Recently I watched The Simpsons episode, Mother Simpson, in which Homer's mother returns to him for the first time in 27 years. This episode reminded me of the glorious moments of the past Simpsons episodes, where emotion played a major part. Mother Simpson reminded me of the way that The Simpsons managed to pull on the heart strings of the viewer.
During the glory years of the show, from about season two to eight there were regular episodes of such emotional depth as Mother Simpson, others like Lisa's Substitute, Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment, Lisa's Wedding, Bart Sells His Soul. These kind of episodes are what made The Simpsons such an unmissable show.
While many fans will claim episodes such as Last Exit To Springfield, Marge vs. the Monorail, A Star is Burns, 22 Short Films About Springfield are the great, hilarious episodes of the series. This may be true, and there is no doubting that these episodes are fantastic and funny, but for me, they don't have the great emotional pull.
The beauty of The Simpsons during these emotion filled moments is the ability to conjure up a remarkable lump in the throat from nowhere. It is a real testament to the writers, animators and directors of the show that within seemingly 15 seconds the mood has shifted to sad, tear dwelling moments.
This may be where the show has gone wrong in recent seasons, since the great days of the show, The Simpsons has struggled overly to reach those emotional moments. Sure, not every episode needs them, but every now and then, throwing in an emotionally stirring episode will remind the viewer of the glory days of the past, and just how brilliant The Simpsons were.
The above video is the closing scene of Mother Simpson, with Homer's mother leaving him once again.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
127 Hours - Review
Danny Boyle says that 127 Hours is 'an action film, where the main character can't move' and he is right. During the course of 127 Hours the main character, Aron Ralston is stuck, with one arm beneath a rock and no where to go. Yet somehow, this inspirational story remains captivating and interesting throughout the 90 odd minutes of the film and remains surprising. James Franco plays Ralston, the only character with substantial air time, and he plays it perfectly. 127 Hours searches the mind and ability of Ralston and puts him under the microscope for all to see, and all to enjoy.
An adventure loving explorer, Aron Ralston (Franco) goes on a weekend hike throughout the Canyonlands National Park, an area he professes to know well. Ralston doesn't tell anybody where he is going or for how long. He meets a couple of fellow hikers (Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara) and agrees to meeting them later on for a party. Ralston heads off in a different direction to the hikers and heads towards Blue John Canyon and slips while making a descent, leading to a rock pinning his right arm. Ralston stays trapped under the rock while he reviews his life, his mistakes, particularly those with his family and former lover (Clemence Poesy), before attempting to make a daring escape from the rock.
Based on the book Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston, 127 Hours is a triumph of cinematic bravado. Danny Boyle somehow manages to make it fresh and interesting, despite having to cover a man stuck under a rock for an hour of the film. The basic outlines of the plot allow Boyle to become aggressive with his direction and it pays off. James Franco is terrific as the lead, sweeping me up into his world with humour, grace and skill. Yes, the amputation scene is quite gory, so if you have a weak stomach, it may pay to stay clear of that scene. The final act, beginning with that scene is brilliant and satisfying, including brilliant makeup effects on Franco. An inspiring picture that teaches as much about the human mind and the psychological effects of being trapped as it does about the actual act in place.
Four out of Five.
An adventure loving explorer, Aron Ralston (Franco) goes on a weekend hike throughout the Canyonlands National Park, an area he professes to know well. Ralston doesn't tell anybody where he is going or for how long. He meets a couple of fellow hikers (Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara) and agrees to meeting them later on for a party. Ralston heads off in a different direction to the hikers and heads towards Blue John Canyon and slips while making a descent, leading to a rock pinning his right arm. Ralston stays trapped under the rock while he reviews his life, his mistakes, particularly those with his family and former lover (Clemence Poesy), before attempting to make a daring escape from the rock.
Based on the book Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston, 127 Hours is a triumph of cinematic bravado. Danny Boyle somehow manages to make it fresh and interesting, despite having to cover a man stuck under a rock for an hour of the film. The basic outlines of the plot allow Boyle to become aggressive with his direction and it pays off. James Franco is terrific as the lead, sweeping me up into his world with humour, grace and skill. Yes, the amputation scene is quite gory, so if you have a weak stomach, it may pay to stay clear of that scene. The final act, beginning with that scene is brilliant and satisfying, including brilliant makeup effects on Franco. An inspiring picture that teaches as much about the human mind and the psychological effects of being trapped as it does about the actual act in place.
Four out of Five.
Black Swan - Review
Black Swan inspired an unbelievable face of shock and wonder for me. It took about ten to fifteen minutes for me to comprehend the latest roller coaster from Darren Aronofsky, a psychological thriller, which borders on dramatic love story, ambitious horror movie and out and out action. Even if the action is dancing. Natalie Portman takes the lead and produces a performance worthy of her accolades. This movie surpasses any of Aronofsky's previous pieces, even The Wrestler.
