A bit of house-cleaning

So I've decided to do a little bit of refresh on my blog, seeing as technology has improved a little bit since my last post. As for my blog-writing skills, well, that remains to be seen. You may notice a few bumps here and there but be patient, I'm learning as I go. There's something new that I'd like to share but before I do, I want to get this blog a little more slick, accessible, and readable. Stay tuned.

....and again in 2014!

Just sayin'.....again.  Stay tuned, I'm going to see if how I can use this blog for my own photo-a-day project!  For now here is picture of my Tim's close call.

Remnants of a maple pecan Danish with a small blueberry white tea...coming in at $2.95.  Which was exactly how much change I had after frantically digging around in my coin purse.

Still here in Twenty Thirteen!

Just sayin'.

Stay tuned!

To those who read my blog (all one...or two if I'm lucky...of you), I apologize in advance if I don't get to post as much. As you can see in My Facebook post, a new member of the family has joined us in the last month and is really taking a lot of time and energy. Work has also ramped up like crazy, so I'm likely to fall behind on my posts. I will try to catch up, but here's some quick-shot things that has happened since Tbor (not necessarily in order)

- Casey our 6-month-old beagle rescue
- the pain in my neck
- Jesus Christ Superstar
- Glee Live
- my promotion
- Paisley the flower lady
- Death of Spider-Man
- the upcoming DC relaunch or DCnU
- Michael's Back Door restaurant

Coming up.....the Canada Day long weekend and Happy Pride 2011!!!!!

Pellet reviews: Thor

Thoooooor!!!

Sorry, my inner geek couldn't help it. Thor was one of those super-heroes that I could not visualize being on screen (along with Wonder Woman - just how does that costume live up to today's sensibilities, but I digress). So when I heard that Kenneth Branagh (who is known for more Shakespearean works) was taking the helm, it made me all the more curious.

As it turns out, that poetic bent lent itself well to the drama that needed to be majestic in nature. Asgard was truly brought to life, as well as the "godly" presence that its inhabitants projected. Odin as well-played by Sir A. Hopkins, while Loki came across as a more than just the God of Mischief - in this film, you will truly understand his motivations and actually feel for him.

And Thor? Well...let's just say he was portrayed well as a man-child at the beginning and matured well during his time on Earth. And of course they had to have a gratuitous shirtless moment (blush) just to give the romantic interest (Jane Foster) some motivation to want to help. It worked out okay, although I can't help feeling that the role could have been played by anyone other than "academy award-winning actress" Natalie Portman. Perhaps there will be payoff in the Avengers movie?

All in all, the specially effects were great, the drama and romance made Thor more believeable, and ranks as a must-buy for me when the blu-ray comes out.

Theatre review: Billy Elliot (The Musical)

Loved it!

I won't recap the story for you here since you would have lived under a rock if you haven't heard about Billy Elliot or seen the movie.

Oh wait...I do know someone. So, before we watched the musical, we watched the movie as apparently we'll get to appreciate the musical more if we did. Having done that, I wouldn't disagree. There are certain nuances to the character and certain pacing in the movie script that gives you a bit more insight. While the musical kept the characters and situations intact, you can certainly call upon your memories of the movie to add more dimension to what is said and done on stage.

The music by Elton John is great, although I have to admit it's not at the same level as, say, The Lion King. For me, though, what really stole the show was Billy himself. Not only can the kid act and make you believe that he honestly can't dance at the beginning, but boy, can he dance! It's the energy that he brings to the performance that makes you root for him, not just for the Billy Elliot character, but for the actor himself - it's amazing to see such skill from someone so young!

All in all, I was glad to have paid full price for this one...go see it while it's in town!

Pellet reviews: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The third outing of the Narnia series was also the second one I've watched at home - I've seen only the first one at the theatre. I'm not sure whether or not that had anything to do with my opinion of the movie, but suffice it to say that the first one is still the best.

Narnia 3 (just so I don't have to type that oh-so-long title again) brings back two of the Pevensie children plus their annoying cousin back into the world of Narnia. There, they meet up with King Caspian (who was the titular Prince of the second movie) and go on a quest to find yet another source of evil in the empire. The Dawn Treader is the ship that they sail on.

