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Re: Talking Point: when was your last box-set binge? ~ Dan's Media Digest

NeilB — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 04:17:12 -0000

I binge-watched season one of The Wire a few months ago under strict intructions from a friend. And I regularly watch entire seasons of Buffy, Angel or (the) Firefly. Interestingly, Thursday marks the 15 year anniversary of Buffy's start, so I plan to watch all of season 2 in one go. 22 episodes x 45 minutes.....16 and a half hous. Doable.....

Re: 'DEXTER' 5.8 - "Take It!"

NeilB — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:56:49 -0000

As usual, another brilliant episode. However, I see what you're saying about predictability - we can see where things are going at the start of the episode. I liked the developments with the police case - things definitely got more interesting last week and hopefully they'll continue to spiral out of control for our cops.

Naturally, Dex's stuff was the most compelling and I was so worried for Lumen when Cole gave......chase. Was anyone else expecting him to come flying through the ajoining door to their rooms? The struggle was tense, but I could tell Dexter was going to appear and save the day. What I'd have liked to see was Lumen fighting back a little more. You know, just a kick to the balls before Dexter saved her? Something that shows she's not completely helpless.

I adored the moment where Dexter helped Lumen block out the sounds from the neighbouring room by covering her ears. Her focus on his face was brilliant and it led to that important scene with her waking up inside the kill room. Easily the finest moment of the episode for me.

Howeve,r if there's one criticism I have of Dexter, it's the kills. Or rather, the way Dexter handles them. Earlier on, Dex killed that bloke (that Lumen had shot) by snapping his neck. He did it far too easily. Ok, I can forgive that - it was imagery since he was being portrayed as a supernatural animal in Lumen's eyes. But he's getting way too good at handling people.

Cole was a Marine right? But Dex took him donw way too easy. Ok, a sleeper hold like Dexter's is practically impossible to break free from (actully, a sleeper hold from anyone who has the slightest clue what they're doing is impossible to escape from), but he passed out too soon. Wouldn't it have been far more dramatic if Cole had been conscious for a little longer? Look at the staircase fight scene in Casino Royale for how a sleeper hold really plays out (says he, with years of Black Ops experience.......)

I often think this when I watch Dexter. Not a major issue, but something that bugs me on occasion.

Overall, another fine episode. Now I can't wait to see how it all plays out.

Re: http://danowen.blogspot.com/2010/11/dexter-46-everything-is-illumenated.html

NeilB — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:21:49 -0000

I thought this was an excellent episode. Never have I been so bloody stressed watching an episode of TV. I was right there with Dexter, feeling what he felt (if you see what I mean). Having to deal with so much, and getting that sweet (fucking untimely!) phone call from Harrison half-way through. And that slow-mo run towards the cops - argh!!!

One thing they did really well was show Dexter from Lumen's POV. What with her constantly watching him as he figures things out and whatnot. And how easily he snapped that guy's neck, with one small twist. Then he turned to her like an animal (there was a very quiet growl at that point I believe). They really highlighted how Dexter comes across to another person, Lumen realising how very different she is to him. And Dex realising how LIKE her HE is.

And you mentioned the great final scene in the bathroom - these moments are when Dexter really excels as a show. Beautifully written and acted. I really hope she sticks around after this season, because like you said, she'd make a great "daughter" for Dex. My only worry - they might try and take it down that "I think I want more from Dexter" line for Lumen. They probably won't (considering what she's been through), but I just hope she doesn't (at some point) throw herself at Dexter.

So.....yeah - good ep!!!

Re: 'DEXTER' 5.5 - "First Blood"

NeilB — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:32:51 -0000

Not a lot happened, but agree with your rating. Some good setups were made I think and I'm 100% hooked when Dex or Lumen are on screen. A shame about Angel and Maria - still not that compelling. A bit more tension between Quinn and Dex will be nice next episode. ALl round, not a lot to comment on, but a good ep. And that airport scene with Lumen was very unsettling - well acted!

Neil.

Re: 'DEXTER' 5.4 – "Beauty And The Beast"

NeilB — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 07:11:08 -0000

I thought this was an excellent episode. The Dexter/Lumen storyline had be completely gripped. Loved the imagery of Dex tending to her wounds in the opening and Lumen tending to Dexter's in the close. A very good connection between the charcters - can't wait to see its development.

