Now this is going to be an uncomfortable review for me to write because it see’s two aspects of me as a movie lover meeting in what could be compared to mental armed combat. Firstly I am what might call a very big fan of David Fincher. Now for the none film obsessed he is the man responsible for Se7en, Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and generally rocking the movie world like an absolute champ. Intelligent intriguing film making with powerful artistic influence, few does this combination as well as Fincher. However as a movie lover I also have something of a attuned empathy when watching a movie. When a topic or set of images which could be conceived as emotionally impact-full appears I see not only the emotions at play but also the way in which the film uses and portrays them, which in this movie is more than a little of the problem. I will get back to that in a little bit though.

The story centers around Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) who is in no shape or form Stieg Larsons Mary Sue character. Due to his ruination as an investigative journalist at the hand of an industrialist villian he accepts an offer from the tormented industrialist Henrik Vagner. Vagner charges Blomkvist with finding the murderer of his niece 40 years ago. Called in to assist him is private investigator Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) with whom he develops a close relationship. A close working relationship which involves a great deal of Miss Salanders naked gyrating body on full display. They investigate the family and its Nazi connected history and in so doing discover the trail of a serial killer.

The visual style of the film is very much the Fincher we know and love, with exception of a bizarre and jarring opening credits sequence which so out of place I spent the full two minutes of its run staring at the screen in numb confusion. This little drug fueled frenzy aside however, the cinematography and directing style is all very crisp and minimalistic as fans have come to expect. This however is where the first of my complaints really has to be raised because for all my love of all things Fincher, the film seems to have been a lesser effort than I have come to expect from him. The editing and plot reveals take on the feel of an overblown CSI episode with the audience merely watching musical montages as our characters make discoveries and follow paths laid as clearly as the yellow brick road. In and of it self this follows something akin to the style of the book (from what I’ve been told) but it is the story of the book itself which must bear the greatest brunt of my contempt (except that elephant in the room we are coming too).

The story itself though interesting in its basics is at its best pulp crime fiction and at its worst a child like self insert fantasy. Despite the films serious tone of criminality and its several more horrific details either in its visuals or merely in description, the story of the piece itself seems more a flimsy vehicle with which to portray the main characters and display to us their supposed array of amazing talents. That being said the characters are in their own way both interesting and entertaining and much like the recent Sherlock Holmes movies go a far way in both their separate portrayals and in their chemistry to making up for the several gaping narrative flaws. Credit here goes to the assembled cast who all do a very fine job. Christopher Plummer and Stellan Skargård both give strong dramatic performances and Daniel Craig digs deep into the days of his part in Layer Cake to give a sympathetic and likable leading man. But as most have already heard and with good reason the main credit here goes to Rooney Mara who almost single-handedly carries the brunt of the films dramatic weight and gives a compelling and dark performance. By being both extreme in her character and in many ways almost inhuman Mara also manages to convey a sense of humanity and mental separation many can relate too or at least recognize. It is to be found however that the shear humanity of her character and Mara’s great portrayal adds to the bigger problem at hand.

I invoke here the spoiler warning and a warning of distressful content as my big problem with film and my reason for not giving a recommendation stand mainly on a single scene. Due to a ‘sordid’ past Lisbeth is at 23 a ward of the state and as such not in control of her own money or activities unless it is allowed by her ward. Said ward however suffers a stroke leaving Lisbeth at the mercy of her new ward who chooses to use his control oh her finances to extort sexual favors. This leads to one might be the most graphic and horrible to watch rape scene’s I have ever seen on the big screen. Without entering into graphic detail allow me to warn that any of you out there who have suffered a sexual assault or know someone who has, may want to either miss the movie entirely or close your eyes shut when you think this scene is coming. Now where one would usually begin such a scene and then cut away so as to not assault your audience, this film seems to relish its ability to emotionally attack you. My issues with this scene are not so much its inclusion of rape as it is the portrayal and purposes of it. The scene is not required for the plot of the film, and is merely a way to allow for the representation of Lisbeth’s graphic and well deserved revenge. In a film with a central mystery plot this unnecessary condensed Rape-Revenge subplot is both awkward and in many ways insulting. Though the horror of the act and the graphic and aggressive way its thrown at the audience may well have served as a central element on a much more serious film dealing with the event and its consequence it is here merely a throw away scene used for some minor character establishment and as an emotional roundhouse to the audience assembled. This scene for me overshadows the film as a whole and causes me to question and be distasteful of the rest of the narrative. A combination of both bad writing and poor directorial decisions this one scene spoils my opinion on the film as a whole as I, knowing someone who has been assaulted, cannot justify its inclusion.