I haven't read the book, but I would have imagined the "voyage" to be a bit more epic, and less like point A to point B to point C. Perhaps some of it was lost to Hollywood truncation. Some of the "messages" also lacked subtlety; stuff like inner beauty, loyalty, and not judging a book by its cover all came across loud and clear to the point where it's practically spelled out for you. I guess if you're bringing the young ones to the movie then I suppose it works. Unfortunately, my own little one was too busy chewing his bone to pay any mind. Besides, I think the points would have been lost on him anyway.

** Minor spoiler alert **

The movie didn't really pick up for me until the dragon came along. From there on, both the action and the emotional connection picked up and pretty much kept going until near the end of the movie (where yet another "message" hits you on the head with the force of a gazillion hammers). It was too bad that this happened past the halfway mark otherwise I would have been more engaged.

** End spoiler **

So is this a keeper? Like I mentioned in another review, I think the special effects makes this one, plus the fact that this is a part of a series. I'm glad I waited to watch it at home, at this point I'm not sure if it would have made a difference had I seen it on the big screen.

Pellet Reviews: Megamind

Megamind is the titular hero (or villain in this case) of the movie, which takes a few of the superhero conventions and turns them on their collective heads. Megamind is the nemesis of Metro Man (read: Superman) who is the guardian of Metro City (read: Metropolis). They've been at it since the day their ships landed on good ol' planet Earth, until one day....well, the movie tries to answer the question, "What happens when the bad guy gets what he wants?"

I did enjoy the movie quite a bit, and enjoyed the workout that it gave my home theatre system. There were also a few comic book references that popped up here and there, which may lose some of those who may not be geeks like me ("Hal Stewart" anyone?). But that should not detract from anyone else enjoying the movie.

You may need to speak with your little ones after, though - they may start to think that being a supervillain is cool. But they may have megafun with this one.

Pellet Reviews: Ghost Stories (Panasonic Theatre)

"Are You Brave Enough To Book?"

Well, since it was a two-for-one sale, and since the TV teasers of recorded audience reactions really piqued my interest, I guess the answer was "yes". If anything, I wondered if I was going to wind up screaming like everyone seemed to do in those ads.

I did.

To say anymore might spoil the fun for anyone thinking of going (I think you can book up to the end of June), but suffice it to say that I found it quite entertaining. My hubby, on the other hand, thought it was lame. So - not for everyone. But I definitely would not recommend it for the young ones or those who might not feel too good after a few frights.

Bottom line: if you can find the extra few bucks for a fun night out, or get it for a bargain like I did, it might be fun to go. While I'm glad I didn't pay full price for it, I still had fun.

Pellet reviews: Moon

Speaking of "The Source Code" in my previous review, I figured it would be great to watch the director's (Duncan Jones) previous foray into film. Luckily I had "Moon" sitting in my backlog to watch. It was either that, or St. Elmo's Fire on MPIX On Demand.

Anyone who knows me well enough knows that I love sci-fi. However, geeks 'round the world know that there are different flavours of sci-fi. Some go for the laser battles (think anything that begins with "Star"), while others go for futuristic ansgt stuff ("Blade Runner"). Moon falls more into the quiet, contemplative reflection of who we are ("Solaris", and no, I have not seen the original Russian version).

Sam Rockwell plays a worker on a moon base that provides a supply of energy back to Earth. One day, he gets into an accident, and wakes up finding.....another Sam Rockwell? Without going too much into the how's and who's, I would say that this was a brilliant turn by the actor who pretty much had to carry a one-man show (or is it a two-man show?). Watching the making-of documentary, you can really see how much thought had to go into every word, naunce, and movement to make you believe his/their performance.

But I digress. The film itself, as I mentioned before, is a very quiet piece that seeks to question how we are defined. The shots both in the base and on the moon's exterior truly try and emphasize the isolation that both men feel. It's one of those movies that you definitely have to be in the mood for. Unfortunately, I don't think I was quite in that mood tonight. As much as I love sci-fi and the heavy thinking that sometimes go into it, I found that it dragged quite a bit in places. I also think it was because I figured out what the "twist" was earlier on, so it didn't come as a surprise when the gradual reveal came. It was again a testament to Mr. Rockwell's performance that kept me emotionally invested to see it through to the end.

Would I have still watched St. Elmo's fire if I had to do it over? No, but the chances of me doing this film over again seems to be as remote as the moon.