I really liked the "there are others" thing that Lumen pulled at the end as well. Dexter's face was priceless - less of a "oh no, this poor woman" and more of a "hmm.......people need killing" - made me laugh.

I'm liking Quinn's storyline for now but wonder where it's going. The only seeming route at the moment is that he finds out, but says nothing to "save" Debra (which I think you predicted a few weeks ago?)

Angel - dear dear me. I really liked him in seasons 1 and 2 but it all fell apart when they suddenly told us he was seeing Maria. I just don't really care about him that much. All this plotting over a punch-up in a bar? Really?! Now if he'd killed the guy, maybe I'd be more interested. But only from Angel's POV of things, since Maria doesn't really do much other than a) provide anger for Angel and b) tell Quinn to leave Dexter alone. That's all she does right?

I liked the sudden jump on the killings this week, with Deb's standoff with the scary bloke. I think it might have played out better if we'd had more of a hint that we were leading to that scene. Think about that moment in the movie Se7en when they break into the house with the SWAT team - insane tension! Could have been better, but I quite like how Deb reacted.

Some of my favourite scenes this season, though, are Dexter and Debra sitting on the sofa talking. You can see the chimistry between the two actors more and more now (for obvious reasons) and it works really well.

All in all, thought it was a really good episode. Julia Stiles stole the show for me - managed to take a rather chiched role (of a traumatized young woman) and make it original. And I'm glad they didn't tell us exactly what happened to her, only said that it was epically shit!

Seems Bob disagrees. Hmm.....I can see the points and I'd much rather this season focus on a) Dexter Dexter Dexter and b) Deb and the killings, in that order.

Re: 'Film 2010': a successful relaunch?

NeilB — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:45:13 -0000

Apart from what you've already said, I thought the reviews themselves were fucking ridiculous. Take 'Vampires Suck for example. All we got from two "critics" is "it's not funny, and it's offensive". That's it. Ok, have those opinions, but tell me WHY it's not funny and WHAT makes it offensive. Bullshit, essentially!

And that LFF interview has horrendous. Keira Knightley had this face that said "no-one will ever interview me again. Ever!!!" Most annoying part of that though - I imagine there were ten times more interesting people in the room that we just didn't see.

So...........how do we get Jonathan back? Insult his neice on the radio?

Re: 'DEXTER' 5.2 - "Hello, Bandit"

NeilB — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:28:05 -0000

I'm with Dan on this one - I don't WANT it to end, but I think it maybe SHOULD before too long. There's only so much you can do with a decent premise/story before it becomes "bad" (I know, try telling that to Ian Flemming!).

I've just seen too many things go on for the sake of it and fall into a rut or become so laughable it hurts. Joss Whedon gambled with Angel season 5 - joining W&H was the only story really left to tell on that show. I personally think it worked, but more than one season in that situation would have been annoying.

Like Dan, the big story I want to be told is Dexter's final year. We don;t have to see him revealed in season 6, episode 11, though. What I'd love is a massive budget rise and Dexter to be revealed at the end of season 5, with all of season 6 dealing with Dexter's next step, onto his eventual end (whatever that may be). Btw - I say "revealed" to mean whatever route they go down, not actually a "I kill people" moment.

Network TV is all about taking more time to please the dedicated fans, since ratings aren't as important as they are on say Fox etc. So I'd just like the show to take its time this season and let us dwell on the moments of last season.

I certainly wouldn't mind seeing a few episodes of Dexter where he DOESN'T go after a killer. That said, this is essentially a show about a serial killer, so you have to stay loyal to the formula.

What I'm saying is - I want the show to be all it can be and not drag anything on past its sell-by date. Dexter's "final story" (and our knowledge that it IS his final story) has got to be the most interesting thing ever! And if it's done with right, TV highlight of the last 10 years? I think so......

Re: 'DEXTER' 5.2 - "Hello, Bandit"

NeilB — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:51:41 -0000

Agreed, it is very hard to keep a show going on the same level for such a long time without a massive shakeup. Shows are basically formula, so eventually you've exhausted that formula and you're repeating yourself. I do hope Dexter finishes next year and goes out on one hell of a bang!

Re: 'DEXTER' 5.2 - "Hello, Bandit"

NeilB — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:18:39 -0000

"I loved some scenes. Dexter on the sofa with Deb, Dexter and Astor in the bathroom, Dexter outside the apartment with the pool reflecting on his face... It was all great stuff. And Deb's reactions to Quinn are just superb."

