Model Citizen

A bit of a social comment this one.
I recently entered into a debate over at AV Talk concerning the film Captivity. At the time the thread was started the film was not yet at the cinema. So the post centered on the advertising poster, which apparently had had numerous complaints.
The question was asked "Do you find this offensive?"

I have to say, I was very surprised at the answers. It very quickly turned into a debate on censorship. Is it right, is it wrong. There seemed to be more against ANY form of censorship than those for, or was it just that they had the loudest voices, I dont know.

The whole episode though I found worrying. So will give my thoughts on it.
I agree with censorship. I've known times when I've scratched my head at some of their decisions, most notably Enter the Dragon and the Nunchux scene which was banned for years in the UK, but readily watchable from the US. However, apart from the odd one or two head scratchings I think they do a good job. I say good too as in the meaning of good.
# Acting in the interest of good; ethical (good intentions).
# Useful for a particular purpose (it’s a good watch).

I've never been a horror fan. I've not understood it for years, different people have given me their views on the genre, and it's a big one with different sub genre's and seriousness. There are people who happily watch a "slasher" film, enjoying it for the OTT performances and cliches, not really thinking at all that this is supposed to be a realistic film. However, there's a trend at the moment towards ultra real, ultra shocking horror. Not many have lived up to the hype when actually seen, but the advertising promises us the worst we can imagine.

For me, this is becoming worrying. When I last looked at the Poll for who found the poster above offensive I was one of the 2 people who had voted yes. Even now, when the film is out and it is apparent that none of the events advertised actually happen to the lead, the idea that hardly anyone found the advertisement of a film where a young girl is stalked, kidnapped, tortured and then murdered....all for the viewers pleasure, not the least bit troubling, is indeed maybe the most troubling thing of all.

The basic argument is if it's not real then anything goes. I have to say I dont believe that argument holds much weight. Sure we can tell our brains that something is'nt real, but at different ages you become more and less impressionable, people become involved in films, people get scared with horror films (of course).
Do we need this type of film, what pleasure or entertainment will it give us?

I'm stopping there. All I would say is have a think. Look at the poster and what it offers. is that something you desire?

 Well, as anyone who knows me well can tell you. i do actually have the memory of a goldfish.

So, after keep having brilliant ideas for pictures and then promptly forgetting them 10mins later I decided to buy a sketchbook to record them in.

So, I thought a nice hardback one would be good......HOW hard is it to find a plain paper hardback sketchbook! Everything had lines ruled onto it.  In the end I went to WH Smiths, which I thought would be very expensive. Should have gone their first, i found some lovely hardback books in varying sizes, they even had a thread bookmark, and all in the sale with 75% off. I bought 3 for under £5. in fact the pens I bought from Wilkinsons cost more. I got a set of fineline Steadlers for £4.50, and I'm sketching with a normal clutch pencil.

i'm actually enjoying drawing again loads, and often have the book out at home making up spaceships, planets or typefaces.

The kids all get out there paper too and join in.

Anyway, one idea that would have been lost was the one below which I got whilst watching a Leann Rimes DVD. It was'nt in the video but I somehow got the idea from it.

The original sketch i did had her in a long coat splayed out on the floor, but I'm not ready to that sort of thing yet. it was however a great excuse to finally use that massive top hat i bought at Renderosity. 

Ticker

Well, 2 rants in a row...I must be on a roll. This one concerns possibly the worst film I've ever seen.
Before I start, I must at first lay down my position on martial arts films. On the whole I like them. Most reviewers who put them down seem to miss the obvious fact that these are not about oscar winning performances. After all, did anyone complain when Bruce Willis did'nt bag a gong for his role in Die Hard? No, of course not, because it's an Action MOVIE!
So, when your watching Nico or Bloodsport your expecting some top class martial arts, agreed they should be interspersed with a half decent story, but top acting is not what you should be expecting. Jet Lee may be the exception here, as his performances seem to get better and better, see Unleashed or Fearless for 2 examples.

OK, back to the rant, now I love the early Segal movies, I think Aikido is one of the most skillful martial arts out there and I love seeing it used well. Films like Hard To Kill, Out For Justice and even the Under Siege films show some brilliant examples.