As a whole I will say that the movie has a strange combination of good and bad which make for at least an interesting movie experience on whole but due to the inclusion of certain scenes which honestly this film cannot support I must forgo a recommendation. Should the scene above not bother you however you can expect a taught fincher style thriller if perhaps lacking his usual enthusiasm and intelligence. All in all 5 out of 10.

Strangely styled and written in red.

(P.S. Swedish one is better)

The story focuses on the titular Josey Wales a man who lost his family to the ravages of the civil war and in his grief joined the South. When the war ends and his last fighting unit decides the time has come to turn themselves in, Wales chooses to allow no such acquiescence on his part and stays behind. The offered peace at his units surrender is discovered to be a ruse and with a surviving comrade Wales goes on the run from the Yankee’s who with the help of his broken and corrupt commander give chase across the breadth of the states. Now if I may say so, that is one hell of a set up.

Now many see this film as the greatest of the westerns, now Eastwood made many many westerns and this leaves many wondering what made this one so special. The answer is that Eastwood in his directorial efforts has created an almost unparalleled atmosphere to the movie. Tone is key and the tone as it is remains dark and strong throughout, allowing for less of a good versus evil fight and more a study of Wales through his interaction with the strange and yet symbolic characters who litter his path. Each of Eastwood’s small group as it slowly assembles through the film can find a direct link to an aspect of the old west this film see’s the end of. With the war over, this old west dies and it is Josey Wales who embodies this downfall of a kind. Never though does the film attempt to force such connections through exposition or odd cinematography. In a style which would come to define Eastwood’s work we see here a true film for all men. The film operates on several layers, infusing a simple and exciting action western with layers of historical commentary and true character studies and development, without ever compromising the simplistic entertainment value of its foundations.

The film is as said filled with an array of memorable and interesting characters who not only have their own stereotype in which they fall but also a further development which reveals more human characters beneath the cliche veneer. Acting is well above average with Eastwood delivering some truly emotionally inspiring scenes. Chief Dan George is an absolute treat as the ancient Indian side kick and nods to Bill McKinney and John Vernon as the films surprisingly intriguing bad guys. Now the odd note in the piece for many is Sondra Locke who made her name in several Eastwood films, her character however is a unusual but fitting cord to the harmony given a little time and excusing her grating singing voice (you will see what I mean).

This film is a personal favorite and one of my top three westerns of all time. Its beauty lies within its simplistic raw entertainment which on its own would make for a good solid western but is here elevated by the characters discovered depth and attention to tone, atmosphere and location. Many see Sergio Leone as Eastwood’s mentor and it is clear here to see the combination of Leone’s attention to characters and story as mixed with Eastwood’s grimmer perspective and rawer visual style. Not to be missed for lovers of westerns and actions and easily a guilty pleasure for the more high brow viewer out there.

Masculine movies as written in red.

