1. It’s almost Christmas already, and with that the end of the year. This year for Advent I did a hard fast: no meat or sweets (except protein shake) and no eating between meals. It was tough at first, but lately I’ve barely noticed it. I am very much looking forward to being able to … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Mostly Battra, Some Christmas
Movies
A Legendary Performer Behind the Scenes
Anyone with a decent knowledge of films of the 80s and 90s will recognize a particular actor who showed up regularly in a wide variety of movies, acting alongside luminaries like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Steven Segal, Daryl Hannah, Bruce Willis, and Don Ameche. Apart from one starring performances and one or two times playing the … Continue reading A Legendary Performer Behind the Scenes
Second Mario Trailer – Yep, Looks Bad
I was pleasantly surprised by the first trailer for the new, animated Super Mario Brothers movie: the aesthetics looked just right, Bowser was portrayed as a genuine threat rather than a joke, and so on. Now the second one's landed and...egh. Good feeling's gone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMYg69DfFLs As I said last time, the crucial factor is Peach, … Continue reading Second Mario Trailer – Yep, Looks Bad
Friday Flotsam: Retreat Reflections and Bad Movies
1. As I say, last weekend was a silent, Ignatian retreat for me; an intense few days of prayer and meditation, with no conversation, no media, nothing to distract me. Long days of talk, prayer, meditation, talk, prayer, sacrament. It was a wonderful experience that I feel brought some much needed clarity and a greater … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Retreat Reflections and Bad Movies
Reviews: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
On the surface, 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street is somewhat unlikely as an all-time classic. The story sounds like something you’d find in a cheesy, made-for-TV special, perhaps something from the Hallmark channel: a kindly old man working as a mall Santa Claus claims to be the real Santa Claus, spreads the Christmas spirit everywhere … Continue reading Reviews: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Friday Flotsam: Birthday Mindset, ‘My Hero Academia’, and Other Stories
1. Yesterday was my birthday, which is once again depressing to realize. I'm never satisfied - or even close to it - of what I've done with my life so far. But I'm trying not to think in those terms and to instead try to think of whether I'm doing better than I was yesterday. … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Birthday Mindset, ‘My Hero Academia’, and Other Stories
Black Friday / Cyber Monday Recommendations
It is now time to think seriously about buy Christmas presents for all the leech-like parasites people we love. If you're here, then many of you probably have readers, or film lovers, or sci-fi enthusiasts on your list. With that in mind, I've got a few recommendations for you to consider. First of all, and … Continue reading Black Friday / Cyber Monday Recommendations
A Profound Experience at Comic Con
Last weekend I went up to Grand Rapids Comic Con with a friend. It was fun, as usual, but during it I had probably one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had at one of these things. One of the guests was Donnie Dunagan, whose name you probably don't know, but who has the … Continue reading A Profound Experience at Comic Con
Friday Flotsam: ‘Jack the Giant Slayer’ and Going Back
1. The big exciting thing from this past week I think deserves it's own post, so I'll talk about that one later. 2. I pulled up 2013's Jack the Giant Slayer earlier this week. You know, I'm a little torn on that; on the one hand, it's silly, cheap-looking (especially in the costumes), it's depiction … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: ‘Jack the Giant Slayer’ and Going Back
Flash ‘Apollo 13’ Reaction
The other night I finally got around to seeing Apollo 13, and it was the most enthralling and satisfying film experience I've had in a very long time. Damn, I'd almost forgotten we used to make movies like this; gripping accounts of actually worthwhile true events, focusing on intelligent, mature, professional men working to solve … Continue reading Flash ‘Apollo 13’ Reaction
Serpent's Den 