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11.30.2010
11.28.2010
But Daddy, it's not very comfortable!
Hey misfits! In the constant battle of The War on Christmas, we're prepared to drop the bomb & ask for your input on your favorite Misfit Toy from the Rankin/Bass classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. & oh yeah -- what exactly was wrong with the doll? & why is Santa such a cock?
11.26.2010
BENNETT INVENTORY : That Moment
STAR WARS Episode VI : Return of the Jedi -- Death of Vader
I don't wanna get way into talking about the Prequel Trilogy -- if for no better reason than I'm as tired of hearing people bitch about it as you are, let alone write about it myself. But, when discussing this particular scene in this particular movie, it's necessary. It's necessary because, yes, in their heartbreaking inadequacy, they gave even more weight to the already heavy climax of Return of the Jedi - if only a teensy bit. The death of a villain is a delicate thing, & should be as loud and theatrical as the characters they are; not audibly loud, but echo in the metaphorical sense. It's hard to think of the Wicked Witch or Hans Gruber without getting an image in your mind of their demise. Darth Vader is no exception, & rightly so, arguably being the greatest cinematic villain of all time (certainly top 5 for me). & on the long list of bad-guys-dying, I'd be comfortable placing his at the top of the list.
When I was little, I thought the coolest part of it was that we got to see the different parts of his helmet - or even that his helmet came in parts. Now that I'm older, well, that still is a pretty cool thing. But I'm now better able to appreciate the scene on several other levels. The first being that it's refreshing to see something other than a firey helicopter land on his head, or see him get sucked into some kinda super computer, or any other boring, faux-brutal manner. In fact, other than the out-and-out simplicity of it, there's also an ambiguity in its softness -- was it the force lighting that killed him, or the removal of his mask, or the exhaustion in the finality of bringing balance to the force like he was 'chosen' to do. & in this case, the showiness & theatricality of the villain's death is that very subtlety: he goes out with words. & even more so, it's not any kinda big, eye-rolling soliloquy -- it's written, performed, & directed with scrupulousness; the way a villain's death should be.
After the mechanics of the costume & the overall somber tone, the other great detail is the ultimate reveal -- much greater, to me, than what put him in the suit, or overthrowing the Emperor, or even the "I am your father" thing. Because, after 6 movies, it's the only surprise left: what's become of him under that mask. In addition to acquiring a vaguely European accent in A New Hope & losing a considerable amount of lightsaber skill, the one major difference we have to wait to see is what an aged, burnt Anakin looks like - & it pays off in full.
- Paul
11.22.2010
BMAs 2010
Be prepared to make a difference! Bodega Girls are up for Electronic Act of the Year in the 2010 Boston Music Awards. Equally as important: the Bennett Media co-produced event, "Cool Ranch", is nominated for Best DJ/Dance Night.
You yourself can go & vote for it/them/us. Polls close on Nov. 29 at 5pm ET, so spread the word & legs.
11.18.2010
11.17.2010
11.16.2010
The Movie Title Mash-Up Quiz :: Part Two WINNER
Congratulations to Bennett Media reader Tom, who, while not the only one to guess every correct title, was the first.
We also extend our praise to all who participated & for sending in a lotta right answers -- despite a gaffe on our part that may have thrown one or two of you (though some of you saw right through it & still managed to prevail).
For Tom's list of correct answers, revert to the comments posted under the contest.
& to Tom, feel free to contact us via the email address provided in our Blogger profile to claim your prize.
Great job to all, & keep an eye out for Part Three.
11.14.2010
BENNETT INVENTORY : The Movie Title Mash-Up Quiz, Part Two
We're back, ready for round two!
Firstly, we want to congratulate all who participated in part one of the Movie Title Mash-Up Quiz. While no one was able to guess all ten titles, we have just as much admiration for those who took the time & effort to give what were collectively correct answers. & to once again reiterate the rules, we've published everyone's guesses for Part One, along with the correct answers.
For Part Two, the same rules apply. & for the winner (should there be one), we're offering a box of 36 sealed packs of Stadium Club 1992 Batman Returns Trading Cards.So, let's get this show up & away, shall we?!
1. The spirits of two deceased teenagers make a deal to return to their bodies by exploring the depths of an Icelandic volcano.
2. A crooked cop shows the ropes to a young rookie on how to make a movie amid various setbacks.
3. A young documentary film crew ventures into the jungle to assassinate an army colonel gone mad.
4. A mild-mannered barber finds wealth in oil prospecting.
5. A retired gangster/gambler loses his way as the lines between fantasy & reality become blurred.
6. After the elderly caregiver passes away, the children seek spiritual guidance from an Indian in the wild west.
7. A con artist & his daughter work together to keep peace between humans & aliens.
8. A battered African American woman finds romance in a fictional movie character.
9. Two male musicians disguise themselves as women in this American Air Force parody.
10. While renovating an abandoned mental hospital, a man & a woman engage in a torrid love affair.
11.13.2010
HEADS :: Paul Thomas Anderson
- b. 1970 Los Angeles, CA, USA- Director: 5 feature films (1996-2007)
Our favorite: Magnolia (1999)
11.12.2010
11.08.2010
11.03.2010
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