies [rolling in numbers] to beat Peter Parker with just the right amount of flamboyant finesse. Laughter erupted from the audience though-out the performance, but no comedy had meant to be delivered. "Bullied by Numbers" allowed for the audiences first taste of physical action on the stage, where we learned that none of the actors had even bothers to take a lesson or even the theories behind stage combat techniques. Punches flew from a mile away, kicks that even in Charlie Brown's worse would have missed the football, seemed to assault our friendly neighborhood Spider-man with precision, but don't worry, although wounded and aghast his singing voice never falters.
The show did have many redeeming qualities. The set designs were remarkable. The sets, mainly in the style of Marvel Comic artwork and comic cells paying homage to the early Spider-man comics, were something clearly no one has seen on broadway before. The mechanisms for the sets to change were spot on, and the crew behind the scenes never missed a beat. The sets were truly something so difficult to understand, but so easily admired, that I would recommend seeing the show just to experience the back drops. The infusion between advanced technologies and the classic broadway demeanor left the audience [or at least myself] in awe, but this was nothing compared to the acrobatics.
At least nine actors, all playing Spider-man propelled through the air above the audience; and while not always hitting the marks perfectly each actor/stunt man performance was stellar. The "high-flying action thriller" pitch given by the Foxwood Theatre before the show did not fall short on it's promise. Many times I was worried I would be kicked in the face as Spider-man and the Green Goblin flew was seemed like inches above my face in my orchestra level seats. The timing of each battle and motion of the actors in the theaters sky was incredible. What was lost in story development and subpar music (Sorry Bono) was forgotten during each captivating swing [near death experience].
I found each actors performance to be a little lackluster though I believe this was caused by the second-rate script that would make any Spider-man or Marvel Comic fan cringe. Where exactly does Spider-man: Turn off the Dark fall into Marvel's Multiverse? [Earth-GAY?] In which earth is Uncle Ben simply run down by a car in the middle of the street, what's even more confusing is why Aunt May is present. The show also jokes about how Spider-man gets his costume, making fun of the idea that he made it himself, however in the play it seemed to come out of thin air. Though I must say, the most annoying discrepancy by far is the fact that when Norman Osborn is transformed into the Green Goblin, the goblin skin is his own and not a costume. Hundreds of liberties were taking, changing both the dull and mundane, but also many essential to Spider-man's true origin. Though in retrospect comic book enthusiasts are not exactly broadways target market.
Lastly, I must elaborate on Bono, who obviously is in love with himself. [Reminding myself to breathe] Many songs from Spider-man simply sample some of U2's greatest hits. Also whenever a song would be played on on a radio for affect, albeit usually for less than 10 seconds, it would be from U2! Flash Thompson and Mary Jane Watson must be huge U2 fans. Why couldn't Trent Reznor have scored the show? Just think of what "The Social Network" would have been without him, maybe he could have done Spider-Man similar justice.
All-in-all the show itself was terrible for broadway standards, but its a technical wonder, and that alone must be appreciated. It is truly difficult to leave Spider-man without feeling satisfied despite all of its faults and at times pure childishness. I recommend Spider-man for anyone that likes to have fun and wants to guarantee themselves a few smiles for the day.
Spider-man: Turn off the Dark is a MUST SEE.
My foray in this culture lied with my visit to Spider-man: Turn off the Dark (Pre-Opening March 27, 2011). Spider-man has been surrounded by controversy since its inception. The costs, the risks, the later injuries, the director, etc. have all found their way in failures in the spotlight and ridiculed by the masses.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Spider-man: Turn off the Dark was a laughable, miserable, but a highly enjoyable train wreck that you can't turn away from. Opening with quite possibly the worse song ever written (Sorry Rebecca Black, you have been dethroned) "Bullied by Numbers" was a laughable excuse for bullies [rolling in numbers] to beat Peter Parker with just the right amount of flamboyant finesse. Laughter erupted from the audience though-out the performance, but no comedy had meant to be delivered. "Bullied by Numbers" allowed for the audiences first taste of physical action on the stage, where we learned that none of the actors had even bothers to take a lesson or even the theories behind stage combat techniques. Punches flew from a mile away, kicks that even in Charlie Brown's worse would have missed the football, seemed to assault our friendly neighborhood Spider-man with precision, but don't worry, although wounded and aghast his singing voice never falters.
The show did have many redeeming qualities. The set designs were remarkable. The sets, mainly in the style of Marvel Comic artwork and comic cells paying homage to the early Spider-man comics, were something clearly no one has seen on broadway before. The mechanisms for the sets to change were spot on, and the crew behind the scenes never missed a beat. The sets were truly something so difficult to understand, but so easily admired, that I would recommend seeing the show just to experience the back drops. The infusion between advanced technologies and the classic broadway demeanor left the audience [or at least myself] in awe, but this was nothing compared to the acrobatics.
At least nine actors, all playing Spider-man propelled through the air above the audience; and while not always hitting the marks perfectly each actor/stunt man performance was stellar. The "high-flying action thriller" pitch given by the Foxwood Theatre before the show did not fall short on it's promise. Many times I was worried I would be kicked in the face as Spider-man and the Green Goblin flew was seemed like inches above my face in my orchestra level seats. The timing of each battle and motion of the actors in the theaters sky was incredible. What was lost in story development and subpar music (Sorry Bono) was forgotten during each captivating swing [near death experience].
