Techno Odds and Sods

I've been using Windows 7 for a couple of days now and it seems pretty good. The gripes I had regarding windows explorer in Vista are gone. Banished like a bad memory.

Been using Sony PS3 as my new DVD/Blu-ray player. Works quite well. Haven't had the chance to use a blu- ray on it yet but hopefully soon.

I have finally managed to locate a mobile Twitter client that seems to tick all the boxes. And the winner is Twittelator.



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The Imaginarium of Doctor Cheesecake

Terry Gilliam is Marmite. You know what I mean. You either love his work or hate it. I fall squarely into the first camp. I have been a fan since at the tender age of eleven years years old I first saw Brazil. It blew my mind (still does to this day). I spend hours wishing to be Harry Tuttle but end up always being Sam Lowry. The less said about that the better.

Yesterday Mrs Cheesecake and I saw Mr Gilliam’s latest film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. I try, whenever possible, to avoid reviews in advance of going to see a film. Especially when it is a film by a director like Gilliam. Like I said earlier…Marmite. Unfortunately being as exposed to the interwebs as I am some word had managed to sneak through. I had heard words like disjointed and messy.

I’m glad to say that I firmly disagree. Mrs Cheesecake and I enjoyed the film and found it both coherent and thought provoking. Obviously there were changes made due to Heath Ledger’s untimely death but I think they worked. Johnny Deep, Jude Law and Colin Farrell all do good work. The changes to the character’s appearance made sense and I don’t think detracted from the film’s narrative in any way.

I also really enjoyed the performances by Lily Cole and Andrew Garfield. Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits and Verne Troyer were all excellent too. I guess I’m saying that this was really an ensemble piece and everyone brought something to the show.

As expected the film was visually stunning. Gilliam seems to love switching between huge sweeping vistas and small enclosed claustrophobic sets. I guess scope is important when comparing the real world against your own imagination.

I really hope that Mr Gilliam gets the opportunity to make his Don Quixote film. His work deserves a lot more recognition. If you haven’t already seek out Brazil, Time Bandits, The Fisher King, Twelve Monkeys. These films might just blow your mind. They did mine.

TTFN

Mr Cheese

Robin Hood: And you're a robber too. How long have you been a robber?
Strutter: Four foot one.
Robin Hood: Good lord! Jolly good. Four foot one? Well that-that-that is-is- a long time, isn't it?

Pablo Cheesecake vs The Undead

Dead is the new black. Over the last couple of years everyone’s favourite undead shufflers have gone very mainstream. From Shaun of the Dead to Pride, Prejudice and Zombies by way of World War Z and Dead Set. It seems that we all enjoy a bit of zombie chic.

Latest entry to the fold is Zombieland. Mrs Cheesecake and I got the chance to see Zombieland recently and I’m pleased to report it is a worthy addition to the deceased cannon. Much like Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland is playing for laughs. Where SOTD has a very British sensibility, Zombieland is all about the US of States. Where we have cricket bats and pool cues our American cousins are all about baseball bats and shotguns.

The cast are all good. Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin are convincing as survivors of the end of the world. Each of them willing to do whatever it takes in order to ensure that they survive. Jesse’s character Columbus has a series of rules which he follows to the letter. While Emma and Abigail play sisters who above pulling a con to get what they want.

The real star of the show though is Woody Harrelson. Here he plays Tallahassee; a redneck cowboy who has discovered his place in the universe thanks to the end of the world. He plays the character just right. The sort of don’t give a shit attitude Tallahassee exudes adds to his air of cocky bravado.

I read somewhere that Zombieland was originally conceived as a TV show and that the team responsible have got loads of material that could be used in a sequel. I for one will be there.

Till next time remember rule number #1 – Cardio

Cheesecake away.

Pablo Cheesecake vs Pandorum

This morning I had the opportunity to see a most impressive sci-fi flick. Up till this experience District 9 was dead cert to be crowned 2009 Sci-Fi film of the Year (in my head that is) but Pandorum has snuck in as a late contender.

Pandorum by Christian Alvart is in turns tense, sinister, claustrophobic and action packed. The story unfolds at a perfect pace and the viewer only learns what is going on as the characters discover this for themselves.

Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster make for compelling leads. The atmosphere, set design and effects are grungy as fuck. I thought it was all great.

Without giving too much away I felt there were nods to The Descent, Alien and The Thing. Pandorum is right up there in the nail biting stakes.

I had a look on IMDB turns out the director is the same age as me. Damn him *jealous shake of fist* Seriously though I enjoyed the film immensely and look forward to seeing more of his work.

See you on Tanis

Mr Cheesecake - Flight Crew 5