Now it may be something I’ve left untouched upon for the main part on this little site of mine, but the time has come for me to start delving into the kind of movie that I like best. That’s right its time for me to start telling you about the wonderful world of Man Movies. A world where testosterone has replaced physics and ripped abs function as this worlds pocket calculator. Where Austrians rule the mighty mountains of the north and worship their god king Arnold the Barbarian on his endless and desperate quest to reach the mythical Choppa. Where in the marshes of melting a ceaseless battle rages between Sylvester Stallone and Jean Claude Van Dam each trying to occupy the throne of the melted face left empty by the death of Gaddafi. Where the southern doom Fortress of Logic is protected by Michael Mann and Steven Soderbergh against the combined onslaughts of Michael Bay and Uwe Ball leading their pitiful computer generated armies. Joel Silver is King and Bruce Willis is Pope. Where the Coen Brothers are the prophets for the mighty trinity that is John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart and Clint Eastwood. The church smell of whiskey and the priest Nicholas Cage. Along the walls are seen the saints aligned: Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Christopher Nolan, the Scott Brothers, Joe Carnahan, John Carpenter and Sam Raimi. The boxing hall has a full crowd every night as Robert De Niro and Al Pacino duke it out. Joe Pesci is the judge and Martin Scorsese and Brian De Palma are the respective coaches. John Woo runs the University and in every bar the bartender is Christopher Walken. And there in the corner of that same bar seen only on rare evenings when the moon is bright, Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg sipping bourbons and planning on how to give a Sean Connery a younger body so they can co-direct the next James Bond.

This is my world folks, and hopefully I’ll find some titles to explain why I love it so pretty soon.

Manly words written in masculine reds.

Brave:

Oh Pixar you wonderful lovable thing you. If this works we will consider Cars 2 something of a pimple on your glorious brow which emerged as nothing but a required stage of prepubescence. Look at you now, growing up so fast and trying new ground. Pixar seems to at last have done what we all have been quietly hoping for, embracing daddies finer qualities and giving us the love child that only Pixar and Disney could make. Whereas Pixar films have limited themselves mostly too a modern setting or a at least a setting in our general time period as understood and interpreted by rebellious male characters, Disney made their trade by reinterpreting fantasy settings of old lore through the eyes of strong willed and empowered heroines. So at last we get Brave the story of a hot tempered celtic tom boy princess (disney) in ancient and mythical Scotland (also disney) who will be rendered by use of the most modern CGI animation, true artisans, and some of the best writers goat sacrifices and the power of love can summon (Pixar). And it features Billy Connolly, excuse me as I go be fan boy.

Batman 3:

This is more of a mixed bag and yet find myself very engaged. The truth is that of the few films that blew my expectations right out of the water, The Dark Knight pretty much holds the bar a way up there. Having never really gotten the fuss about Heath Ledger or been a huge fan of sequels, I was prepared to be entertained but underwhelmed. I was however laid on the ground and given the ride of a life time, for which I will continue to adore Mr. Nolan. And this is the reason for my anticipation, the signs so far are very mixed. The buzz is equally mixed. Cat-woman doesn’t look all that promising and Bane a touch silly. However I doubted before and as such will now remain optimistic, this could be another hole-in-one and man oh man am I hoping it is. Don’t let me down Chris.

The Hobbit:

Peter Jackson is making a two film rendition of The Hobbit. This could be quiet possibly some of the happiest words I have ever put in print all my life. Why am I excited? Well let me think now…
Peter Fucking Jackson
The Fucking Hobbit
Ian Fucking McKellen
I FUCKING LOVE!!!!!

John Carter:

This is one that has me somewhat concerned and as yet very hopeful. Edger Rice Burroughs is pretty much the mighty granddaddy of the sci-fi fantasy sub genre. His works are some of the most influential for nerd culture you will ever find. I also have never read or really heard of them before I started doing a little research on this film. As such my only real knowledge going in is that this is to be Lord of the Rings as interpreted by that good writer George Lucas had locked in his basement who died about 1981. Am I excited? Why yes. Am I worried that this being held under the banner of Disney may strangle it much as it did with Alice in Wonderland? Also yes. Am I really just rooting for it to work so that it doesn’t hurt Andrew Stanton’s career because he directed Wall-E one of my favorite movies of all time? This is also quiet possible.