Pellet reviews: Deja Vu

As you can see, I'm working through the movie library backlog. The latest one - Deja Vu - comes courtesy of hyperkinetic director Tony Scott and academy award-winning actor Denzel Washington. What starts out as an investigation of a terrorist bombing of a ferry in post-Katrina New Orleans turns into a sci-fi trip into space-time folds and time warping stuff. The title alludes to it ("haven't we met before?").

I'm a big fan of movies that you have to re-watch, because you want to re-take the emotional, visual, or intellectual journey of when you first watched the movie, or if you want to catch things you've not seen the first time around. This movie falls into the second category, although I would likely stop at the second pass. This is certainly not in Memento's league, and certainly does not have the sci-fi effects gallery that warrants a must-rewatch. However, there are a few tight action and suspense sequences that do keep you engaged, and a wonderful plot device that explains how people can watch the past like a movie (multiple camera angles and all) which helps in the suspension of disbelief.

This, for me, rates as a good popcorn flick on a night when your alternatives are the news and reruns of your favorite shows. The jury is still out as to whether this is a keeper or not, but definitely a "not" after a to-be-determined second viewing. Personally i thought "The Butterfly Effect" had more emotional resonance on top of the sci-fi premise. Maybe its current movie cousin - The Source Code - will have a better approach to the "Groundhog Day" genre.

Pellet reviews: The Final Destination

This is one of those movies that I would watch when the hubby doesn't feel like taking in a movie in our home theatre (check out Facebook for pics). And after watching this one, I probably wouldn't disagree.

The fourth (and supposedly final - although rumors are that the cow still has some milk to give) installment of the Final Destination franchise continues the premise of the others before it. Basically, the film opens with a big disaster sequence (in this case, things going really bad at the racetrack) that turns out to be a premonition of things to come. Said premonition saves a few lives, but then later the survivors get picked off one-by-one in freak accidents (apparently orchestrated by Death himself) since it was their "fate" to die in the first place.

Great premise, worked well in the first movie, but then sadly had diminishing returns as the franchise progresses (much like the Saw franchise...more on that some other time). This movie is no exception. While the death sequences are quite creative (and sometimes gory), the mythology itself does not evolve. What makes the person so special so that they receive premonitions? Is there really a loophole ( this movie suffers from second endings - think "Poltergeist")? I came into this movie hoping something more would be added to the why's and how's, but sadly came away feeling like I had last night's leftovers.

I watched the blu-ray using the 3D version, using the enclosed 3D glasses. It was okay but nothing special. If anything, it made the movie a bit darker and less vibrant. If I had to do it again, I would likely just watch the 2D version.

If you are a fan of seeing different ways of how people can die in freak accidents, then this movie is for you. Otherwise, this ranks as a movie to watch with more people (and get the fun out of collective screams and gasps), or a "wait for on-demand".

I know, I know......

So I checked in almost a year and a half ago, with every intention of keeping things up-to-date. What can I say, life got in the way once again. Many things have happened since, not the least of which is our big suburban move to Mississauga! That's right, the self-professed urbanites went the way of the Go drones and the big box stores.

There are a couple of other places where you can catch the latest goings-on, like Facebook (if you know who I am, you can find me) and twitter (follow @ajdornier). I'll keep blogger handy for long rants and big posts.

Here's to a great 2011!

Just 'Coz!

Egads - it's been almost a year since my last post! Don't even ask me about my past year, 'coz at the moment it's one big blur. But I do need to let the world know that A.J. is still alive, so here's a post just 'coz!

My little one

I see you sleeping and I wonder what runs through your head. Do you dream of chasing butterflies in a field with no fences? Or perhaps curling up beside the ones who love you? I see you and I can't help but feel inadequate at times. You see us and all you ask is a little bit of time. You don't ask for much - just some food to eat, and some smiles to let you know that you are not alone. And yet sometimes I can't give you the time. I'm hoping perhaps you can teach me to slow down. Better yet, perhaps I can learn that I don't need much to get by too.

Can you understand me? Do you know that - even when I raise my voice in displeasure - I have nothing but the best for you in mind? If only I can tell you how many times I want to hold you in my arms and promise you that everything will be all right, how I long to be there for you when I see you curled up from a distance. How I wish I know what to do so that you would understand all this.

My little one - know that you are loved, the same way that you let us know how much we are loved when we come home every single day.

