Movie review: Ran (1985)

• October 12, 2006
• James Skemp

There are a number of movies out there that seem like they go on far longer than one would have thought. Two hours long, but it feels like it's over four. Ran is one of these movies, but in the best possible light.

Read More

Movie review: Bowling for Columbine (2002)

• October 10, 2006
• James Skemp

The first thing to always keep in mind, while watching any documentary, is that the producers always have an agenda in mind. That said, this is the second Michael Moore film I've seen (Fahrenheit 9/11 being the other), and the time I've reminded myself to take everything with a grain of salt.

Read More

Movie review: Being John Malkovich (1999)

• October 6, 2006
• James Skemp

It's unfortunate that I didn't watch Being John Malkovich, my third movie through Netflix, sooner. Unfortunate because it's one of the most interesting films I've seen in a very long time ..

Read More

Movie review: Seven Samurai: Criterion Collection (1954)

• October 3, 2006
• James Skemp

My first Netflix movie was Urusei Yatsura Movie 2: Beautiful Dreamer, and my second was another Japanese movie, albeit one a little more well known, Seven Samurai.

Read More

Movie review: Urusei Yatsura Movie 2: Beautiful Dreamer (1984)

• September 28, 2006
• James Skemp

At their best, the Japanese are one of the few groups that can create, again and again, movies that touch upon great philosophical questions and ideas. Urusei Yatsura Movie 2: Beautiful Dreamer, is one of those great philosophical movies that you could watch again, just for the dialogue.

Read More

Netflix shipping, for Madison WI

• September 26, 2006
• James Skemp

Over the next couple of weeks, at least, or over the next couple of months, if I'm happy with Netflix, I'll be posting here information about where I received my Netflix movies from, what kind of turn-around I've received, and etcetera. My hope is that this information will be beneficial to other Madison folks who may be interested in Netflix.

Read More

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence - Scene 17: Control System

• August 19, 2006
• James Skemp

[17 Control System]

"'Who can gaze into the mirror without becoming evil? A mirror does not reflect evil, but creates it.'"

"Poetics, now? We're running low on ammo."

"'Thus, a mirror bears a glimpse, but not scrutiny.'"

===

Read More

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence - Scene 16: The Ship

• August 19, 2006
• James Skemp

[16 The Ship]

(Batou busts into the ship from above.)

"I'm in. Forward the vessel data. Download complete. You got my vision in your sites?"

"Recording now. Wouldn't miss my mentor's assault."

"You're a real smart ass."

Read More

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence - Scene 15: Undersea

• August 19, 2006
• James Skemp

[15 Undersea]

(Batou goes under the water. He grabs onto a dolphin.)

"I've made contact with the escort."

"Roger."

Read More

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence - Scene 14: Kim's Mansion. The 4th Encounter

• August 19, 2006
• James Skemp

[14 Kim's Mansion. The 4th Encounter]

(Togusa:) "Are we actually back in physical reality?"

(Batou:) "There is no way to distinguish reminiscence from true memory. Whatever they are, they can only be analyzed after the fact. The passage of time itself can't be stored, so it's tough. And inevitable, now that our e-brains share external memories. Do your wife and daughter, waiting for you at home, really exist? Or are you, in reality, still single, living in some cheap rented room, only dreaming of that family. Don't you want to verify what actually happened back there?"

Read More