Prometheus:

Ridley Scott is making a massively budgeted sci-fi horror prequel to Alien. And now I have a new happiest set of words committed to print. Folks I could not be more excited, this looks so damn good. The story is still under wraps (which I really like), but it is a confirmed prequel to Alien (which I really really like) and it is going to be a return to roots for the man who wrote the book on the subject ( which I fucking love). Please Ridely, don’t screw this up. Oh and it has Noomi Rapace and Michael Fastbender, which would seem to indicate that so far Ridely really hasn’t lost his touch.

Django Unchained:

Tarantino is making a black slavery revenge movie. Somebody call the controversy train, cause this is gonna be a full station. Talk about lighting the fuse here folks, Tarantino made this magic happen with Inglorious Basterds which I ironically cannot describe as anything but glorious. Why did it work? Well it was the Nazi’s, and almost no one with access to a film screen can admit to not hating the Nazi’s. Now however he is going after the black slave owners of early era America AKA well to do white people. Will a lot of people really not like that? Probably. Do I adore the man all the more for it? Oh yes. Almost nothing is known of the project except that its Tarantino being Tarantino and that the cast list looks amazing. This for me is enough to start quoting Pulp Fiction and getting really really psyched.
And of Course

The Avengers Movie:

This is for me a turning point film because its about as audacious in its reach as the Harry Potter franchise but for me personally hitting a lot closer to home. Now I’ve never been one for comic books unless they featured Dead Pool or Donald Duck, however I do love the Idea of a continuity driven universe of super hero’s. For me also this is so exciting because its been such an amazing journey and build up to this point as well as the very real chance that this could fail miserably. Most of the above list has built in safety features of the cast and directing combination which will save them from being anything less than normal good. This however is such an ambitions move and leap that it could fall very flat. For this reason among the many more positive others, makes this the one I’m really, really looking forward too.

The year to be as written in red.

Hope you guys enjoyed and feel free to drop me a line as the video says. If you don’t have to watch the vid allow me to summarize:

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF-

I find myself understanding the principles of these teachings. I realize that in this new and evolved age of thought, such acceptance may well make the better man. But much as I may understand it, I cannot embrace it fully. Though I may fight to maintain my sense of self from the outer influences of the world who would seek to make remake me in their image, I attempt ever to embody the battle of the self. By this I see myself not only for who I am but what I have the potential to be as a person. I gain levels of recognition and certified qualifications and yet find the greatest of pride in exceeding my own barriers rather than those placed before me as tests. My life has challenged me and in those challenges I have learned the greatness that is to overcome your own failings. I accept who I am and my limitations yet in that acceptance I recognize that such should not be an excuse to rest in my progression.

The world has made it clear that we lack both good reason or good excuses to care for life or the species as a whole. In the end we are all to die, and most of us in manners with which we would raise issue. Yet in a daily and chosen battle to make oneself more than one is, to achieve a deeper sense of self and a greater realization of ones world, I find that lost purpose. To increase ones capacities for love and positive feeling, while learning to accept and allow the bad, is perhaps the greatest and yet unattainable perfections to seek. Men throughout history have imposed on themselves heavy and burdening codes by which to exceed their simple natures and attain a higher level of being. This was the way of the warrior who in his inner peace found the greatest prowess in battle. His calm and stoicism tempered by his bravery and compassion not because these where his primal natures but because these where the principles to which he held himself in despite of those natures. Men of this age have no codes or principles that reflect our ever changing new world, we do however have the choice to accept a higher standard of self as imposed by our own beliefs of right and wrong. Though lacking the given words with which to frame them, we have yet the guidance of our gentler emotions and sense of responsibility.

