In Defense of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

The Indiana Jones franchise is one of the most popular of all time. However, after three films in the 1980's: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), it took 19 years for a fourth installment. While many critics gave Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull high marks, most of the fan community voiced disgust. I did not have a strong reaction either way in theaters, but after a viewing yesterday evening it occurred to me that this film took a great deal of undeserved criticism, and is a good addition to the Indiana Jones franchise. Let's address some of the grievances against the film. Reader input welcome.

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) uncovers the crystal skul

                              Aliens
I have heard this one too many times to not offer a response. Many say that ancient aliens are too ridiculous  for a 'believable' story. So the plot is ridiculous? Yeah. No kidding. This is Indiana Jones. The guy uncovered the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, and witnessed a man get his heart ripped out by an occult priest. Why are ancient aliens so hard to take? Having exhausted a good deal of traditional religious lore, it seems a fitting progression from the previous three films. 

 The Refrigerator and the Ants

The scene to the left caused a great deal of outcry and negative feedback. As with the aliens, it is pretty ridiculous. That is the point! What is cooler than a hero that survived an atomic detonation? 

The giant ant sequence is the second most often maligned in the film. Tough to argue with that one. If you are unfamiliar, a fight scene is interrupted when the combatants come upon a massive hive of hive-minded giant ants, so mentally connected that they climb on top of one another to reach prey. It's out there, but that's Hollywood.

                            Too Much Hindsight?

Marion Ravenwood returns

When we wait many years for a sequel, nostalgia can become overehelming. Overindulgence in this nostalgia can ruin films. The reboot of the Star Trek franchise in the last few years has taken its fair share of criticism in this regard, and Star Wars fans pensively await Episode VII. Some argue that Crystal Skull is overindulgent, but there is just enough to make the film work cohesive with the earlier trilogy. My favorite moment in the movie comes when Dr. Jones informs his students that to be good archaeologists they should spend more time in the field, reversing his mantra from the previous films, "Seventy percent of archaeology is done in the library." Bringing Marion Ravenwood back provides a good link to the past and welcomes a character that many wish had been present in Doom and Last Crusade. Filmmakers did not make the mistake of bringing back Connery or Rhys-Davies. One character was enough, and it felt more than satisfying. To answer the question, there was just enough hindsight to make sure it was Indiana Jones, but not so much as to repulse.

No words- just awful

  

The Complaint I Will Concede - Shia LaBeouf is TERRIBLE

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the best of the four films, in large part because of Sean Connery's role as Henry Jones Sr. It seems that the Ford and Connery's terrific father-son dynamic inspired Lucas and Spielberg to make another attempt by introducing Indiana's son, Mutt. I stand by their decision to introduce a son, but LaBeouf's greaser-bad boy-wannabee was terrible, and he failed to deliver anything close to a good result. Mutt's character does not develop throughout the story and has no rapport with his father. Every exchange degenerates to him calling Jones "old man." In my mind, LaBeouf's performance and character is the only inexcusable misdeed done by the filmmakers.

STRONG POINTS

Harrison Ford

The years did not take away anything from his portrayal of Indiana Jones. Everything is still there: the fighting, sly smile, moral fiber, intelligence, and resilience. Even more impressive, Ford did all of the stunts he possibly could. His physical fitness showed. The result? An Indiana Jones who has gotten older, and maybe lost a step or two, but is still tough as nails. He owns the character and the screen throughout.

Villains 

Vladimir Putin

Col. Dovchenko (Igor Jijikine)

The main antagonist is Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). Spalko's goal is to tap into the psychic power of the titular skull to use psychological warfare against the United States. While more covert than previous plots it fits well with the Cold War theme. Blanchett plays the possessed and dutiful servant of the state well, and the swords are a nice touch ("an elegant weapon, of a more civilized age" anyone?). What she lacks in physical presence is filled in by her henchman, Colonel Dovchenko (Igor Jijikine). He was one of the best surprises. Something about the character was humorous while intimidating (uncanny resemblance with Putin, right?). 