I'd forgotten about that sofa scene with Deb - a very touching moment.

What I really want to see with Quinn is something very different ot Doakes as he develops. Maybe Dex won't know how to deal with him. Doakes was easy - but him and make him openly attack Dexter in the station. Because Doakes was all impulse. Quinn, on the other hand, is the opposite, if anything, more "normal" for the show. He's probably how we would go about investigating Dexter.

What about the new girl? The one who knew about the Santa Muerte cult - she screamed of early Deb, hence the reason Deb gave her a chance I'd wager. But do you think she'll have more of an impact on the show?

As for Angel and LeGuerta - I hate it when they suddenly let you know something has been happening you never knew about (the way they started their relationship) but t's developed quite interestingly. The problem is, nothing's happened really. Obviously Angel is going to be in trouble after his little punch-up in the bar (poor Vince getting a crack across the jaw - he's had a tough week!).

Very early (most probably wrong) predictions:

- Angel gets the sack, breaks up with LaGuerta and is dead by season's end. Either that, or LaGuerta is killed - just to freshen things up a little and get us interested in them.
- Something happens to Vince - he won't go anywhere, but might find out about Dexter?
- Quinn (consciously or not) gets more involved with Deb to find out about Dexter.

Just a few thoughts......

Re: 'DEXTER' 5.2 - "Hello, Bandit"

NeilB — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 05:57:46 -0000

Apologies for not commenting on last week's post - busy times!

Anyway, I think your review this week was pretty fair, though I might have given it an extra half-star. I'm disappointed they're moving away from Dexter's grief - we spent all summer wondering how he'd deal with it and we've only really got one episode. And last week was so spectacular (Dexter's scream could have been laughable, but turned out both scary and saddening). After that reaction though, I feel like we need at least another week to deal with it.

The episode was rather funny as well, don't you think? "Fuck puddle" is now my new favourite insult btw. I liked it on the whole and it was nice to see Dexter getting all distracted. But after a beautifully shot, reflective opening sequence (Dex in the pool), I was hoping for a lot more of an internal thought process than "It's just blood. Could be anyone's blood!"

I'm a Quinn fan I think. But I have this flaw - I LOVE anyone who stands the slightest chance of taking down the hero. Not because I want them to, but because I want the hero to have a tough time with it. Case in point - Doakes. But Quinn certainly isn't as compelling as Doakes was. Still, I think there's a lot they can do with him, as he's proving to be one of the best detectives we've seen.

As for the kids, well, like you say, they had to be taken out for storytelling reasons. One thing that's annoyed me though, is how Rita's parents haven't said two words to Dexter since finding out about their daughter's death. Literally! Still, if they focused on that, I'd probably be complaining that it isn't important.

All in all, a very average Dexter episode, but still better than most stuff out there. I hope next week bumps things up to the season premiere though - what a ride!

Happy blogging!

Re: Talking Point: novelty box-sets

NeilB — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 06:35:28 -0000

Ah yes, right you are! I'm really not up to date on these things - I tend to move behind the times, cos that's how I roll lol. I remember the annoyance of buying VHS tapes when DVDs were on the rise. Half of me wanted the tapes, since I didn't have a DVD player at the time. But the other half knew that the DVD would be better, even if I did have to wait x amount of weeks before I could watch said film. The first DVD I bought was, i believe, X-Men 1 & 2 box set.

So I'm not onto Blu-ray yet, still behind the times. I suppose I really should upgrade, but you know how it is - money etc (the mere fact that a blu-ray dvd costs more a lot of the time. Still, I'm in the VHS vs. DVD struggle all over again at the moment. Thank god CDs were already well into their stride before I started getting into music on a serious level (showing my youth here - 22 today!).

TV shows I would make an exception for I think. None of the shows I like tend to do that, but I'd probably spend a lot of money if Firefly were re-released in a box shaped like Serenity (hint!) Actually, when I think about it, my Band of Brothers box is cool and doesn't stick out that much at all.....

Re: Talking Point: novelty box-sets

NeilB — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 05:45:23 -0000

An interesting topic.

Essentially, I'm against them for the reasons you mentioned - price and where to bloody put them. That said, my Blade Runner tin case is something I'm very proud of. It carries prestige - people see it and assume that you LOVE the movie (ergo, know a lot about it) because you have spent such money on it. The fact that the tin pack I got was £1 more than the single theatrical version is purely coincidence. But for that reason, I do wish I had a very cool Terminator pack.......