So, when Ticker appeared featuring Segal alongside Dennis Hopper, as yet another mad bomb maker (another Speed) and Tom Sizemore, another respected actor (Saving Private Ryan) I was expecting something a bit special.
What I got was a big pile of...well, I'd say see for yourself, but really, dont.
Segal plays some sort of Buddhist Zen leader of the Bomb Disposal Unit. Hopper is obviously killing everyone there is, and Sizemore is the detective on his heels.
Now remember, the redeeming factor of any Segal film is the Aikido and his skill in using it. Say what you like about the bloke, but he is lethal. So, it was a huge shame bordering on insane ridiculousness that the major fight scene was shot in the dark! With occasional noises of "oomph" and "Urrr" and interspersed with close up headshots of Segal looking mean. And that was it! What on earth were they thinking?
Back to the plot, Hoppers been dealt with and one bomb remains....of course it's a doozy and Sizemore is there. The clock is ticking, he's on the radio to Segal for instructions....but instead of the "cut the red wire...no the blue!" what you get is Segal philosophising with him that first he must become nothing etc and know nothing etc and only then with the patented hollywood 2 secs left on the clock may he cut the wire. Honestly, I've never seen anything like it, and pray I never do again.

Back to Segal, it's a shame that he really has seemed to have lost his way in films. The last few I've seen that were any good are quite old now, but if you like him dont go beyond Glimmer Man or Exit Wounds.

Well, glad that's off my chest.

Saw

OK, another rant, have'nt had one in a while.
I remember seeing this after hearing a lot about it. it was one of the new wave of ultra real, ultra shocking thrillers that seemed to be appearing.
I sat down, put the DVD on, and expected something along the lines of Seven, but maybe a bit gorier.
So, what's to complain about?

Well, it just struck me as absurd that the 2 seasoned detectives on the trail of Americas most wanted serial killer, after tracking him down to his apartment do...well, guess which of the following:

A: Call for back up, preferably a SWAT team covering all angles of the building etc.
B: Radio in and say they've located the perp and are awaiting instructions.
C: Do none of the above but decide to go it alone and try and bag the bad guy.

No prizes as to which it is.

OK, so they're in the apartment, it's heavily booby trapped but they have the guy at gunpoint.
Remember, he's Americas most dangerous killer. Would you:

A: Shoot him in the leg just for starters....well, might not be to ethical...so how about...
B: Make him get down on the floor, hands behind his head to put the cuffs on or...
C: Just walk up to him and get your throat cut

Well, so one of the detectives is down, but hey, these are seasoned detectives, they spend hours on the shooting range honing their skills....but unfortunatley, when it does come to shoot they could'nt hit a barn 12' away!
Which is a shame, because remember the Doc stuck in that room with the photographer? Well, apparently, with beginners luck you can shoot with surgical precision between arteries and bones...yes, I kid you not.

Almost at the end of this rant....but what about the killer lying on the floor....I mean, come on...really?

Following on from my new found love of Contemporary Country music (well, over a year now) I've been buying up various music DVD's. Rather than do seperate reviews I thought I'd just lump them all together in one Country Round Up. Yeeha!

First off, a good DVD to mention is Today's Best Country Music. featuring 10 tracks by various artists, that I will list for you:

Six-Pack Summer: Phil Vassar
How Forever Feels: Kenny Chesney
One More Day: Diamond Rio
Born To Fly: Sara Evans
Everything's Changed: Lonestar
Guys Do It All The Time: Mindy McCready
Just Let Me Be In Love: Tracy Byrd
Complicated: Carolyn Dawn Johnson
He Didn't Have To Be: Brad Paisley
You Wont Ever Be Lonely: Andy Griggs

A few things worth mentioning from this list. First, Tracy Byrd, is a bloke. No, really!
Second, other than Tracy, Andy Griggs and Phil Vassar I ended up buying albums from all the other artists. Lonestar and Brad Paisley, I'll go into later.
Another thing worth mentioning is how different these videos are to your average MTV nonsense. These guys and gals are'nt interested in being the next sexy star, poncing around in underwear, rather they're interested in telling stories and having fun. In fact that seems to be the overriding factor with this genre. Stories and fun.

OK, on to some other DVD's.

Brad Paisley The Video Collection 2006.