Final Thoughts

The purpose of this outpouring was to give a maligned film a fair review. Casting, with the exception of LaBeouf, was excellent. John Hurt put in a solid performance as the crazed Dr. Harold Oxley, and believably transitioned into a lucid version of his character for the final ten minutes. Karen Allen's return as Marion Ravenwood was welcome and vital to tying the film to its predecessors. If anything there could have been more of her. All the hallmarks of the old days are there: the hat, the deductions, Indiana getting out of absurd situations, exotic locales and a hero who can somehow always manage a grin. It may not be the Indiana Jones of years past, but I thoroughly enjoyed Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull and highly recommend it to anyone.

As always, comments welcome below.

Panic! to Death

Panic! at the Disco's new single "Miss Jackson" hit the airwaves on Monday. The song is  If you haven't heard it yet, give it a listen below.

"Miss Jackson" is an unwelcome departure from the material on Vices and Virtues. Vices and Virtues returned the band's sound to the realm of their debut record, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, after a tryst into Beatles land with their sophomore effort, Pretty. Odd. 

After giving a few listens to "Miss Jackson" the prognosis for Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! is poor. My initial excitement at a favorite band releasing new material wore off instantly. For some reason the new trend for pop-punk bands is to embark on a R&B/pop odyssey adventure or something (read my review of Fall Out Boy's Save Rock and Roll here). Panic! appears to have aimed for Fall Out Boy's new 'pop sensibility,' missed, and hit a bus full of puppies. I can't wait for an attempt at this song live. Energy has always been Panic! at the Disco's best attribute, and songs like this give them no way to display it. The song is a snooze.

As much as I disliked Ryan Ross' contributions to Panic! at the Disco, the most noticeable difference post-split is a decline in lyrical quality. Choruses have turned into wannabe-anthemic pop hooks. 

I don't want to leave you with the idea that I hate bands for changing their sound. I am a proponent of developing sounds and musical exploration, just not when it is terrible.

I'd love to hear other opinions. 

Time for a Coffee Shop Post

The facade of Cafe Grumpy

It's been a month in New York now, so it must be time to write a post about a hipster coffee shop. Fortunately I found one within the first week. I journeyed to Cafe Grumpy once more last weekend, and returned with photos to go along with this review. I can not claim to be a coffee connoisseur, but I can distinguish from the dregs I normally drink and what Grumpy had to offer. There are several locations throughout New York, but I have only been to the one in Chelsea, on 20th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Their website can be found here.

View of from inside the door

The first thing you notice, or not notice, is that there is a distinct lack of signage. The facade in the picture (above and right, can you find yours truly?) contains all of the visible markings, save a small picture of a grumpy face above the door. While I was saved by someone sitting on the stoop with a coffee cup, my friend was not so lucky and walked past the door several times before realizing what it was.

A variety of sweets

Once inside, the feel of the shop is much of what you would expect from a Chelsea coffee house, a worn in physical environment with a youthful feel and creative set up. The main room reminds me of the older homes in Charleston, South Carolina, very long front to back but narrow from side to side. The interior walls are brick, providing a homey feel. There is a variety of seating, with elevated tables in the photo above, an open seating room in the back, and a back patio for sunny afternoons. 

Open seating in the rear

On my first visit I played it safe and ordered their Colombian blend. Going along with the youthful feel, your order is taken on an iPad, and you write your signature with your finger on the touchscreen. Each cup is hand brewed in front of you, and served in quality dishware. I cannot emphasize how nice it is to get a cup of coffee in a ceramic cup, instead of the cardboard I have become used to. The Colombian blend was delicious, and only sets you back $3, more than reasonable for coffee these days, especially in New York. My friend ordered a cappuccino and gave it high marks. 

The back patio

 My second visit I ordered my usual Americano, which was also excellent. On this visit I also sampled their banana nut bread that mixed well with the flavor of the espresso. After two visits this has become my favorite coffee shop and I highly recommend it to anyone. The staff was friendly and service was prompt. Check out Cafe Grumpy next time you need a cup of coffee New York City, that is, if you can find it.