I think I'd definitely give one as a gift though, but only if it contained a lot of goodies (like the Blade Runner one) and had different edits of the film etc. And I'd need to know they loved that film, otherwise, what's the point?!

So I'm for and against really. Ultimately though, as much as I love them, Blade Runner does stick out some on the shelf.......

Re: 'MERLIN' 3.3 - "Goblin's Gold"

NeilB — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 10:00:15 -0000

Ah yes, you're very right - US drama as opposed to TV on a whole. My mistake.

Re: 'MERLIN' 3.3 - "Goblin's Gold"

NeilB — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 07:04:55 -0000

@Bob -

I see what you mean. Yes, Dr Who does have a massive fanbase and I know a lot of people who love it. But besides that, is there any other show aimed at a family audience that people love? Impossible to tell, of course.

But I just can't see anyone getting all excited over Merlin. Maybe because it has too much of a same-y feel to it? It's essentially reset television - despite everything that's going on, the characters don't seem to have changed that much. Granted, Arthur likes Merlin a lot more and Melrin himself is slightly more mature intellectually, emotionally etc. But what about Uther - after three seasons he still hasn't figured Merlin out? Come on! IMO that should have been a conflict resolved at the end of season one or maybe two.

In theory, family TV is a brilliant thing, but I just never see it working. I personally despise Dr Who (I know, shoot me now!), mainly because it's trying to do too much. Something like Merlin has a lot more appeal to me (in its premise and whatnot) but I still don't think it was done too well (based on my limited viewing, of course, which is maybe unfair of me to say).

What I am looking forward to is Torchwood - not been a huge fan in the past but (and prepare to shoot me again - I ain't dead yet) I think American television is vastly superior (as a rule) to British. Throw the fact that jane Espenson is writing 1/4 of the episodes into the mix and it should be pretty great! If it's allowed to be, of course.

I see what you're saying, though Bob - family TV definitely has its appeals, but I just don't think it knows what it's doing.

Re: 'MERLIN' 3.3 - "Goblin's Gold"

NeilB — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 04:57:23 -0000

I haven't watched much Merlin at all - tuned into the first season on and off, watched the finale of season 2, that's all. What really gets me is how it hasn't really changed at all from episode one.

I did a script report thingy on the pilot ep and completely tore it to shreds. Interestingly, the things that were wrong with the first episode are still wrong in this one. One thing is Merlin's powers - why is he STILL only making things levitate across the room? There should clearly be some character development in the form of power development, no? Apologies if this has been done and I'm simply unaware because I haven't watched much.

I thought Uther was interesting though. Since episode one, he seems to have mellowed a fair bit.

Episode 1 - he sees a witch, kills it. Simply as that.
This ep - comes across a goblin, locks it away. No killing.

Since Uther is intended to be the constant series threat to Merlin's way of life, it doesn't seem to be there any more. Why was he willing to kill Merlin for being a warlock (in this very episode) when, at the end, he was satisfied with the goblin just being "locked away" - like that dragon he kept locked up - that turned out well! Possibly so said goblin can return? But I just don't see him as a constant threat like he was in episode/season one.

The worst thing about it has to be its intentions though, right? Trying to play to an adult AND child audience with the same show. It means a lot of people LIKE Merlin, but no-one LOVES it. Comapre it to a definite kids' show like Power Rangers - kids love that show, adults can't stand it. And Dexter - adults love it, kids would be terrified. In my opinion, it really shows off what's wrong with a lot of British TV - Dr Who, Merlin, Robin Hood, Primeval etc - all trying to appeal to too many audiences at once and hitting none.

As a sidenote - I thought the comedy was pretty decent, considering what it was aiming for. Bradley James is a fine actor, and he played that donkey pretty well! So I don't really think it's whether it succeeds in what it's trying to do, rather that it is trying to do too much. The term "family show" should certainly be erased from the TV dictionary.

Sorry, rant over!

Re: 'TRUE BLOOD' 3.8 - "Night On The Sun"

NeilB — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 06:09:11 -0000

A soap opera - an interesting way to look at it. I think you're right. I don't think this would work either, but I suppose the only other option is to focus on one storyline per episode:

Ep 1 - Bill & Sookie
Ep 2 - Eric & Edgington
Ep 3 - Everything else
Ep 4 - Bill bad Sookie and so on......