After seeing Brad's song He Didn't Have To Be above, it was clear he's a cut above average. This is a guy that can very easily engage you with some very emotional songs, and then have you grinning with his sense of humour.
Tracks worth noting:
Did you know Brad hosts a Bass fishing tournament? Well he does, and one song focuses on his girlfriends dislike of all his time out on the lake. He has to choose between her or the fish. The song is called "I'm Gonna Miss Her", also featuring Jerry Springer.
When I Get Where I'm Going. Featuring Dolly Parton. She's only in the video for a second, but wow, she looks good for her age! I reckon anyone who sees this video and hears the song will think, I want this song playing when I go.
Whiskey Lullaby featuring Alison Krauss. An outstanding duet. Featured on Alison's album A Hundred Miles or More. A heartbreaking story in the aftermath of WW2.

Lonestar Greatest Video Hits

After seeing Lonestar's video Everything's Changed, you again realise this is another very accomplished group. A very successful band, it's quite a surprise to hear their lyrics and see their videos and realise this is a group with family very much at the heart of what they do.
Although you only get 6 tracks on this video (for a very cheap price mind you), not one is a filler. All of them are genuine hits. Starting with Amazed, the song that made the band famous. Also of note are My Front Porch looking In, if your not singing this by the end get your money back. Not A Day, which was dedicated to the US soldiers in Iraq and was adopted by them as their song.
A superb group. I did read that the lead singer is due to move on and go solo, this will be a big loss if true to a wonderful group.

Shania Twain The Platinum Collection

By far the most disappointing DVD here. Which is a shame when you thing Shania has probably done more than most to bring Country to the ears of the masses. If the MTV style video is what you like, little content but lots of girls in different outfits, then you'll probably like it. It has to be said though, the videos improve as you watch (a massive 21 videos!), but I think that also says, Shanias best was her first. I'll just sum this one up by saying the CD sounds a LOT better.

Martina has a very similar approach to brad. In this collection of 11 videos, with introductory interviews on about 9 of them, you have a collection of very moving, emotional songs with a few good laughs too. The interviews are pretty good, though I watched them after I'd seen all the videos. Some of the stories have a slightly enigmatic ending, and Martina is kind enough to go into detail on what really happened. I wont spoil the stories for you here, but I will say they're happy endings.
There are some real Country Rock ballads amongst this collection, Wild Angels, Love's The Only House and Life Number 9, and it's good to see some thought put into the stories that accompany what are some very hard subjects.
Overall, it's a surprise watching this collection. I'd heard her music a number of times but when you really see what she's singing about it's an eye opener that means you wont listen again the same way.

An Evening With The Dixie Chicks

This is the only live performance I've bought, though a lot of the videos have a few live performances on them, this is a full concert.
Basically featuring the whole of Home, which at the time was their new CD. First thing to note, is it's probably good that it was new at the time because the songs the audiance do know are all accompanied by their singing.
Another thing to note, as with all these DVD's, when offered with 5.1 or stereo sound, the stereo is best. In the case of this DVD you get PCM stereo, which is superb.
The actual quality of this live video is slightly strange, all the others I'd see have been your typical music video quality, which on the whole is very good. Here there are 2 distinct types of quality depending on which camera is shooting at the time. You have a very clear TV quality camera for most of the show, but interspersed with widescreen film quality footage. Strange, but you get used to it after a while.
Even though this is Home sandwiched between a few other tracks, it really is like listening to a Best Of album, there are so many fabulous songs here. The girls themselves, self confessing White Trash, introduce a lot of the songs, and you can't help but like these misfits.
For what is the most successful girl group ever in any genre they really are a normal bunch.
You have Martie Maguire  talking about how her second husbands plan was to go to Vegas and win enough money for a wedding ring, a story that inspired the track White Trash Wedding, you have Emily Robison confessing to taking a break and getting "knocked up" and now they'll have to take another break, and of course Natalie Maines fresh after getting herself in trouble again, by what sounds like badmouthing the national anthem. I did'nt look up what the actual offence was, but the crowd did'nt seem that bothered. I was also amazed how good these girls are at playing. Flute, guitar, banjo, they really are a talented trio.
Natalie Maines also knows how to engage the audiance, telling stories and generally having a great time doing what she's doing. Nice to see her Dad there too playing guitar.
A very enjoyable concert from a superb group that unfortunatley got themselves in hot water, but need to bring out another album soon.


Summary.
If you can get hold of a copy of Today's Best Country Music, to be had on Amazon for a few quid. Take a good look at some of today's best Country artists and then dive in with the ones you like.