To seek our own enlightenment and harmony in the classical structures of martial code and religion may be an option. I find however to read these that there teachings are nothing I have not heard a hundred times before whispered by my innate duty to myself and others. Much like the word of law, the word of code should reflect and better express your own beliefs and so in a world where no words are given I believe that we have come to where the beliefs alone can stand as our principles. To find peace is to let go, to find harmony is to be accepting within that peace, and to find enlightenment is to emerge from that acceptance with new courage and faith. I write because it does me good to express my thoughts in a way that lets me clarify them, and I share because it does me good to know I am not hiding what I think. So please if your reading take these things for what they are, the quiet musings of a young man simply trying to find his way in the world. I have found over the course of the years the man who I wish to be and though I may be him now, I realize that with time that chosen man will change and grow and so to maintain the level of self acceptance I have now, I too must change and grow so as to not lose him. I do as I feel to be right, and fight my temptations to do otherwise. This is all I set as my code and the only words with which I bind myself, yet I am content in this pursuit.

Contemplating our codes of conduct as written in red.

Gentlemen, actual relationships are not fucking easy. I’m not saying they are doomed or crushing or evil, far fucking from it. I will however say that if your falling for a girl your with, it seems mutual and you plan on making her part of your foreseeable future in a big way, be ready to do some heavy manning up. I am not talking about fights, or continual disagreements or some such. That does happen to some, and doesn’t happen to others. Even if she is sweet, caring, thoughtful, wonderful, calm, forgiving and intelligent* there will be things you will have to deal with and deal with in the strong stoic way of the bygone age. Intentionally or no: she will be able to make you nervous, she will be able to deal you hurtful blows with simple choices of words (or no words at all) and she will be able to make you doubt everything between heaven and earth just when you think you have it all figured out. Lets be clear on who I am talking too here, I assume if your reading you know who you are already. I’m talking to you guys who are boyfriend but not a partner. Your in love, your devoted and your faithful but have yet to spend enough time together for the reality of the situation (or its responsibilities) to be completely comfortable and usual yet. This can take anywhere from a few months to (in extreme cases) even some years to pass and is probably the most amazing and yet dangerous phases of the relationship. At no other point is the experience more magically surreal or the possibility of it ending more in your face.

Now comes the other small jab to the gut for you romantic guys out there, it is hard to be a good boyfriend. By this I mean that you as the man in the relationship are constantly and actively trying to be a good boyfriend. The shear amount of things you have to keep an eye out for is astounding and daunting. To make a daily and noticeable effort to be a good boyfriend is going to be a noticeable struggle at times mentally and emotionally as you cling to the high-wire between disinterested and overly interested (AKA Clingy). It is also I might add totally fucking worth it. It is also almost totally fucking impossible to explain why. For you guys out there though, let me put the cards on the table and the writing on the wall. If you are in a relationship that you consider to be very serious and you do not find yourself trying every day to be the best boyfriend you can be,  you have either miss judged that relationship or the way you should approach it by an English mile.

My best of luck to you if this is something new, and my congratulations if its already understood from before.

Bothering with boyfriends as written in red.

*Mine is

You know what I love, a good old get together. Especially if that get together features Cosplayer’s
For those of you who don’t know Stavanger’s next large Cosplay event is Metrocon 2011.This is gonna be an absolute blast and certainly worth a look into. If your still reading I’m gonna assume your interested and your hoping for some more information to go with the great sales pitch. Metrocon is going to be hosted at Metropolis in Stavanger Sentrum on the 22nd of October. Because of limited space you will need to procure a ticket. Each ticket costs 50 kr- and can be bought either at Outland (also in Stavanger) or online. The Con’s site is still under construction but I will update with a link as soon as its up. For those hoping for more information (or the same information in Norwegian) check out:

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191840597541627

And for those of you wandering who could be so insanely awesome so as to put this whole shin-dig together take a gander at the links bellow:

Rakel Cotino: http://chicotino.blogspot.com/

Grethe Brandtzæg: http://gretheb.wordpress.com/

If your wandering why I’m posting, lets just say you might see on stage more than a touch if your coming along

Grethe and Rakel before battle

Howdy y’all. Now please do not misunderstand me in this boys and girl but for reasons unknown I have tonight decided to put to paper some things I would like taken care of in the event of my death. Now I’m not expecting it to be any time soon nor am I feeling morbid or some such. But I have decided to get down some of the more peculiar of my wishes so that will be no misunderstandings between you and my recently deceased self.

