Blog Archives
That Jurassic Labyrinth
On this day back in 1993, the world changed forever.
Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park was a tyrannosaurus-sized blockbuster that was the “Star Wars” for an entire generation that redefined cinema and changed everything about what movies could be and should be. It was the first movie to use CGI and, coupled with Stan Winston’s brilliant use of animatronics, created dinosaur effects that made the audience truly believe there was a modern day park with prehistoric creatures from 65 million years ago. This movie has everything: heart-pulsing action, dynamic characters and relationships, original storytelling (props to Michael Crichton), legendary soundtrack, epic surprises and iconic phrases and scenes.
Speaking of the latter, the following video clip is still arguably the most terrifyingly amazing scene from this cinematic masterpiece.
Just one more day until we get to see what Jurassic World will serve up…
Betting Big on a Message
“I want you to want me”
Late last night, the quintessential ’90s romantic comedy (with raw emotional depth, edge and incredible deftness at the angst and hilarious realities of living within the relentless tornado of high school cliques) 10 Things I Hate About You played on HBO and it was a wonderful escape. This movie, with a pitch perfect cast, shows what can happen when creative storytellers (actors and actresses) are given a creative story (the script) to interpret intersections of romantic quests, heartbreak with seemingly immovable barriers and the continuous dancing on the edge between funny and crude.
For those who have seen 10 Things, the latter always fell on funny.
And that’s the point. The 100-minute movie still sparks repeat views and flashbacks of happy, nostalgic memories because it told a fantastic story that connects with people in a positive light. This despite its all-to-familiar gut-wrenching moments of trying to find and understand love. The journey was tough (with subtle nods to a tame Shakespeare play), but genuinely worthwhile and enjoyable. While I could write a glowing analysis of more than 10 things I love about this movie (c’mon, I had to), the purpose of this blog post is to highlight the investment people will make for a story that takes the time and effort to be worthy of being paid attention to.
There are lots of substantial topics one could write about from this 1999 classic, but the issue today is highlighting its storytelling prowess. If you think about your favorite television commercials or advertisements, falling somewhere within the digital and print universe, odds are high they are clever and likely don’t appear like a linear plug of a product or company. They’re different in some way. These companies made the choice to be distinguishable, while maintaining high standards. And it’s the firms that choose to mix some traditional themes with a little bit of unorthodox communication and engaging characters that establish themselves as more than a product or company.
They become a story worth investing time and money in. These firms elevate their message and image above the competition with the rare quality of continuously maintaining people’s attention, like a movie that’s still as popular, unique and relevant today as it was 16 years ago.
And isn’t the quotation at the top of the page (the name of a song covered in 10 Things I Hate About You, as well as a major plot point) the primary message of any business?
Netflix’s House Just Got Fuller
It might finally be time to bite the bullet and subscribe to Netflix.
With an increasing list of television hits in its digital portfolio (House of Cards, Arrested Development, Orange is the New Black), this streaming media service continues to provide consumers with acclaimed, award-winning content. And to prove its cultural awareness and high-quality prowess, it was announced ~12 hours ago on Jimmy Kimmel Live! by John Stamos (“Uncle Jesse”) that Netflix has signed on with a 13-episode order of a spinoff to the 1980s-1990s sitcom smash hit, Full House.
The spinoff will be deftly titled, Fuller House.
Without diving into a thesis on the incomparable nature, influence and surreal number of amazingly timeless sitcoms from the mid-1980s-mid-2000s, this move by the original cast and creators of Full House is a wonderful decision and revival to a series not forgotten by fans for one second since its series finale on May 23, 1995.
There’s only one thing that can be said now: Have Mercy!
Sorry, I’ll cut-it-out. I know, I know, how rude!
I was just reading from my Clipboard of Fun.
Bottom line: Will I watch, Fuller House?
You got it, dude!
Dancing with a Spring in Your Step
Despite yesterday’s nail-biting finishes and overtime suspense, it’s probably fair to say that most people living in 4-season locations aren’t hoping for an overtime of winter. Spring is officially here: rain, slices of sun and all.
The madness of winter is over.
Now winter is not bad, but when you park your car outside and scrape ice in freezing temperatures every morning, that routine can only be relieved by March 20th and the warmer days that follow. And seeing as it’s Friday, that’s protocol to have some fun. Therefore, a clip from Boy Meets World is in order.
It makes sense, don’t worry.
Today is the first day of Spring, which signifies the transition to warmer weather. People are anxiously yearning for things to get hotter. March Madness has tipped off. Or, as it’s also known, “the big dance” has arrived. Television broadcasters are consistently playing back classic, nostalgic highlights from past tournament games, including the 1990s.
With that, I give you a clip of the starting 5 men (plus its 6th man) of Boy Meets World (a classic ’90s sitcom), dancing to the song, “Hot Stuff.”
Feeny: As smooth as D’Angelo Russell.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 