Moved to New York--This One's for Foodies

Given the title of this blog, it seems time to mention that I have achieved the titular goal. On June 12th I got on a train bound for Penn Station and arrived that night in my new home in New York. It has now been two weeks since I first laid eyes on Queens, and in that time it has become home. 

There are two things immediately apparent about Queens, and our neighborhood, Astoria: wide cultural diversity and the incredible food that comes with it. After arriving on the 12th Cassie and I ventured one block over to a hole in the wall eatery owned by a very friendly Syrian man. I enjoyed my first falafel sandwich. If you have never partaken in this delicacy you are missing out. Falafel is deepfried chickpeas, and the sandwich was stuffed with fresh lettuce, tomato and a hot sauce to give it a kick. The ingredients combine to give the feeling of a fried chicken sandwich, but without the heavy feeling that fried chicken brings. 

PITA HOT, 30th Avenue between Crescent and 29th Street

The second culinary discovery I have made, with Cassie's guidance, is the lentil. It is a delicious bean, available cooked and uncooked. We prefer the cooked variety for convenience. I have had more time to experiment with cooking, so I thought I would share something I have come up with. Listed below is a recipe for a lentil flatbread wrap. Serves 2.

Cook Time
Ten minutes

Ingredients
(2) Flatbread wraps (adjust depending on size and appetite)
(1/2) package Trader Joe's steamed lentils
Hummus of your choice
Sriracha Hot Sauce

Directions
1. Thaw lentils.
2. Set your oven to 400°F.
3. Place flatbread on cooking sheet with three spoonfuls of lentils each.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until flatbread edges begin curling.
5. Remove cooking sheet from oven.   
6. Apply hummus and hot sauce to taste

That is the working recipe. I'm sure it would be excellent with tomatoes, lettuce or different sauces. Stay tuned for more insights from New York City rookie in the next few days. 

Saved Rock and Roll?

Am I about to review the new Fall Out Boy record? Yes. Yes I am. 

Album: Save Rock and Roll

Band: Fall Out Boy

Label: Island Records

Producer: Butch Walker, Fall Out Boy

Release Date: 12 April 2013

I can't tell you how long I waited for some new Fall Out Boy material. That sounds pathetic, but ever since their major label debut From Under the Cork Tree, I have not been able to get enough. Save Rock and Roll has been a surprise on many fronts, most of all, in content. If you pick up this record expecting the punchy guitar and fast paced Fall Out Boy you will surely be disappointed. The band has embraced a wide range of musical styles into their music, with songs including string sections, keyboards and synthesizers, as well as a notable dubstep drop (the author of this blog does not condone listening to dubstep in any way). Hip Hop, R&B, and EDM influences are present throughout, adding to the band's already broad sounds.

Highlights: 

1. The Phoenix

There is something about statement of purpose songs at the beginning of albums that I love. "The Phoenix" should have been the lead single for the record. It is a right hook to the chin of all of Fall Out Boy's critics over the past eight years. The chorus references critics who are wearing the band's "vintage misery," and that it is time to grow up and accept that changes that come with growing. The song features a string section, which sounds a little too similar to German artist Peter Fox's "Alles Neu" to be original FOB, but you can judge that for yourself.

Peter Fox, "Alles Neu"

Fall Out Boy, "The Phoenix"

4. Where Did the Party Go

It is a rare thing for a rock band (some might dispute this term in this case) to put out a song that is a genuinely "danceable" party song. This song breaks the mold. Leading with a catchy up-tempo bass hook, driving drum line, and electric chorus, "Where Did The Party Go" is a powerhouse. Lyrically thoughtful, as all of their songs are, this song makes you think, as long as you can stop tapping your feet long enough to do it. 

8. Death Valley

Writing a song with a dubstep section is not what you would expect from a record called Save Rock and Roll, but as it should be clear by now, the name is tongue in cheek. Death Valley is the closest song on the record to vintage FOB. It is punchy and poppy until the dubstep section in the bridge. 

9. Young Volcanoes

If you didn't know you were listening to a Fall Out Boy record you might mistake "Young Volcanoes" for a Train song. Acoustic guitar and hand claps have never been the band's MO, but they make it work with a catchy pre-chorus that leads into a chorus clearly prepared with stadium shows in mind. Lyrically the song has some chuckle moments, while remaining introspective.