1. I will demand that no choir music be used at my funeral unless its from the Lord of the Rings and in Elvish. If such music is used, pick something which can be related to the way I died and provide a translation too all attending. I prefer the music be warlike and awesome rather than depressing.
2. All invitations to my funeral or connected events should introduce themselves with a Howdy, this being for written invitations and otherwise.
3. For cultural reasons I will ask that no rock music involving hell, Satan or my entering/meeting thereof be used, but I will ask for something with a kicking guitar solo. Cliffs of Dover – Eric Johnson would do nicely.
4.  I would like to be cremated and my ashes scattered or disposed of a manner as found fitting by Simen Berland Knutsen and Frederik Foreid. Be respectful but true to my memory boys. I would ask that none of my ashes be kept seeing as I will be gone and no further constant reminders of that fact would do anyone much good.
5. Make sure to search my apartment and or computer before my funeral. Chances are there’s a personal message prepared which I never got a chance to hand on to anyone.
6. When conducting said search make sure to destroy or hide any materials considered illegal or inappropriate.
7. If an open casket ceremony I would like to be wearing sunglasses and have no tie. Also a black shirt. If I was too poor at the time of death for a suit, jeans and black shirt are fine but the sleeves better be rolled up.
8. None of you will be getting my stereo, I would like it burned with me and it playing ‘Great Balls of Fire’

All the preceding rules except 3-5 will be null and void at mine turning 28 as I will assume by then to have achieved either a more mature outlook on life or have had the time to make a much more elaborate and detailed set of plans to be set in motion at the time of my death. It is also to be assumed that should I be missing and presumed dead that those for whom this message is intended will be far to busy looking for me to be reading my old website.

Stranger thoughts written in red.

This is without any doubt or close comparison the worst and most directly affecting event to strike Norway since the end of World War II. In a country of such peace and security this is a blow of a devastating nature which is for most of us unfathomable. I mourn those lost and offer my deepest condolences for those who have lost friends and family in this true attack of terror. I cannot begin to imagine what you must be feeling and in honesty I must hope that I never have to find out. Norway will remain a changed country as this has been a true attack unlike any seen. No event can be drawn forth in our national history of a similar and explainable act of madness. No reason, no logic and no possible defense can be made to this outright slaughter of innocents and even now many cry out at the limitations of the Norwegian law which cannot give a higher sentence than 21 years in prison no matter the nature of the crime.

I write here outraged and without understanding. No possible limitations can be placed on the punishment due this man. But I recognize in this rage and loss that we as a nation must now choose carefully our next steps. Already before true facts about the attacks could be established there was an uprising of violence towards foreigners in Oslo as those seeking justice and revenge chose opportune and identifiable targets and in their haste blamed those not responsible. To allow this event to change how we as a country choose to hold ourselves both on a national and international stage cannot be allowed for it is by such allowances we prove that we are indeed alterable through force. That through heinous acts we can be made to change to suit the needs of those who attack us. I ask that we tread carefully so as to not release our consuming rage without forethought and the guidance of clear and honest judgement. No more victims should be credited to this insane man than he has already claimed. Should we direct our anger outward and harm those who seem an easy vent for our feelings than these too will be his victims.

We must tread carefully so as to not let this one man hold sway for though we may cry and pray for those who have been lost and cry out against the man who took them from us; we must not lend him the satisfaction of seeing from his cell that we as a nation became something uglier than the world we had before him. My thoughts are with you all and I give thanks for those who survived. This man has drawn blood, let us think clearly for it is now our move and the world is watching.