I found each actors performance to be a little lackluster though I believe this was caused by the second-rate script that would make any Spider-man or Marvel Comic fan cringe. Where exactly does Spider-man: Turn off the Dark fall into Marvel's Multiverse? [Earth-GAY?] In which earth is Uncle Ben simply run down by a car in the middle of the street, what's even more confusing is why Aunt May is present. The show also jokes about how Spider-man gets his costume, making fun of the idea that he made it himself, however in the play it seemed to come out of thin air. Though I must say, the most annoying discrepancy by far is the fact that when Norman Osborn is transformed into the Green Goblin, the goblin skin is his own and not a costume. Hundreds of liberties were taking, changing both the dull and mundane, but also many essential to Spider-man's true origin. Though in retrospect comic book enthusiasts are not exactly broadways target market.
Lastly, I must elaborate on Bono, who obviously is in love with himself. [Reminding myself to breathe] Many songs from Spider-man simply sample some of U2's greatest hits. Also whenever a song would be played on on a radio for affect, albeit usually for less than 10 seconds, it would be from U2! Flash Thompson and Mary Jane Watson must be huge U2 fans. Why couldn't Trent Reznor have scored the show? Just think of what "The Social Network" would have been without him, maybe he could have done Spider-Man similar justice.
All-in-all the show itself was terrible for broadway standards, but its a technical wonder, and that alone must be appreciated. It is truly difficult to leave Spider-man without feeling satisfied despite all of its faults and at times pure childishness. I recommend Spider-man for anyone that likes to have fun and wants to guarantee themselves a few smiles for the day.
Spider-man: Turn off the Dark is a MUST SEE.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Subtraction Time
Adderall was first approved by the FDA in 1996. Within one and a half decades, this newly prescribed medication has become the most popular for the most overly diagnosed disorder in recent history; attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD has been historically categorized under the evolution of another disorder classified in 1902 simply describe at "Defect of Moral Control." That definitely sounds serious, and in 1902 it was. In 1902 if you were diagnosed with such an ailment then something is serious wrong with you. However, through the evolution of medicine and a social conscious an unfortunately under diagnosed behavior came to pass, hypochondria. Hypochondria has leaked in the background for decades, but as knowledge increases and symptoms broaden, hypochondria increases. Concurrently, the crazier people became disorders like Munchausen by Proxy grew blindly and parents forced doctors to diagnose their children with diseases instead of anybody taking responsibility, thus ADD and ADHD were formed.
Thanks to societal standers, no one is allowed to focus-- On anything. Hobbies and interest are mislabeled as obsessions and lack of focus is rewarded and coined as being free spirited or creative. We reward though whom overreact, we reward those who won't listen, and via a diagnosis we tell them they are perfectly normal and feed them drugs. Drugs which hundreds of thousands of High School and College students use recreationally or to study for a final exam in the last minute. However through whom are focuses with a common goal are labeled obsessive, unfortunately their is no helping them, they are doomed. Oh wait, somebody will force some liquor down there throat eventually.
Discounted Failure
In recent weeks I posed I simple mathematical word problem to several associates of mine.
Sally has a coupon for 15% off a $100.00 purse. Erica has a coupon for 10% off a pair of $100.00 jeans. When Erica arrives at the cash register she received an additional 5% off of her purchase. Sally did not receive any additional discount. Who paid more?
My associates looked at me like I was asking them a stupid question, in reality I was. However, out of those whom I asked in person 100% of the people got the question wrong. They answered, "It's a trick question Sally and Erica both received 15% off, they paid the same."
I hope that if you are reading this, you know that Erica actually paid more for her item.
Let's break it down.
Sally's purse after her discount is $85.00. Nice savings right? Erica who received two discounts, only received the additional 5% off of $90.00, making the purse $85.50 thus giving her a total of a 14.5% discount. While the difference may be negligible to most; to answer that they prices are the same is simply not logical.
So I challenge you, pose this question to your friends, family, and associates. Find out the scary truth for yourself.
Sally has a coupon for 15% off a $100.00 purse. Erica has a coupon for 10% off a pair of $100.00 jeans. When Erica arrives at the cash register she received an additional 5% off of her purchase. Sally did not receive any additional discount. Who paid more?
My associates looked at me like I was asking them a stupid question, in reality I was. However, out of those whom I asked in person 100% of the people got the question wrong. They answered, "It's a trick question Sally and Erica both received 15% off, they paid the same."
I hope that if you are reading this, you know that Erica actually paid more for her item.
Let's break it down.
Sally's purse after her discount is $85.00. Nice savings right? Erica who received two discounts, only received the additional 5% off of $90.00, making the purse $85.50 thus giving her a total of a 14.5% discount. While the difference may be negligible to most; to answer that they prices are the same is simply not logical.
So I challenge you, pose this question to your friends, family, and associates. Find out the scary truth for yourself.
Dear Future Fans
T.R. Arson is a budding success story and influential socialite. He is by no means modest and by every means confident. Mind Arson is dedicated to those of you who have your brain burn and your soul tingle with the out lash of American stupidity and the lack of rationalization that embodies our progressive and forward-thinking culture.
Topic of discussion here on Mind Arson are not limited and by no means censored, just honest. Political correctness leads to sugar coating, sugar coating is a nice way to lie. Sometimes absent minded topics of entertainment will be discussed via reviews or their imperative allegorical social messages other times topics will be more serious. But if it burns a hole in your brain, then T. R. Arson is setting the fire.
Topic of discussion here on Mind Arson are not limited and by no means censored, just honest. Political correctness leads to sugar coating, sugar coating is a nice way to lie. Sometimes absent minded topics of entertainment will be discussed via reviews or their imperative allegorical social messages other times topics will be more serious. But if it burns a hole in your brain, then T. R. Arson is setting the fire.
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