10. Rat a Tat (feat. Courtney Love)

There is no reason for Courtney Love to be in what is otherwise an excellent song. If you can tune out her stupid ramblings, this is one of the better songs on the record. Lyrics look at the difficulties we face in dealing with change, somehow, in a hopeful manner.

11. Save Rock and Roll (feat. Elton John)

As interesting as it is having Elton John on your record, he doesn't really fit with Fall Out Boy's vibe, or the vibe of the record. However, it is a great anthem to end the record.

The record suffers from its reliance on guest performers. In addition to Elton John and Courtney Love, Big Sean features on "The Mighty Fall" and Foxes provides vocals on "Just One Yesterday." Neither Big Sean nor Foxes add anything to these two tracks. They serve as distractions, as if the band felt they needed to add more performers just because they could. Simpler is most often better. 

Grade: A-/B+
Save Rock and Roll is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Four years' hiatus have not detracted from the band's sardonic wit; the title itself is beautifully tongue in cheek. Guest performers detract from the record, and of course any ensuing live performances. The record is a rarity for Fall Out Boy, back loaded rather than front loaded, and it closes with a punch, leaving the listener pensive and thoughtful. Highly recommended for listeners of all styles of music.

Terribly Sorry for the Delay

My sincerest apologies for the lack of material over the past two months. The final weeks of my time in academia and graduation were both busy and exhausting. However, I have excellent news. I am officially moving to New York this upcoming weekend, on the job hunt, and rearing to go. Two things in the past few weeks have really piqued my interest. The first I will expound on now, and the second will have to wait for another post.

The first is the BBC series Sherlock a modern retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. For a longtime reader and Holmes enthusiast the recent resurgence in interest in Doyle's works is spectacular. The three most popular efforts have been Guy Ritchie's films starring Robert Downey Jr. in the titular role with Jude Law as Doctor Watson, a CBS series title Elementary with Jonny Lee Miller as Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson, and of course the BBC's effort, with Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and Martin Freeman as Watson. some good, some bad, and some terrific.

I have only seen one episode of Elementary, but I can say with some certainty that it is entertaining, but ventures too far from Doyle's original works. With different names it could be any other crime drama. I am sure some will disagree, but I believe that Sherlock Holmes lives on Baker Street in London, nowhere else. 

Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows must struggle the least of the three series to retain Doyle's Victorian setting, because of course it is set in Victorian Britain. They are two terrific films. Mystery films are always the best when each piece of evidence is shown on screen, even if the details escape the entranced viewer. Ritchie does not disappoint in this aspect, making the films more rewarding each time. 

The series I have set out to review, for lack of a better word, is Sherlock. The ninety minute run time of each episode may seem lengthy for a television series, but the amount of detail, flexibility, and suspense that it provides is superb. It also allows each episode to stand alone, although each episode benefits from having seen each prior episode. 

The most difficult piece of writing a modern Holmes series is incorporating technology and finding modern day equivalents for Holmes' habits. The struggle with cigarette addiction was the perfect replacement for opium addiction; in one scene Holmes rolls up his sleeve to reveal a multitude of nicotine patches. The character retains his habit of playing the violin, but his detachment from human contact and apparent psychopathy is played up much more than in previous Holmes adaptations. Technologically speaking, cell phones play a large part in the series (with a little product placement here and there, just for fun I'm sure), and Holmes is often seen in the lab, using the latest forensic technologies to solve crimes. Rather than Doctor Watson writing his account of Holmes on paper, it is converted to a blog, both popularizing Holmes' exploits and bringing in new cases. The way technology is brought in is unobtrusive, and does not distract from the story. 

Doctor Watson is an incredibly difficult role to play, for any actor, because of his purpose in Doyle's works. He exists solely for the purpose of transmitting to the reader what Holmes is thinking. In comparison with Jude Law's interpretation of a tough wingman for Holmes, Martin Freeman is shown as a much more caring and intellectual type, probably the smartest of the Watson's of years past, while maintaining the steely resolve of a military doctor (he is a veteran of Afghanistan, rather than India, fitting in with the modern interpretation). He is also a crack shot. Rather than having a story with two heroes, Watson is the hero and Holmes the antihero. Freeman excels in protraying this role, as he did in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, because he is so much like the average viewer: smart, caring, and compassionate. 

