I know the actor Nick Adams (who died tragically young, much like his friend and co-star James Dean) from the Toho films he did in the 1960s: Frankenstein Conquers the World and Invasion of Astro Monster. He was the first notable western actor in the Godzilla franchise (and, perhaps not coincidentally, was part of the series' … Continue reading “The Rebel”
The Ordinary King
In a far-off land, there lived young prince. He was very forward thinking in his views, having read much and mixed much among the common people, whom he loved dearly. He swore that, when he became king, he would make their welfare and their happiness his first priority. In the meantime, he thought less and … Continue reading The Ordinary King
Paul Scofield does Macbeth
Really, what else needs to be said? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljZrf_0_CcQ
“Mock On, Mock On, Voltaire, Rousseau”
Mock on, Mock on, Voltaire, Rousseau, Mock on, Mock on! tis all in vain! You throw the san against the wind And the wind blows it back again And every sand becomes a Gem Reflected in the beams divine Blown back they blind the mocking Eye But still in Israel's paths they shine The Atoms … Continue reading “Mock On, Mock On, Voltaire, Rousseau”
Quick Thought of the Day
One of the chief features of modernism is the urge to separate cause and effect; we either love the cause and hate the effect or hate the cause and love the effect. In our hubris, we think that we can have the one without the other, and so we create endless problems for ourselves.
It Came From Rifftrax: ‘This is Hormel’
It's nearly Lent, which means it's carnival time, so let's take a look at how meat is made. Though whether this will make you want to go to town on the remaining flesh products or become a vegetarian is an open question, I suppose. The short opens with brothers Brad and Greg seeing a long … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘This is Hormel’
Sunday Thoughts
In addition to being one of the great philosophical minds of human history, St. Thomas Aquinas was also a mystic who experienced visions and ecstasies while in prayer. Near the end of his life, while still working on his magnum opus, the Summa Theologica, he was granted a vision of Christ. When he came out of it, he … Continue reading Sunday Thoughts
On Enjoying the Classics
There's a particular sensation to enjoying the classics (I'm not specifically talking about the classics in the sense of ancient literature, but in the sense of great works with a strong reputation). It isn't just the enjoyment of a good piece of work; though that is obviously part of it, it is a separate, component … Continue reading On Enjoying the Classics
“Prologue” (For the Opening of Drury Lane Theatre, 1747)
When Learning's triumph o'er her barbarous foes First reared the stage, immortal Shakespeare rose; Each change of many-colored life he drew, Exhausted worlds, and then imagined new: Existence saw him spurn her bounded reign, And panting Time toiled after him in vain. His powerful strokes presiding Truth impressed, And unresisted Passion stormed the breast. Then … Continue reading “Prologue” (For the Opening of Drury Lane Theatre, 1747)
Call of the CGI Wild
Before seeing Sonic, the only trailer playing was for Call of the Wild, one of the first times I'd even heard that such a film existed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1LG9So2ZBk Honestly, despite the presence of Harrison Ford, I think this looks pretty bad. The biggest problem is not just that this looks like it only bears the slightest resemblance to the … Continue reading Call of the CGI Wild
Serpent's Den 