But that would never work since people would breeze in and out all over the place. They definitely have issues throwing together a solid story :( But here we are - still watching.....

Re: 'TRUE BLOOD' 3.8 - "Night On The Sun"

NeilB — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:39:26 -0000

Deciding to throw a few more comments around this here blog, I'm probably going to spend the next 5 minutes ranting about True Blood. So please forgive me in advance!

Tara - I seem to hate her as much as you do. She just keeps moaning and moaning and moaning all the fecking time! I seriously hope she dies at some point soon just so she'll shut up. And I just don't her relationship with Sookie. They were established as best friends, always there for each other. But, essentially, Tara is a meddling bitch, right? She just pops up, says hi to Sookie, calls her a stupid mofo and walks off. Someone remind me why these two are friends again?

Alcide - could be so much more than he is. I want to see him rip a few more heads off.

Jessica - love her at the moment and they should really devote more time to her story. It was good to see her moments with Bill that really mirrored each other. And nice to have her throwing some violence around to "do the right thing".

Bill & Sookie - I was really happy when they broke up (from a storytelling POV), since it meant we had something different and would probably lead Sookie into Eric's arms. But when they suddenly get back together (in yet another "money shot" for Anna Paquin) I was pissed off. What was the point of all that?! I suppose the message it "love conquers all" but come on! This storyline happened in Buffy - Angel drank too much of her blood. This made Angel realise that he was more of a danger to her than a hero. So he left. I expect that is where this storyline is going.

Lafayette - definitely the most compelling character, but he's never given enough to do. I'd like to see his internal struggle shown a little more.

Terry & Arlene - I musy have missed something here. She's 11 weeks pregnant, yes? So it's only 11 weeks since Mr Cajun-Serial-Killer died???? If not, why is she worry so much?

Eric - my personal favourite character at the moment, since his story rings true. It's primal - revenge. So I was glad to see him kill Talbot, even though Talbot was such a funny character. And in such an......interesting way too. So the main thing I'm interested in is how Eric is going to keep his head when Edgington returns.

Jason - haven't we had this whole "Jason vs vamps" storyline before? In season one? And two? I know he's a little slow, but come on!!!!

All in all, I'm just enough interested in the few decent storylines that I'll close my eyes to the others. I instincively groan every time Tara appears and think Jason needs a good kick in the nuts, but I suppose it's watchable. They just need to trim everything down and focus on the best of the best.

Re: 10 Questions

NeilB — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:16:57 -0000

1. Do you ever read reviews here of TV shows you're not watching? If so, why? If not, do you revisit old reviews once you've seen the episodes yourself?

Yep, often read the reviews of shows I am no way interested in, simply to see what is happening. Trying to write for TV, so it means I can see whats cliche, done etc without actually watching

2. Are there any review you always read, but don't comment on? If so, why?

Always read True Blood and Chuck, but never comment. The shows just don't get me going that much and I don't feel the need to discuss it. Unlike Dexter!

3. Do you prefer reading reviews of shows that aren't covered so widely online (e.g Persons Unknown, The Deep)?

Definitely! It's nice to see what people think of the "little things". Perhaps reviews of one-off dramas as well etc?

4. Are you primarily drawn here for the reviews, or for the news?

Reviews, but also interested in your individual take on the news. Would like to see you let loose a little more with your own opinions.

5. Would you like me to resurrect the test-run feature "Open Thread", where I'd cover a show very briefly just to provoke comments? If so, what shows do you think should be covered that way? Would shows I watched but didn't review (Justified, The Good Wife) be popular as open-threads?

I never really commented on those anyway, but often read them. So if you have the time, sure!

6. How do you keep abreast of updates here? Direct visit to the blog? Using a RSS feedreader? A click-through from Twitter or Facebook? Etc.

Feed from m blog onto here, so direct visit?

7. Are you aware I'm on Twitter and DMD has a Facebook page? If so, do you interact that way? If not, why not?

Yep, follow on both. Occasionally post on the facebook wall.

8. Do you like the quantity-to-quality ratio at present? Would you be happy if there were LESS reviews every week, but an increase in quality?

I think the quality is fine and there are plenty of reviews to keep us going. The ONLY show I wish were reviewed here is Supernatural, but I know already that you don't watch it, so it's almost impossible now. Not to worry, I think it's coming in for its last season soon.

9. Would you read non-spoiler reviews of shows before they air on TV? Or would you just ignore reviews of that nature until you've seen them yourself?