I know I have said little of Cumberbatch as Holmes, but there is really little to say. He is much more intense than other actors, who play Holmes as a much more laid back character, but he has excellent presence, and works well with Freeman. However his absence would not destroy the series.

Sherlock is an excellent series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Doyle's works or the characters he developed.

When Great Ideas and Products Meet

This one blew my mind.

I first saw this video on YouTube shortly after it came out last March. After I managed to stop laughing and my sides stopped hurting, I realized the genius of both the product and the advertisement. 

This was confirmed when I visited their website and discovered that the service was already on back order for several months. I believe that's what you might call "effective advertising." So, without further ado:

Brilliant.

I'll get into the quality of the product a little later, but for now, let's break down the video.

We begin in a normal looking office with the founder explaining what the company is, only to be surprised by an expletive, a great example of shock value. From that point on, the commercial continues to escalate in ridiculousness. Scenes include a baby shaving a man's head, a dancing bear, cutting tape with a machete, and a dance party. 

At the core of the commercial, and the company, is the notion that the shave-tech industry bombards us with increasingly unnecessary and elaborate gizmos. I tend to agree. The jab at Gillette's sponsorship of Roger Federer and the shout out to the founder's grandfather are thought provoking and humorous. Think about any picture you have seen from pre-1980. Can you see an apparent difference in a man's shave because he didn't have a razor with a vibrating handle, four thousand blades, a laser pointer, and an iPhone attachment. KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) as they say.

Analysis of the product: Superb. I was pensive when ordering, because it could have backfired. But for $5 a month (there are three options, https://www.dollarshaveclub.com/our-blades) it made sense to try. I could not be happier. It is superior to my old Gillette 4-blade in every way: durability, closeness, and comfort. I recommend the product to anyone out there, and after four months, there is no way I will be going back to store bought razors. 

Great Product + Great Advertising = Happy Customers.

Explanation of the Title

At this point it seems prudent to explain the title of this blog. It is a several fold explanation, the first of which is the excellent song from my favorite band, from Liverpool, The Wombats:

Second, my roommates have predicted that I will move to New York after graduation. Deep.

The third and final piece is a corollary of the second, I am trying to move to New York after graduation, how incredibly shocking. However, the most important part of this post is to rave about The Wombats, who I have had the fortune to see twice in the last two years. Best live act I have ever seen, and I have seen some good ones; Foo Fighters are hard to beat folks. 

They mix witty, sappy, and depressing lyrics with incredibly upbeat and happy music to create a unique sound. When you watch the video above and crave more, check out their debut record, "The Wombats Proudly Present: A Guide to Love, Loss, and Desperation" and sophomore effort, "The Wombats Proudly Present...This Modern Glitch." Both are chock full of thought provoking lyrics and addicting music. After you become addicted to them you can blame me. You're welcome in advance.

Dance Pony Dance

During the North London Derby last week (that's Tottenham and Arsenal for you non-football fans) this advertisement came up during the post game show. 

Probably one of the funniest TV ads that I have seen in a long time, it is an excellent example of how an advertisement can be effective without showing (or being relevant to) the product. I can't speak for many others, but as soon as the commercial was over, everyone in the room watching wanted to know what the company is (for those who are wondering, "3" is a mobile device retailer and broadband service provider). The choice of song is superb, Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere," and the concept endearing. It also continues the trend of 'absurdist' (for lack of a better term) advertisements that we have seen in the last few years.

Next up: "Dollar Shave Club"

So it begins

I have held off on the blog thing for a long time, but now I think it's time I start imposing my ideas on cyberspace. This is going to be a place where I discuss and post thoughts about the two things occupying most of my mental capacity: advertising and music. First post to come shortly...English advertisements are a nice refresher from ours here in the United States, one this past week was excellent.