A writer, reloaded

A more apt title for this movie is how an engaging film filled with good actors and a tight story died one weekend in August at the side of the box office. Scott Pilgrim oozes with everything a large budget Hollywood flick usually avoids: creativity, edginess and passion.

With all those character flaws stacked against it, I have no idea how this movie ever got made, but I’m glad it was. Because the film at its heart is funny.

One need not be a graphic novel geek to appreciate the familiar framing and composition of the shots and the meter of a storyboard driven plot. At times it’s campy, maybe even sompy. Other moments are satirical or snarky. Always though, Scott Pilgrim entertains.

What works about Scott Pilgrm:
1) Translating a graphic novel for the screen can be very difficult. The director bridges the different forms while preserving the spirit of the story, and yet does so while recognizing the strengths of the live action medium. The end results hits the audience in a way only a good movie can.
2) Combat scenes: Who knew Michael Cera could fight so well? Or even fake fighting so well.
3) Very witty.
4) The stunts. Surprisingly.

Verdict: DVD purchase.

Kind of like this virtual tour business. I get to watch Netflix and chill with the cats at night in my own living room, and yet the promotion machine marches on.

Speaking of DVD’s really, really liked World’s Greatest Dad, which was written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait ( Yep, that Bobcat from One Crazy Summer ). A dark comedy, and the heir apparent to Heathers, the movie goes where few satires dare breach.

Just got back from a late night showing of Wedding Crashers. Hysterical! A review of this, plus Fantastic Four and the Longest Yard will follow in the next few days.

Day Four of Atkins: no serious hunger pangs or sugar cravings. Yum.

In a rush to finish the book by October, I recently freed more time for writing by reducing my RDA of the Internet. Cold turkey is never a pretty approach to addiction treatment, and my habit verged on the severe. Sensitive to the likelihood of a relapse, consumption levels were stepped down down in a very methodical way. And the shock treatment helped.

But that’s all behind me. Now each time the web browser opens a loud voice says “No Internet for you today! You go write book now.” Yes, it is my own voice. Even the bad Chinese buffet manager accent.

I yell back that I need a break, the voice replies, “You go now!” No matter the argument, the voice always has the last word. I really hate that guy sometimes.

When the day is done, indulgences rule. Here’s a few sites for off the clock infotainment.

The Superficial A great source for the celebrities and sleaze. The front page is safe for work, but there may be links to materials unsafe in business settings.

Rate my Bunny How does your rabbit rank? Upload the picture and find out. Should be safe for work unless the moderators fell asleep at the wheel.

NNDB A massive, ever growing aggregator that tracks a select list of individuals the site owners consider significant. While much of the information is known and available in other formats, the site exposes relationships between those individuals that are easy to overlook. Fun for conspiracy buffs and packrats alike. Safe for work.

Review is coming soon….must continue writing…check back later….

Happy 4th of July! A movie review for the weekends blockbuster will appear Tuesday.