mr. bobinsky

HBO has fueled my infatuation with circus imagery (Carnivàle) and my admiration for the "c" bomb dropping Ian McShane (Deadwood). These two interests dovetail in Coraline's mouse trainer neighbor, Bobinsky. Mr. B even has is own blog (http://bobinsky.tumblr.com/)! Ian McShane's voice brings the perfect touch to this Russian former gymnast, just as he did for Tai Lung in Kung Fu Panda.

Visually this movie was more impressive than I expected and 3D has come a long way baby! I can't believe I forgot to recycle those 3D glasses... hope I get to use them again soon.

be careful what you wish for

I've read Augusten Burrough's memoirs Running with Scissors and Dry, but I just finished this most recent, Wolf at the Table which is a much darker heartbreaking story of his childhood marred by an unloving and equally terrifying father. The 8 disc audiobook is read by the author and while I found his narration can be plodding at times, there are some real cinematic, emotional highs and lows that couldn't be conveyed any clearer than by hearing Burrough's own voice.

Burrough's vivid story telling challenges you to recall your own early memories with your parents. And who, in the fit of a childhood tantrum, hasn't had a fleeting thought that there could be a nicer, cooler, more indulging couple who could replace your parents? Late last night I turned to the HBO First Look: Coraline. This is the creepy tale of a young girl Coraline who is seduced by the "other mother" in an alternate world opposite a bricked-up door in the drawing room. I haven't read the book by Neil Gaiman, but the real breathtaking element in the new movie (out tomorrow) is the stop-motion animation. I can't imagine the patience required to film only a few seconds a day! Seeing so many intricate handmade elements is like entering the world of a lost art form.

enough talk. let's fight

Every Thanksgiving we purchase a new dvd for our niece and nephew as a reward for sitting through a long day of football. This year's winner is Kung Fu Panda and the opening sequence is one of my favorite animations. I can relate to Po's fearless warrior dream, set in this arresting, inky style of chinese shadow puppetry. If you've never seen this hand-drawn, 2D animation before, I recommend watching in HD! "There is no charge for attractiveness...or awesomeness."

When you get a hold of the dvd, check out the extra feature, Mr Ping's Noodle House. Alton Brown of Iron Chef America is his usual campy self, but it is fascinating to see how these noodles are created by hand!

demon barber of fleet street

Last night we watched the Sweeney Todd movie and I became obsessed with the font used in the opening credits. It's a modified Goldberg. Thankfully, it helped distract me a bit from all that blood! It was my first time hearing the Sondheim score and I was really surprised to enjoy Tim Burton's fantastical take on this musical. What great costumes in the "by the sea" number. I'm even more surprised I didn't have any dark, mad dreams last night.