I definitely wouldn't read any review before viewing. That's the sort of thing I'd do for a film, but not for one individual ep of TV. Now, maybe if a review of an entire series (spoiler free) was done, it would be interesting. I've never watched 24 or Lost (I know, HOW!!!???) for example, so a nice review of why I SHOULD would be good.

10. Are there any general improvements, changes, or ideas you'd like to mention yourself, based on how you think DMD is currently operating?

I think it's doing well. Maybe a few more photos of Yvonne Strahovski.......

Re: Prepare to get Obsessed With TV

NeilB — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:05:24 -0000

Congratulations - well earned!!!

I'm looking at doing some freelance, unpaid review/feature work with OwF in a few months so if you could share your experiences with them at some point, that would be awesome!

Re: Claudia Winkleman to host Film 2010

NeilB — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:45 -0000

[insert very VERY angry rant about hatred of Caludia and love of Ross here. Also, something along the lines of an assault on the BBC leaving Ross' mugshot scattered everywhere, a-la V For Vendetta]

Re: TRAILER PARK: Predators

NeilB — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 03:30:28 -0000

I'm pretty excited. Have loved Predator since I was about 7 (note: way too young to be watching certain scenes!). Back then I loved the fact that this huge brute was getting bitch-slapped by an alien. Later on I got the full experience of the suspenceful build up and great horror aspect.

Predator 2 was a joke. You'd expect them to up the game, but they go from highly trained Commandos led by the biggest action star ever! to an ageing cop played by Rigg's mate leading even crappier cops. Boring!

And naturally the AvP movies were a nightmare. So this has got to be at least the 2nd best Predator movie ever made, surely! Fishburne looks pretty badass as well - been waiting for an action piece for him. All in all, really looking forward to it - promising cast, if not your standard action film rota (maybe a good thing?) and good visuals. Pencil me and my action-starved mates in for the opening weekend!

Re: Dan's Media Digest is 4 years old today!

NeilB — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:54:02 -0000

Happy birthday DMD!!!! This is always my favourite site for film reviews, news, discussions etc and I love sinking my teeth into the TV aspect of things. Keep up the awesome work :)

Re: Spartacus: Bravo & Sand

NeilB — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:54:58 -0000

I've seen the first 2 eps, penned by creator Steve DeKnight (Buffy, Angel) and IMO they're very good. Not flawless, but pretty damn accurate in terms of violence and lifestyle. There's very little known about Spartacus, meaning they can do a lot, but they get a lot right about Roman society and gladiator life. John Hannah completely dominates when he's on screen, but everyone else seems to be doing ok.

There are some very MANLY action sequences with MEN killing other MEN with MEN watching. And MAN bloof flying everywhere etc that make it faily entertaining to watch. Did I mention it's MANLY btw?

I like it! DeKnight has got some stick for it being gratuitous with sex and violence, but he's clearly done his research because he's got it almost spot on. I told him so on facebook and he was very grateful, saying that they had a lot planned for the rest of the season.*

All in all, not the greatest show in the world, but some welcome violence and a pretty good character-driven story to keep you entertained.

* Yes, I name-dropped that I talk to Steve DeKnight on facebook. So sue me! I also talk to Tim Minear, don't you know! The perks of being a Whedonite....

Re: Oscars 2010: The Results

NeilB — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:16:56 -0000

I see your point, yeah. I think what Cameron did with Avatar is nothing short of amazing. However, The Hurt Locker was directed very well. But then so was District 9 (the highlight of the directing year for me) Like you say, it all depends on how we look at "directing". Similar to best cinematography for Avatar meaning we'll have to change what we think of as cinematography (I was certain The Hurt Locker would get that!) The Academy will never please everyone I suppose.

Re: Oscars 2010: The Results

NeilB — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:20:21 -0000

I thought the whole dig at Avatar was ridiculous. Ben Stiller (who I ususally love) took the piss a little too much. It's one thing having a joke every now and then, but would we see someone come out in a IED-defusing kit and parody a bomb explosion in Iraq? No! Because it's tasteless and offensive. So I thought they bashed Avatar way too much.

I knew (as much as I could) that The Hurt Locker would take gold but thought they might give best director to Cameron. Personally, I thought both were good films. The visuals and the world Cameron created were enough to make me forget I knew exactly what was going to happen. And my interest in war and lack of knowledge of IEDs etc were enough to keep me entertained through The Hurt Locker.