Where's the Venom?

I saw Spiderman 3 yesterday afternoon in a theatre that sits 200 with other people (the way to watch a movie in my opinion ). I've been waiting to give myself up to the franchise. Maybe it's my sense of comic-book loyalty and knowledge or maybe the CGI-stuff turns me off a bit knowing it's not real (which admittedly is by far the smoothest, most realistic computer-generated motion I've seen in a live-action major movie film). The acting from the stars was really emotionally-based which tugged at my heart-strings at times, and made me have even more respect for each one of them playing characters I know very well. Overall, I liked the movie.

My only complaint was the back story and portrayal of Venom, who is my all-time favorite villain. Topher Grace kinda looks like Eddie Brock but is nowhere built like Eddie in the comic book. Eddie is a strong, square-faced mofo where as Topher is a skinny, lanky guy. I am not sure if they would've been able to cast a Brock look-alike (where as I feel they got Sandman's casting right on).

The back story as to how Brock ended up hating Spiderman/Peter Parker was changed I feel for simplicity's sake to arrive at the same conclusion: Brock goes to a church and bonds with the symbiote after Spiderman discards. However, the original storyline to me is a lot better.

What would've helped me really enjoy Venom on the big screen would've been knowing the psychological/emotional aspects of the symbiote itself. It "hates/loves" Spiderman in some ways and actually has preferences. The only reason it took to Brock was because he hated Spiderman as much as it did when it got rejected which layed the foundation for an awesome super-villain. I also felt the movie missed a cross-over spin-off opportunity with the Fantastic 4 franchise since Peter in the comic books consults with Dr. Reed about the symbiote and he relays to Peter what its weaknesses are vs. finding that out by accident in the film.

The result is still the same at the end of the movie, and it's incredibly difficult to stay loyal to every single detail put forth previously. Venom's back story in the film was more loyal to the comic books than Sandman's. We'll see if Carnage rears his head.

Currently listening : The Final Countdown By Europe Release date: 28 August, 2001

Let's Get Down To Bidnez

I need to have my own business that makes a profit. Work starts Monday.

Currently listening : The Eminem Show By Eminem Release date: 26 May, 2002

Facsimile Discussions

Finally! Legislation is being put into place to help curb the disease of crappy tribute bands pilfering every major American city of fans that should be watching bands that play original music.

In my early 20's, I used to have a no-cover rule. My philosophy was, and in 90% of cases still is, "Why spend the time learning someone else's song when you can write one that's even better?" There are so many talented musicians out there that can make their mark with a little bit of original material!

For the remaining 10%, here's where I think it's okay to pull a few covers:

1. You "originalize" the song and "make it your own". The band that does this to a great extent has been Smashing Pumpkins. They reinterpret their own radio hits into new arrangements, instrumentation, and melodies. I also like what Rage Against the Machine did with their "covers" record where they took the original lyrics and rewrote/remixed the underlying music to make something new.
   
   
2. You cover it so well, it sounds like the original. When doing a cover, the public has heard that song 40,000 times, and have become accustomed to that version. If you can live up their expectations, by all means, cover it.
   
   
3. You play b-side covers. In my teens, I was in one band that did that very well. We played a lot of alt-rock b-sides because we typically liked those better than the radio hits. Plus, it gives off the air you're doing something a bit more original
   
   
4. You're playing at an open mic. Now, most people go to an open mic to hear original, folksy music. So, I like to throw in a cover to get people off their rockers . Yes, I can be a little mischievous at times...
   
   
5. You want to get paid regularly playing music. Yes, I know, I am being a hypocrite for lambasting tribute bands who get paid well for their all-cover sets. I also know that unfortunately real live music in most cities doesn't go over well with paying audiences. Drunk yuppie mofos want to hear that great cover of Margaritaville or Jesse's Girl (pretty much go to any karaoke bar and see what songs drunk chicks scream for and pick those ) to sing along with. It packs the club when a band is playing it. So, sometimes artistic integrity has to be sacrificed on order to feed your face and avoid living under a bridge (no pun intended) .
   

I know regardless of what legislation goes into effect, tribute bands will continue. Wait...hold on...let me get my phone...
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"...what? A Pumpkins tribute? Hmmm...sure...let me finish up this blog"
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YOU HEARD NOTHING!

Currently listening : A Gothic-Industrial Tribute to Smashing Pumpkins By Various Artists Release date: 23 January, 2001

You know, like nunchuck skills, bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills...

Here's my latest stab at flexing my graphic design skills for theatre:

The show is being put up by the very talented actor/writer/director/producer Leslie Nesbit. Hopefully I earn a complimentary ticket out of this .

Currently listening : Help! [UK] By The Beatles Release date: 17 October, 1990

Let's Give 'Em Somethin' to Bark About

I took Lola Rose to the Montrose Dog Beach to let her run around like a crazed pup and get myself a bit of sun. I get there and there are all kinds of dogs there - big, small, fat, and skinny. Lola is about 25 lbs. so she's not huge but she's not scrawny either. Lola likes to play assertively with other dogs and makes a lot of noise while chasing them up and down the beach, but overall, she's gentle with most dogs. However, she likes to play with dogs smaller than her.

The problem with this is that for some strange reason, people bring toy/teacup dogs to the beach. The kind of people who own these dogs are to me a specific group of people. Typically, they are anal, high-strung folk who believe that they have a sense of specialness about them and their dog which in turn makes them incredibly over-protective of their dogs.

I would venture to say that at least half the dogs there don't get regular walks/runs, and that beach excursion is the first real outing they've had in a while. They are full of energy and spirit and want to play with everyone and everything. Lola darts for every toy dog out there and I have continuously keep herding her away to focus on something else. Lola sounds vicious sometimes but that's just how she plays. Toy dog owners get a horrified look on their face when our dogs start playing and immediately pick their dogs up, cradle them, and give me the "bad owner" look of disapproval. I look at them with a look that reads, "Don't bring a dog to the dog beach expecting everything to be prim and perfect. My dog is doing what dogs do. You're dog is gonna get jacked by some other dog that isn't as well behaved as Lola and you'll need to be prepared for that."

I still like going to the dog beach, because it's a lot of fun to go with Lola. If you own a toy dog and are super-protective of it, don't bring it. Walk the dog around on it's incredibly small leash and show it off like the trophy you made it out to be.

Currently listening : The Best of Bonnie Raitt By Bonnie Raitt Release date: 30 September, 2003