Black Swan follows the pursuit of Nina Sayers (Portman), a young dancer who is desperate for the lead in the upcoming production of Swan Lake personifies the white swan side of the role. Her technique and petite appearance makes her perfect for the role as the young, innocent white swan. The director of the piece Thomas Lery (Vincent Cassel), understands Nina's ability and decides she is perfect for the white swan, yet urges her to let go of her technique and take on the challenge of the black swan. Meanwhile, newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis), is less technically adapt, but personifies the passion and movement of the black swan, and is envied by Nina. At home Nina's mother, Erica (Barbara Herschey) hounds her constantly, as Erica lives through Nina after her own dancing career failed. Nina struggles mentally with the role of the Swan Queen and begins to spiral out of control, while she keeps a watchful eye over Lily.
Portman turns in the performance of her career here as Nina, and is worthy of her Oscar buzz. Portman fits the role well, and in whatever areas she doesn't fit, she makes herself fit. The supporters are also quite good, with Herschey being the stand out, as Nina's over bearing mother. Kunis and Cassel are very good in their roles as well, as is Winona Ryder, who plays a minor role. Credit must go to the scriptwriters, Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz and John Mclaughlin for creating the scene in which Aronofsky weaves his magic. Black Swan not only captivated me, but managed to make me think long and hard during and afterward as to what exactly was happening to Nina. The mystery is kept well and truly alive by Aronofsky, with Portman the leading performer.
Four and a Half out of Five.
Black Swan follows the pursuit of Nina Sayers (Portman), a young dancer who is desperate for the lead in the upcoming production of Swan Lake personifies the white swan side of the role. Her technique and petite appearance makes her perfect for the role as the young, innocent white swan. The director of the piece Thomas Lery (Vincent Cassel), understands Nina's ability and decides she is perfect for the white swan, yet urges her to let go of her technique and take on the challenge of the black swan. Meanwhile, newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis), is less technically adapt, but personifies the passion and movement of the black swan, and is envied by Nina. At home Nina's mother, Erica (Barbara Herschey) hounds her constantly, as Erica lives through Nina after her own dancing career failed. Nina struggles mentally with the role of the Swan Queen and begins to spiral out of control, while she keeps a watchful eye over Lily.
Portman turns in the performance of her career here as Nina, and is worthy of her Oscar buzz. Portman fits the role well, and in whatever areas she doesn't fit, she makes herself fit. The supporters are also quite good, with Herschey being the stand out, as Nina's over bearing mother. Kunis and Cassel are very good in their roles as well, as is Winona Ryder, who plays a minor role. Credit must go to the scriptwriters, Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz and John Mclaughlin for creating the scene in which Aronofsky weaves his magic. Black Swan not only captivated me, but managed to make me think long and hard during and afterward as to what exactly was happening to Nina. The mystery is kept well and truly alive by Aronofsky, with Portman the leading performer.
Four and a Half out of Five.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Australia.
Australia is a deadly place to live, there is no making fun of that. Within six months, we were living in a dangerous drought, with Western Australia and Adelaide still desperate for water. Now, in the middle of summer an area the size of Spain, Germany and France combined is flooding in Queensland.
While we happily describe ourselves as the 'Lucky Country', and genuinely believe it so, we are home to the harshest conditions in most of the world. We have found ourselves complaining about a lack of rain, and within a month are wishing we had a little less. Within five days here in Victoria, we have had a 35 degree day and one with 15 hours of consistent rain. Melbourne is persistently referred to as having 'four seasons in one day' and it is not a joke. The other areas usually only have one season, a harsh one. Perth is expecting 34 degrees on Wednesday, Adelaide 32 with rain, Melbourne 25 and rain, Hobart 18. Each a part of one country.
As with the extreme bush fires of 2009, the Queensland floods of 2011 have produced deadly conditions, and, unfortunately death. When the darkest times approach Australians, we respond. We respond with daring rescues, and defy the conditions. No doubt, within the next week there will be dozens of stories following escapes and brushes with death. We respond with help too, there has already been a televised appeal raising money and the dollars will continue to come as we help out our own neighbours.
In times of need Australian's help each other more than we do when it is not desperately needed. This explains why and how this group of great humans have survived the times and conditions of this land. The environment will not wait for any man, and no man will wait for Australia. We keep moving, we survive and we prosper with humour, humility and grace, it is the Australian spirit and the Australian way. As we face adversity we work our way through, and while we survive and return to living we will not forget. It is the Australian way.
