1.Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - My favorite movie of the series. It was wonderfully done. The kids are coming into their own, the action is more and more exciting with every film, and the danger is greater. Excellent job of weaving "larger themes" into the movie, as well. My only complaint is that they really rushed it. Coulda been a half hour (or more) longer, then they could have fit some more of the good stuff from the book in, and not hurried through some important stuff (like Occlumency lessons), and it still wouldn't have seemed long. But overall, I'd see it again in the theater, and that's saying something these days. New book tomorrow...so stoked to see who dies and who doesn't.
2.The Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist. First new album in seven years. And. It. Rocks. The first half the album is brilliant. It rocks hard and fast, and is excellent. After that, they kind of waver a bit, and the second half sounds like a combination of Billy Corgan's solo album, and the last album the band put out, Machina, neither of which is very good. But that could be because "The Smashing Pumpkins" consist only of the original drummer (the drumming is excellent, by the way) and Billy Corgan who does everything else...literally (it is actually credited that way in the liner notes). But I can't complain, I've listened to it around 8 or 9 times now, and I really dig it, even the last half.
3.Grey's Anatomy. Lacey and I have rented the first two seasons on DVD, and we're hooked. Let me just get this out of the way: I do like the show. That said, I have some major issues with it. The main one is that it is a slutty show. And I don't mean that just because everyone sleeps with everyone, which they do. The show has no orginality WHATSOEVER. And I know, I know everyone rips from everyone (as they say so eloquently in Swingers). But this is downright shameless...like a whore...didn't I say slutty? It borrows from Scrubs mainly, but also a handful of other shows. And did I say borrows? I meant STEALS. From characters, to diseases, to personality traits, to soundtrack choices, to everything in between, it yanks stuff from other shows all over the place. I almost can't get past it! The more I watch G.A. the more I am in love with Scrubs, which I am convinced more and more is the fourth greatest sitcom in the history of TV, behind Seinfeld, Cheers and Simpsons. It takes talent to be funny, and even more to be heartfelt in the same half hour. But I digress. I don't say all of this to make you think I hate the show. I do like it, but only because I'm this sappy, sentimental schmuck who lets himself be invested emotionally in the characters of a TV show. Oh well.
BTW, we'll be in Monroe on Saturday, hope to see many of you this week.
I haven't seen my usual bevy of summer movies, what with Lacey having a baby and all. But I have gotten out to see a couple in the last week or so, and wanted to at least mention them.
1.Live Free or Die Hard: Good, fun action flick. It got over the top at the end, even for me, but the ride was well worth it. I would have liked to see it go the same route as the other 3 and be rated R, but hey, they want to make money like everyone else.
2.Transformers: GREAT, super-fun action flick. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun at the movies...and I was by myself!!! I honestly couldn't tell whether I was enjoying it so much because I grew up on the toys and cartoon, or because it was a great movie, but seeing what some other people had to say about it really encouraged me. The special f/x were truly incredible, leaps and bounds and more leaps above anything I've ever seen. It was funny, touching at times, and the acting was pretty darn good, surprisingly. Having been a Transformers geek as a kid, it's not a big shock, but I actually had tears in my eyes the first time Optimus Prime spoke. I must have said to myself a dozen times that this movie was AWESOME. I saw it yesterday, and I'd see it again today in a heartbeat.
Another little slice of my window-washing playlist(s):
1.All at Once - The Fray: I've been listening to this CD at least every other day all summer long. It is flawless and amazing.
2.I Swear - All-4-One: Takes me back to my junior high dance days when I used to stay up late and tape the radio.
3.On Bended Knee - Boyz II Men: You know who made A TON of great pop songs in the 90's? This group.
4.Cleanin Out My Closet - Eminem
5.Panama - Van Halen
6.Intergalactic - Beastie Boys
7.Tropicalia - Beck: I"ve always really liked Beck. He can bust a serious groove.
8.Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight - Amos Lee
9.Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap: This is almost always on my playlists. Such a haunting song.
10.High - James Blunt
11.Sea and the Rhythm - Iron and Wine
12.Un Giorno Per Noi - Josh Groban: Great voice, but Bray is better.
13.Secret - Maroon 5
14.Boom - P.O.D.
15.Exodus - Bob Marley and the Wailers
16.Dice - Finley Quaye
17.Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
18.Deny - Default
19.Hello - Evanescence
20.Simple Man - Graham Nash
Bonus Track: Edited Title - Ben Folds: A remake of a Dr. Dre song that was on his last album Supersunnyspeedgraphic and is absolutely hilarious. I can't recommend it.