Oasis Review

Stemming from a director whose background is originally a novelist, it's no coincidence that the majority of Oasis flows much like a book. This film heavily covers the topics of "borders" and "communication," along with the difficulties of crossing those borders. Throughout you'll come witness to an upward mutation by the main character, Jong-du, whose mutation is miraculous as he builds relations with a handicapped woman named Gong-ju. The film shows the thin line between the desires of the individual and the needs of society and forces us to look at the disparity between the reality we see and that seen by others. This might mean the ultimate mesage may come somewhat ambiguous, the film itself offers a compelling vision of what love truly means, as it often transcends reason, beliefs, and logic. 8.7/10.

There Will Be Pokemon

Spoiler alert. Don't watch the following clip unless you've put yourself through Daniel's rise to power in There Will Be Blood. Trust me, it's not worth ruining the fun.

Last Life In The Universe Review

I'm not going to launch into an extended essay or spew to many superlatives, but truts me when I say Last Life is a strange delight. It's low-paced, artful, and filled with dry wit - enough to draw away the mobs of instant satisfaction almost immediately. However, give it a chance and you'll find its surreality of counter-balance an effective story-telling tool, but don't expect it to be simple or straight-forward. Then again, it's not complicated or pretentious either. Just the right balance of beautiful imagery and subtle roars of the ocean that makes you want to take a trip to Thailand. 8.1/10.

In The Mood For Love Review

Sometimes the most attractive thing about a film doesn't stem from just having beautiful actors, a burning chemistry of character relationships, or the masterful cinematography, but having all of the above fused together into a poetic, elegant, and nostalgic tale - that's something to be applauded. Of course, creating a new classic "romance melodrama" would be an understatement; the complexity of the thought processes conveyed by Wong Kar Wai is complemented by one of the best settings and props seen in a movie. Ultimately, it's an art movie that's hauntingly atmospheric and will keep you wanting more despite its 100 minute runtime. 8.4/10.

Time For Eclectic Action

I feel like banjos, computers, and old school infused-modern. It makes me grow into a flower. A blossomed yellow, filled with ink drips and oboes flying out of them.

Autopilot Is For Lovers - Pessimist (MP3)
Computers Vs. Banjos - Give Up The Ghost (MP3)

Cheer Me Up, Buttercup

With the recent demise of my first relatively corporate job, I've now dropped back to square one. Which can be a good or a bad thing. I could dwell in the misery that comes with unemployment, dreading the moment I break the bad news to my parents, and lose the happiness that I've gained from such a few fulfilling months. Or I could look into all else there is out in that endless sea of jobs that define you... or is it you that defines your job? I can't really tell anymore.

However, what kills me most are the friends I've made; not so much the job, but the people I've come to love from working at such a diverse company. The old and the young; all together chatting about whatever, talking about our high school experiences, and enjoying our free company-catered lunches every other day. It was good. Almost too good that I really didn't see this coming, and that also kills me.

So perhaps this is the most emo post anyone will never read. I don't care. I want people to know I feel you when it comes to the unemployment dilemma in a recession that's about to consume our country. I also want people to know that times like these, you gotta tell yourself, "I'm not done." No, siree. Starting next week, I'm going to embark on a brand new journey. For the record, it's still Springtime. And even if my energy has been tainted a bit, covered in dirt, I'll fucking prevail. I'll be up at night with mental charts, timelines, and hundreds of books on my nightstand.

This won't be the last of me. I promise you that.

My Bloody Valentine - Lose My Breath (MP3)
Bloc Party – Skeleton (MP3)

Rec Review

Another Blair Witch copy, this time with a "rage" enzyme that turns people into zombies. Sound familiar? Mix this with highly obnoxious people, sub-zero storyline, more nauseating camera work than 12 rounds of the tea-cup ride at Great America, and you've got Rec. Seriously, there is not one bit I liked. It has no change of environment - only a camera running up and down a stairway and people screaming everywhere. Avoid, avoid, avoid. 4.7/10.

Kung Fu Panda Review

Not nearly as good as Shrek, much better than Madagascar, but still provides a worthwhile trip to the movies. It doesn't try to over complicate things for the kids, yet has enough entertainment factor to make anybody happy regardless of age. Hence, it's no wonder everyone yelled, "Awesome," by the end of the movie accompanied by a mild standing ovation. 8.3/10.

Opio, Third Eye Vision & His Super Fly Shit

Like living legends, third eye vision will never stop flowin' futuristic. Peep Opio's latest material below.

Opio - Some Super Fly Shit (MP3)

It's Not Everyday You Find A Free $900 Chair

Well, since I found a pair of them, I guess that makes me $1800 richer right? I really could never put my finger on designer furniture - they're so overpriced that when you get them, you're afraid to even leave it out in the open in case other people know how much they're worth. On the other hand, since this was given to me for free, I'll pass this onto the next person who recognizes the design immediately when I move to New York. Wait, I'm moving to New York? What I meant was Chicago. Wait... huh?

Cloverfield Review

Let's be frank. Cloverfield is by far the most intense monster film I have ever seen. Only after its "la-di-da" character introductions in the beginning does the movie take off into an explosive voyeur rollercoaster ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. What surprised me more was there were no "f-bombs," thus keeping the movie a cheesy PG-13. Nonetheless, I applaud the great efforts put forth by the directors in creating one of the most unique monster movie experiences on the millenium. 8.5/10.

Fists of Fury Review

For those not familiar with Bruce Lee's early work, they're really nothing breakthrough except Bruce Lee's figure himself. Fists of Fury by itself doesn't amount to anything close to a masterpiece, but it does introduce the highly amusing and speedy fighting style Bruce Lee is famous for. Unfortunately, it falls right into the clumsy old kung-fu classics that's enjoyable as long as you don't search for anything profound. 7.3/10.