Watching and Reeling

Reel Nostalgic

I finally watched the Garbage Pail Kids movie last night,
It was super cheesy, much to my delight.
The whole thing took me back to my childhood days,
Where Hulk Hogan and He-Man were all I’d praise.
I’d watch “Today’s Special” and “The Edison Twins”
“What’s going to happen to Batman?” I’d exclaim with needles and pins.
Lunch-boxes and recess, portable school rooms,
Scared of the basement where the boogey-man looms.
Gum that came with those cards from TOPPS,
Playgrounds, kick-ball and cross-walk stops.
There are many things that remind me of the past,
They make me think, “wow, time flies by fast.”
But, I really do think movies are the best way,
To experience nostalgia, return to yesterday.
So with that said, let’s take some more time,
Recap some old movies and continue this rhyme (if you don’t mind)
The Neverending Story was my favourite cinematic treat,
Bastian + Atreyu + that luckdragon Falcor = Sweeet!!!
Adventures in Babysitting was a huge roar,
Remember that scene where that kid meets Thor?
Fast Times at Ridgemont High and that stoner Spicoli,
That pool scene with Phoebe Cates HOLY MOLY!!!
There’s that Teen Wolf series with Michael J Fox,
Which I watched a few times when I had chicken pox.
The Short Circuit movies with that robot Johnny 5,
Haim and Feldman starred in: License to Drive.
Can’t forget Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,
The Breakfast Club with all their angst and gloom.
Those kids that fought Dracula: “The Monster Squad”
And then there’s E.T. and Elliot: “Two peas in a Pod.”
Back to the Future with the DeLorean and Doc,
McFly went back to '55 and reset the clock.
Stand By Me saw four friends coming of age,
Poor Teddy Duchamp, and all of his rage.
That kid who skipped school, his name’s Ferris Bueller,
And Bowie in Labyrinth…Is there anything cooler?!?
Yes, all of these movies give me a nostalgic rush,
Like chewing on Bubble Tape or drinking Orange Crush,
Or plastic bowling balls with colourful pins,
Oscar the Grouch and his garbage bin.
But, I really do think movies are the best way,
To experience nostalgia, return to yesterday.

Talk to you sooner than soon,

-Samosa



Watching the Watchmen

I want to take you six months back when there was no getting away from the array of adverts for the movie Watchmen. Zack Snyder’s adaptation of the 21 year old comic hit a nerd chord within me and I was over the top excited. I remember when the first trailer was released and website after website was putting up frame-to-frame comparisons to show just how faithful the movie is to the comic. This was insane, however faithful it is to the comic it will still be unable to replicate the depth and experience of the comic.

Obviously, being a hardcore fan I wanted the movie to be successful in every way. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that there’s this uncomfortable feeling to the excitement associated with “superheroes are not just for kids” idea that The Dark Knight has already claimed. The level of worship of the Watchmen comic is tremendous all around the world and therefore lacked the criticism brought on by its historical importance. On a technical level the comic was almost perfect and still is unmatched in its ambition to use the comic medium. I remember thinking, if Snyder really stays faithful to the content, how will modern audiences react to the gender politics, party politics, or the ridiculous ending that seemed so out of this world two decades ago but seemed awkward to Chris Nolan’s more complex Dark knight.

Well it was not long until March 6th came and I was in line buying my ticket to this movie. Overall the story is an exact replica of the book, with every flashback in place with the biggest change towards the ending. The movie begins like the comic with the Comedian being killed off, which set the mood for the next 160 minutes. After this scene a brilliant montage is shown, this introduces the Minutemen and helps newcomers pick up the story. Every character was well cast, takes complete hold of your attention. The fans will have a splendid time recognizing all the smaller characters, such as the news-vendor to the shrink with his pills. The 18+ rating was rightfully given to this movie for its content; however it doesn’t distract but gives Watchmen something truly adult, very different from the far more gentle ‘Knight’.

Watchmen is without a doubt the film I was hoping for. A perfect adaptation of the graphic is impossible, but this is the closest Snyder could get. His eye for detail will please fans, visuals were mesmerizing, the characters were developed well and the changes were pleasing. The 160 minutes flew by and I can’t wait to see this movie again. This is an astonishing movie that impressed me greatly, the Watchmen is definitely worth watching.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Nerd,

Wonton