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

And so two years have passed since the big day! And there's nowhere else I'd rather be. To celebrate this momentous occasion, here's *two* bits of trivia:

• Our wedding day was the first month anniversary to-the-day of the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage!


• The "tent" that was used for the reception matched our outfits beautifully!

Today we kicked off by having breakfast at our favourite place, Le Petit Dejeuner....still the best eggs benny in town. And the rest of the day is a family love-in with our baby with a nice romantic dindin awaiting us.

Speaking of our baby, he just had surgery last Thursday, and overall he seems to be doing well.. The first day he really hid under the bed and stayed there the whole day. Three days later, he seems to be back to his old self...except he still feels quite a bit tired every now and then...

By the way, the blu-ray player kicks ass. I watched excerpts from a couple of blu-ray discs that we have....(a) the subwoofer is really getting a work-out, and (b) some of the images were so sharp my eyes actually got tired after a while :D

'Nuff said.

Thanks, Tiggy :D

Putting the cart before the horse....

This latest bout of gadget envy came about by my latest visit to Best Buy for the latest release of 300. Imagine my non-surprise at seeing all three formats (DVD, HD-DVD, and Blu-ray) within a few dollars of each other (it's not like I haven't been surfing their site, after all). Not only that, but there was a whole whack of hi-def titles on sale for $19.99! Heck, that's about as much as I normally pay for a used DVD nowadays....if not for the fact that the used DVD stores (all three of them now) also sell used hi-def discs for $14.99-19.99!

Players are slowly getting cheaper too...tigerdirect.ca is selling the latest HD-DVD player at $219.99 (refurbished, but still). As for Blu-ray, well, I've always said that if I were getting a Blu-ray player, I might as well get the Playstation 3. Which is a no-brainer since I've always had a Playstation and this one is a sure buy, so for sure I *will* be going Blu-ray. Given that there was a PS3 price drop (now $549 from $699) combined with the occasional $50 coupon from Best Buy, a "player" can be had at $499. Not bad.

But, of course, purchasing such a unit is hands-off at this point. However, thanks to this latest announcement, I might very well be starting to buy the software even before I get the player:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/R2VT2ECILZ4O3B

Yes, my friends, geeks everywhere now have nipples that can cut diamonds.

It would have been okay to wait until I get a player if not for that limited edition version of the thing. These typically sell out faster than, well, fast. Sometimes even pre-orders don't get filled if they don't have enough.

So, cart-before-horse moment. What should A.J. do?

(1) A.J. will not buy any more standard DVD's unless they are super-cool limited edition stuff (like Alien heads or has bonus material not available in the hi-def disc). If I have to spend money, I might as well spend it wisely (laughter can suddenly be heard all around the world).

(2) A.J. will not also buy any hi-def discs before he gets a hi-def player unless: (a) he finds a really good deal on a movie that deserves to be on hi-def (like Batman Begins), or (b) there is a limited edition of a movie that deserves to be on hi-def that is in very real danger of selling out. Pre-orders can always be cancelled and they will not charge your credit card anyways until it is actually shipped. Sites like Best Buy and Amazon even adjust your price downward if it becomes cheaper.

(3) Seeing as it is a question of "when" and not "if" he will get a Playstation 3, A.J. will only stick to buying Blu-ray discs. This way, even if HD-DVD wins this format war, my possession of the Playstation 3 will guarantee that I will be able to play these discs.

Now what if a limited edition of a hi-def deserving movie came out only in HD-DVD, you may ask?

We shall cross that bridge when we come to it. Finnegan has decreed.

I close this post with the following article:

http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/soapbox/soap060107.html

What would A.J. do part 2?

So finally they've announced the definitive Blade Runner collection on DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. This contains Ridley Scott's Final Cut of the movie, and the 5-disc edition (which is obviously the most feature-packed version of the lot) has all the previous cuts of the movie as well as a whole whack of features!

There's no question that A.J. will get the most expensive one of the lot, however.....

Seeing as A.J. only wants to spend money *once*, which version (DVD, HD-DVD, or Blu-Ray) should he get? The release date is December 2007, so would there be a hi-def format winner by that time? What, oh, what will A.J. do?!?

Here's is a guide from amazon.com that outlines the different versions. So far, the only site to offer pre-orders at this time. The prices are actually damn cheap!!!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/R2VT2ECILZ4O3B

What AJ did...

AJ bought the limited 3-disc edition at HMV.