While we happily describe ourselves as the 'Lucky Country', and genuinely believe it so, we are home to the harshest conditions in most of the world. We have found ourselves complaining about a lack of rain, and within a month are wishing we had a little less. Within five days here in Victoria, we have had a 35 degree day and one with 15 hours of consistent rain. Melbourne is persistently referred to as having 'four seasons in one day' and it is not a joke. The other areas usually only have one season, a harsh one. Perth is expecting 34 degrees on Wednesday, Adelaide 32 with rain, Melbourne 25 and rain, Hobart 18. Each a part of one country.
As with the extreme bush fires of 2009, the Queensland floods of 2011 have produced deadly conditions, and, unfortunately death. When the darkest times approach Australians, we respond. We respond with daring rescues, and defy the conditions. No doubt, within the next week there will be dozens of stories following escapes and brushes with death. We respond with help too, there has already been a televised appeal raising money and the dollars will continue to come as we help out our own neighbours.
In times of need Australian's help each other more than we do when it is not desperately needed. This explains why and how this group of great humans have survived the times and conditions of this land. The environment will not wait for any man, and no man will wait for Australia. We keep moving, we survive and we prosper with humour, humility and grace, it is the Australian spirit and the Australian way. As we face adversity we work our way through, and while we survive and return to living we will not forget. It is the Australian way.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Foreigner's Sport
As an Australian teenager, I haven't been introduced to American sport, although I was always a little interested. This year though I have taken the big step of committing to the NBA and NFL and becoming a hardened supporter, despite the fact that I still don't know the entire rule book. Luckily for me I do have pay tv and One HD, which means there is a bare minimum of games to watch, and heading into the playoffs there is a genuine chance that my teams, Green Bay Packers and Miami Heat will get some good air time.
Firstly, the Miami Heat is probably the side I support more out of the two. But I want to make one thing clear, I was a supporter BEFORE Chris Bosh and LeBron James became 'Heaters'. With a friend we chose to follow the Heat after playing NBA 2K11 on Play Station. I was impressed with Dwayne Wade's pace and three point shooting, and seeing as I had never seen him play, he was already my favourite. Within a couple of weeks he was joined at Miami by a couple of alright players and I was sold. Since then, I watch Miami whenever possible and I am impressed by their return to form following a shaky start.
When watching a local comedy program a teacher labelled himself as a 'fudge packer'. So my love affair with Green Bay was born. Through research I was impressed by their history and decided to follow them full time. air time is scarce for the Pack-men so I have followed them by the internet, yet I am already hooked to John Kuhn as my favourite player, and have noticed his cult status with the fans. As I write actually the Packers are holding a 11 point lead over Philadelphia in the wild card playoff. Sensibly I am not celebrating, but with 4 minutes left, I am very happy.
Firstly, the Miami Heat is probably the side I support more out of the two. But I want to make one thing clear, I was a supporter BEFORE Chris Bosh and LeBron James became 'Heaters'. With a friend we chose to follow the Heat after playing NBA 2K11 on Play Station. I was impressed with Dwayne Wade's pace and three point shooting, and seeing as I had never seen him play, he was already my favourite. Within a couple of weeks he was joined at Miami by a couple of alright players and I was sold. Since then, I watch Miami whenever possible and I am impressed by their return to form following a shaky start.
When watching a local comedy program a teacher labelled himself as a 'fudge packer'. So my love affair with Green Bay was born. Through research I was impressed by their history and decided to follow them full time. air time is scarce for the Pack-men so I have followed them by the internet, yet I am already hooked to John Kuhn as my favourite player, and have noticed his cult status with the fans. As I write actually the Packers are holding a 11 point lead over Philadelphia in the wild card playoff. Sensibly I am not celebrating, but with 4 minutes left, I am very happy.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Plans For a First Blog
Well here it is, my first blog. Now all I have to do is think of something to write. It shouldn't be that hard really, I have lots of interests, namely anything that can be passed up as sport. Particularly darts, I was watching the other day, triple twenties galore, the fans loved it. Now what was I saying? Oh yeah, a blog topic. Well, hmm I could write about the state of Australian politics, but nobody wants to read about that online right? Am I right?
I suppose this whole blog thing is harder that I thought, namely because I thought it simply required writing whatever comes to mind, and that is not working out for me right now. Or is it? But seriously, if you are reading this, I'm Josh Barnes, I am 16 and I am working hard to create a blog here that is worth reading. So stay tuned. Thanks.
I suppose this whole blog thing is harder that I thought, namely because I thought it simply required writing whatever comes to mind, and that is not working out for me right now. Or is it? But seriously, if you are reading this, I'm Josh Barnes, I am 16 and I am working hard to create a blog here that is worth reading. So stay tuned. Thanks.
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